Communications Specialist

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine value diversity in our members, volunteers, and staff and strive for a culture of inclusion in our workplace and activities. Convening a diverse community to exchange ideas and perspectives enhances the quality of our work and increases our relevance as advisers to the nation about the most complex issues facing the nation and the world.

Keck Center

National Academies of Sciences Engineering Medicine

<br /><br />The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine provide independent, objective advice to inform policy with evidence, spark progress and innovation, and confront challenging issues for the benefit of society. We marshal knowledge and expertise across disciplines to study complex and sometimes contentious issues, reach consensus based on the evidence, and identify the best path forward. https://www.nationalacademies.org/

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Full time

$68,160 - $93,715 Annually

Overview: Requisition Number: R0002062<br /> <br /> The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (the National Academies) is the nation’s leading independent voice on many crucial issues facing society, healthcare, climate change, education, science policy, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. The National Academies gives government leaders and the nation the highest quality advice on a growing range of pressing scientific, engineering and health care issues. Over 1,000 professionals help lead the work of over 5,000 volunteers to coalesce the best thinking of the American scientific community.<br /><br />As part of an increasing emphasis on strategic integrated communications, The Office of the Chief Communications Officer (OCCO) is recruiting for a communications specialist to support the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education (DBASSE). DBASSE is one of seven divisions at the National Academies and works to advance the frontiers of the behavioral and social sciences and their applications to public policy. As the home for the social and behavioral sciences and education disciplines at the National Academies, DBASSE harnesses the rich diversity of these sciences to address scientific and policy issues. The division is uniquely positioned to provide independent, objective, evidence-based advice by convening experts from across disciplines to bring applied and basic research to key questions of importance to decision makers at the national, state, and local levels.<br /><br />Recent reports from DBASSE such as Addressing the Long-Term Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children and Families; Toward a 21st Century National Data Infrastructure; and Advancing Antiracism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in STEMM Organizations feature the breadth and diversity of issues the division addresses.<br /><br />While the primary focus of your work will be in DBASSE, you may have the opportunity for special projects in any of the other 6 National Academies program units. https://www.nationalacademies.org/about/organization<br /><br />JOB SUMMARY:<br /><br />Responsible for outreach and dissemination planning and implementation for select DBASSE activities. Plans, develops, and coordinates internal and external communications projects, programs, events, outreach, and dissemination activities. Develops content and oversees implementation of communication and dissemination projects, using various media platforms such as print, digital, video, and other interactive web-based products. Develops and advises project staff on communication and dissemination strategies. Develops strategies for outreach and engagement to extend the National Academies’ brand, reach, and product awareness.<br /><br />Incumbents in this job perform more complex writing and oversight activities and work independently and autonomously. This job may be responsible for supervision of nonexempt staff. This is a professional role, reporting to a senior communications position and working as part of a team.<br /><br />
Responsibilities: <ul> <li>Independently writes articles, factsheets, brochures, and other information pieces relating to complex scientific and engineering topics for various mediums. May also contribute to content for other social and digital media.</li> <li>Provides the DBASSE Boards, projects, and staff with advice and assistance or directly assists in the production of communication products. Assist program staff with determining the best use of communications resources. May facilitate communication brainstorming sessions with staff and volunteers.</li> <li>Explores and develops new and innovative ways to communicate activities and to disseminate reports and information and to expand the audience for these products. Keeps abreast of science policy and relevant science news stories.</li> <li>Collaborates with staff, committees, and consultants to develop products and identify appropriate vehicles for reaching target audiences.</li> <li>Creates and maintains online content, including web sites and social media channels. Provides technical and strategic expertise in the use of online technologies and digital products.</li> <li>Manages the promotion of events, public meetings, and other programs and activities.</li> <li>Contributes to internal communications. Designs and collaborates with appropriate units and staff to maintain and expand effective internal communications. Enhances the relations between the Academies and employees.</li> <li>Trains and mentors staff on communications tools and techniques. May assign and review the work of junior staff. Offers technical training to program staff on communications initiatives and tools (e.g., web content management software).</li> <li>Drafts or contributes to strategic communications plans for reports, activities, or programs.</li> <li>Coordinates with relevant staff at the National Academies, such as National Academies Press (publications), Office of News and Public Information, Business Insights and other communications staff to ensure the timely implementation of communications activities.</li> </ul> <br />NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES<br /> <ul> <li>Related duties and special projects as assigned.</li> </ul>
Requirements: <p><strong>Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:</strong>&nbsp;Ability to operate independently, and exercise appreciable latitude for independent judgment, discretion, and action. Ability to work successfully in a team environment and to form and maintain effective teams. Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness. Ability to develop effective working relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies&rsquo; departments through effective communication. Ability to solve problems of appreciable variety and complexity. Ability to serve as a resource to others in the resolution of complex problems and issues. Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees. Familiarity with best practices in social media and email marketing is desired. Demonstrated writing ability.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Minimum Education/Training Requirements:</strong>&nbsp;Bachelor&rsquo;s degree in Communications or related first, or equivalent experience.</p> <p><strong>Minimum Experience:&nbsp;</strong>Three years of related professional experience. Agency experience preferred.</p> <p><strong>Physical Capabilities:&nbsp;</strong>Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.</p> <p><strong>Required Licenses, Certification or Registration:&nbsp;</strong>None.</p> <p><strong>Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls:&nbsp;</strong>Reports to Manager/Director. General direction is provided.<br /><br /></p> <p><strong>Work Environment:</strong>&nbsp;Office environment with occasional travel between National Academies&rsquo; facilities and to off-site locations.&nbsp;Expected to be onsite 40% of the time.</p> <p><strong>Compensation: </strong>The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine support equity, fairness, and transparency in our compensation programs. An estimated compensation range for this position is $68,160 - $93,715. Compensation offered to the selected candidate will be based on the candidate&rsquo;s relevant knowledge, skills, and work experience, commensurate with compensation of current employees in comparable positions with similar knowledge, skills, and work experience, and subject to budget parameters. Note it is not typical for a candidate to be hired at the higher end of the range.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>The National Academies&rsquo; Statement on Diversity and Inclusion:</strong></p> <p>To promote diversity and inclusion in the sciences, engineering, and medicine, we are committed to increasing the diversity of the National Academies&rsquo; staff, members, and volunteers to reflect the populations we serve. We pledge to cultivate an environment and culture that promotes inclusion and values respectful participation of all individuals who help advance the mission of the institution.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Equal Opportunity Employer:</strong></p> <p>It is the policy of the National Academies to recruit, hire, transfer, compensate, and promote people in all job categories and to administer all other personnel actions, terms and conditions of employment in a manner that is consistent with equal employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of&nbsp; race, creed, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, medical condition for which a person has been rehabilitated or cured, marital status, family responsibilities, genetic information, political affiliation, personal appearance, matriculation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.&nbsp; It is also the institution's policy to recruit, hire, promote, and provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and covered veterans who are otherwise qualified.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>Any qualification to be considered equivalent, in lieu of stated minimum, requires the prior approval of the Office of Human Resources.<br />The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Some functions in this description may be specific to a particular unit of the National Academies and not applicable to other units.</em></p>