The Bay Area Environmental Research (BAER) Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
focused on enabling and conducting research in earth and space science, is seeking a Science
Communications Specialist. The individual will develop communications strategies and plans
aimed at sparking the imagination of the American public on the wonders of space, earth, and
life science research, with a focus on discovering the secrets of the universe, searching for life
elsewhere, observing earth from space, and safeguarding and improving life on earth through
six specific research areas: climate change and variability; carbon cycle and ecosystems; Earth
surface and interior; atmospheric composition; weather; and water and energy cycle. The
Science Communications Specialist will also coordinate the work of other public relations and
outreach staff for the NASA Science Directorate located at the Ames Research Center at
Moffett Field, CA. The Science Directorate is comprised three major divisions:
Space Biosciences Division: https://www.nasa.gov/ames/research/space-biosciences
Earth Science Division: https://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/earthscience
Space Science and Astrobiology Division: https://spacescience.arc.nasa.gov
The qualified candidate will be responsible for conveying key scientific discoveries in an
engaging way to increase the publics understanding and perception of NASA via written media
alerts, press releases, feature stories, video vignettes, and outreach presentations. The
candidate will also develop outreach and marketing materials designed to inspire, engage, and
increase the publics knowledge of science conducted at the NASA Ames Research Center, and
encourage students, from elementary through graduate school, to pursue careers in Science,
Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).
Duties and Responsibilities
Develops and implements comprehensive, integrated, and innovative communications
strategies that promote and support NASAs goals related to science and space exploration.
Identifies audiences, messages, approaches, and other key communication elements,
including activities, deliverables, and timeframes.
Manages and implements the NASA Ames Science Directorate mission web strategy,
content curation, and updates across a variety of organizations. Coordinates the work on
NASA and non-NASA websites to ensure consistent messaging, current data, and alignment
with federal and Agency requirements and regulations. Creatively and accurately plans,
designs, prepares, coordinates, edits and evaluates written materials, graphics, animations,
web postings, etc.
Manages and implements the Science Directorate mission social media strategy, content
curation, and ongoing engagement (regular posts, tweets, etc.).
Uses written text, graphics and illustrations to explain and express technical facts and ideas
in an accurate, concise and convincing manner to non-technical audiences, often involving
the use of complex scientific terms and concepts, particularly related to astrophysics,
astronomy, cosmology, cosmo-chemistry, atmospheric science, and terrestrial ecology.
Seeks out and implements innovative ways of engaging the public, utilizing a broad range of
media, including traditional platforms (newspaper, TV, radio), new media (social
networking, blogs, community forums, podcasts, new streams), and events (science fairs,
festivals, conferences). Develops personal interest stories and features to introduce the
public to NASA employees behind the science.
Proactively engages members of the news media to orchestrate news conferences,
facilitates news releases on scientific results or stories, provides comments on breaking
news, pitches story ideas, and fields incoming media requests.
Manages and coordinates the development of media advisories, press releases, feature
stories, captions, updates, and blog posts. Drafts talking points for NASA spokespeople and
senior management as required for news conferences. Coordinates with NASA Ames
Research Center and Agency points of contact, as required.
Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with key internal and external partners to
identify results and stories, and interprets them for the lay public
Coordination
Content Management
Outreach
Public
Minimum Qualifications
A bachelors or higher degree in communications, journalism, English, or related degree,
and 3 years of professional experience in public affairs, public relations, communications, or
related field.
Experience using multiple digital and social media platforms.
Strong writing and proofreading skills.
Strong organizational and analytical skills.
Must be able to work well under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and balance a workload
with competing priorities.
Strong interpersonal skills to provide leadership to a group of people, and work productively
across diverse teams, cultures and contexts.
Political savvy to work collaboratively with NASA and non-NASA employees across
organizations.
Ability to take great scientific results and discoveries, and turn them into interesting stories
for various audiences.
Preferred Qualifications
A communications background in space, earth, or life sciences is preferred.
Prior federal government experience is helpful.
Knowledge of web development tools and coding languages.
Additional Provisions
Interested applicants who reside outside of the San Francisco Bay Area must be willing to
relocate within commuting distance of NASA Ames Research Center at their own expense.
The individual selected for this position must be able to pass a security clearance.
Starting Salary:
$110,000 - $140,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.
Benefits:
Our benefits package helps to make the BAER Institute a great place to work. It includes:
Competitive health care plans: medical, dental & vision, for full-time employees who work
30 hours per week or more. 100% of premium is paid by BAER Institute for the employee;
spouse and dependents can be added for nominal premium contributions.
Basic group-term life insurance (including accidental death and dismemberment)
Short- and long-term disability insurance
Flexible spending account
Commuter benefits program
11 paid holidays
19 days of vacation leave per year for the first three years (increases to 20 days after three
years of service)
12 days of sick leave per year
Generous 403(b) retirement plan. BAER Institute will contribute 10% of the eligible
employees gross salary to a defined-contribution account, with an optional employee
contribution to a tax-deferred annuity account
Flexible work schedules and telecommute options
On-site gym with no membership fee
On-site child care
How to Apply:
apply through job site
Eligible applicants will be required to respond in writing to a series of questions to determine
the level and extent of their interest and qualifications for this job.
The Bay Area Environmental Research Institute is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified
applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry,
national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status,
disability, medical condition, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other legally
protected status. If you have a disability that requires accommodation, please let us know by
sending a request to the Human Resources Office at baerihr@baeri.org
For more information about BAER Institute, please visit https://baeri.org.
PI201669191
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