Ocean Science & Strategic Communications Specialist (Subject Matter Expert II)

Overview

You sit at the rare intersection of scientific fluency and creative communication. You know how to read a data table and turn it into a compelling visualization, draft a speech that resonates in a Senate hearing room, and craft a monthly newsletter that an oceanographer and a fisheries manager both want to read. As the Ocean Science & Strategic Communications Specialist supporting NOAA's Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing (GOMO) Program and Ocean Acidification Program (OAP), you will lead the development and execution of all strategic communications and audio-visual products that keep the programs' science visible, credible, and accessible. Your work will shape how NOAA's ocean programs communicate with interagency partners, international bodies, Congress, and the public — and every product you deliver will be grounded in scientifically verified data.

Work Schedule and Location:

Remote: This full-time remote position will work Monday through Friday, 8 AM EST to 5 PM EST with Travel up to 25%

Responsibilities

• Draft comprehensive, long-term program communication master-plans and annual actionable content roadmaps for formal government review and sign-off
• Formulate audience-appropriate talking points, speech drafts, scientific descriptions, and written briefs for senior NOAA management's high-profile interagency and public presentations 
• Convert raw scientific and oceanographic data fields into creative design elements, including photographs, maps, illustrations, charts, static visualizations, thematic animations, and video products
• Translate scientific data through visual means; iterate technical modifications on all visual products until displays achieve precise scientific verification per government approval 
• Draft content and organize layouts for the monthly ocean observing community newsletter, highlighting recent news, feature stories, and community highlights
• Develop educational products and ocean observing and acidification scientific visualizations for use across program platforms and outreach channels
• Coordinate with Subject Matter Experts and the Chief Scientist to ensure all communications products accurately reflect the latest program science and strategic priorities
• Apply expert and highly specialized knowledge to gather facts, research and analyze scientific data, and develop communication conclusions, recommendations, and strategies
• Lead project teams for discrete communications deliverables; provide limited supervision and quality review of junior communications staff contributions
• Maintain cross-platform visual and graphical consistency across all program media in accordance with NOAA and OAR branding guidelines

Qualifications

Required: 

• BA/BS in a technical or business discipline — Science Communications, Journalism, Environmental Science, Oceanography, Graphic Design, or a closely related field preferred; advanced degrees or certifications may qualify for shorter periods of required experience
• 8+ years of professional and/or academic experience

Desired: 

• Demonstrated experience developing strategic communications plans and multi-platform content strategies for a federal agency or science-driven organization
• Proven ability to produce high-quality audio-visual assets including scientific data visualizations, maps, infographics, animations, and video products
• Experience drafting executive-level written products including talking points, speech drafts, congressional briefings, and senior management presentations
• Strong scientific literacy; ability to read and accurately interpret oceanographic or environmental data and translate findings for non-expert audiences
• Proficiency with design and visualization tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, ArcGIS, QGIS, Canva, or equivalent platforms
• Experience managing or contributing to digital newsletters, including content planning, layout design, and audience engagement tracking
• Familiarity with NOAA, OAR, or federal agency branding guidelines and Section 508 accessibility requirements for digital content
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Low-risk federal security clearance

FWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. 

Why Join Our Team

At FWI, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. You'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Time Off

Pay Range

Pay range is from 102866 a year to 108280