The Public Affairs Specialist is responsible for helping manage public engagement and reputation of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) with particular emphasis on media relations and external communication. This includes craft writing and editing news and informational material about SAO science, coordinating interview and filming requests, and helping develop and leverage relationships with key media stakeholders.

Duties

Helps develop press releases, and helps maintain and develop relationships with top-tier media outlets

Requirements

• Pre- and post-appointment background investigation
• U.S. citizenship
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.

Qualifications

Minimum of one-year specialized experience (Federal or otherwise) equivalent to at least grade 09 that is close or similar to the work of this position.  Specialized experience would include activities such as assisting in developing, managing and measuring the success of media plans and press releases, managing and coordinating media and public affairs requests, working with others to research and develop comprehensive written content packages as well as visual content, helping ensure that brands are represented consistently and correctly across media, and tracking and reviewing media coverage to identify opportunities for enhancement.  OR 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree. OR a combination of education and experience. To view qualifying educational requirements and/or combination of education and specialized experience, click on the following link: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/indexes/num-ndx.asp Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.

Education

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address SMITHSONIAN 60 Garden Street, MS17 Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 United States
• Name: Judy Gallagher
• Phone: 6174957374
• Email: [email protected]