Community Engagement Specialist

Position Description:

Position Summary

The role of Community Engagement Specialist, part of the Public Information Group within the Education and Public Outreach (EPO) Division, is a mid‑level professional position that serves as a liaison between the Observatory and community stakeholders. This position develops and maintains strategic relationships, designs and implements engagement plans, and ensures stakeholder input is gathered, communicated, and incorporated into planning and decision‑making processes to support NRAO initiatives, programs, and goals.

The location for this position will be based at one of our U.S. sites (Charlottesville, VA; Socorro, NM; or Green Bank, WV), or a remote workstation within the U.S. may be considered for candidates with sufficient experience who can work independently while effectively completing their work with the team.

What You Will be Doing

The Community Engagement Specialist will:

• Identify, build, and sustain relationships with community organizations, advocacy groups, businesses, residents, public agencies, and other groups in regions affected by or partnering with NRAO.
• Develop stakeholder engagement plans that align with NRAO priorities, including timelines, outreach strategies, and measurable outcomes.
• Identify and map key stakeholders for various projects and initiatives, maintaining current records of contacts, interests, and engagement history.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for community concerns, questions, and feedback related to NRAO, ensuring timely and respectful responses.

Community Outreach

• Plan and coordinate community meetings, listening sessions, focus groups, and public forums to share information about NRAO activities and gather stakeholder input.
• Represent the Observatory at community events, conferences, and stakeholder meetings, including events hosted by local governments, educational institutions, nonprofits, and other groups.
• Develop strategies to increase public participation and engagement, with attention to inclusive practices and participation from underrepresented communities.
• Support EPO outreach activities and special events related to NRAO, and represent NRAO at public events and professional meetings.

Communication and Relationship Management

• Prepare presentations, reports, newsletters, and community updates that clearly communicate NRAO project status, impacts, and opportunities for involvement.
• Communicate project updates and organizational initiatives to stakeholders through a variety of channels, including email, web content, printed materials, and in‑person briefings.
• Manage stakeholder databases and track engagement activities, utilizing CRM or similar systems as appropriate.
• Facilitate communication between internal departments (e.g., NRAO offices, EPO, site operations) and external partners to ensure stakeholder perspectives are considered in planning.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues across all NRAO divisions and sites, media producers, and external partners who support public and community engagement.

Collaboration and Program Support

• Work closely with NRAO leadership and program teams to gather stakeholder input on project proposals, siting, mitigation, and community benefits.
• Support the implementation of community‑based programs and initiatives associated with NRAO, such as educational partnerships, workforce development efforts, and local outreach projects.
• Coordinate partnerships and collaborative projects with external organizations, including preparation of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and partnership agreements as needed.
• Assist NRAO leadership and other staff in preparing materials for presentations to the general public, community groups, and public agencies.

Data Collection and Reporting

• Collect and analyze stakeholder feedback from meetings, surveys, and other engagement activities.
• Prepare engagement metrics and outcome reports for NRAO leadership, documenting activities, participation, and key themes emerging from community input.
• Track outreach activities and evaluate engagement effectiveness, recommending improvements based on community input and engagement data.
• Document projects and work following established processes in the Public Communications/EPO groups, using platforms such as Jira, Google Suite, and Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive).

Other Duties

• Support public relations efforts by answering requests from journalists, media producers, educators, and the general public about NRAO community engagement and project impacts.
• Compliance with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work area is expected.
• Depending on work location or project assignments, travel can be expected 2–4 times a year (and potentially more during key project phases) for conferences, outreach, and special events.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Work Environment

Typical office environment with occasional outside work with potential exposure to environmental extremes. Will be required to stand and sit, and operate a personal computer. Will be required to lift 25 pounds or more occasionally and have the ability to assemble/disassemble convention display units and similar equipment. Moderate to extensive travel is required. Must possess a valid driver’s license. Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception. 

Who You Are:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in communication, political science, sociology, or related field. A Master's degree is preferred. Work experience may be considered in lieu of academic degree

Experience

• Minimum of three years of experience in community engagement, stakeholder relations, public affairs, outreach, communications, or partnership development, preferably in connection with a scientific, technical, governmental, or nonprofit organization.
• Experience working with a wide range of community groups and stakeholders.

Additional Requirement

The selected candidate must successfully pass a post-offer, pre-employment background as a condition of employment.

Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position.

Total Rewards:

Compensation

The starting salary/hourly rate of this position is between $60,000-$85,000 per year. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

Benefits:

Associated Universities, Inc (AUI) offers a comprehensive benefits package addressing the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment, subject to eligibility requirements. AUI provides:

• Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)
• Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment.
• AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution.
• Click Total Rewards for more information.

Application Instructions:

Select the “Apply” button above. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit https://public.nrao.edu/careers/. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes@nrao.edu. PM20