The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), is NASA’s science operations center for missions including the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes. STScI leads observation planning, data analysis, public engagement, and data archiving for flagship missions. Our staff spans astronomy, engineering, education, IT, communications, and administration—working together to bring space science to the world. Learn more about our missions- What We Do | STScI
Our world-class astronomical research center is based on the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland. This position can support hybrid work-3 days in office. Candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to our local market (MD, DE, VA, PA, DC & WV). This position requires U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence in order to meet ITAR requirements.
Please ONLY use this link to submit your application:
The Division Head of the Office of Public Outreach (OPO) leads the science communication and public outreach activities for the Institute. This role sets the strategic direction for activities such as media relations, informal education programs, community outreach, and the development of products and services that support the Institute’s and NASA’s missions.
Working through OPO’s branches, the Division Head oversees planning, resource allocation, and execution of these initiatives. OPO also provides advice on communication goals and outreach needs for missions like HST, JWST, and Roman.
A key responsibility of this position is building strong relationships and negotiating at a high level with diverse internal and external stakeholders. The Division Head collaborates with Institute leadership, NASA, the astronomy community, internal and external committees, and AURA’s corporate office to align OPO’s work with Institute strategic communication objectives.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Science Communication and Public Outreach Strategy
- In conjunction with NASA and STScI leadership, plans and establishes the strategic direction, general policy, scope, standards of performance, and the STScI role for each of the Office of Public Outreach functions.
- Responsible for developing and maintaining fully functioning, strategic science communication and public outreach programs, products, and services that fulfill the planned roles in support of NASA’s and the Institute’s mission.
- Through both internal and external partnerships, anticipates emerging trends and needs in strategic science communication and public outreach, and, after proper vetting, ensures new and forward‑thinking products and services are developed and implemented in a timely fashion.
- Leverage advancing technology in bringing science communication and outreach to the public and strategic stakeholders to support Mission and Institute presence.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Proactively develops and maintains an effective partnership with NASA including the Science Mission Directorate, NASA Education Office, mission offices, etc.
- Develops and maintains role as a communication leader and advocate of the Director’s Office and Institute initiatives.
- Interacts with various and diverse astronomical customers and constituencies to gain feedback on existing products and services and gathers information to enable continuous improvement of those products and services.
- Acts as a conduit for community input and translates community needs into strategic action in support of the missions.
Operational Management
- Identifies the resources required to support the OPO Division function of the Institute.
- Responsible for the hiring, training, direction, and performance of this organizational unit in accordance with AURA Policies and Procedures Manual and STScI procedures. Approximate staff size is 40 exempt, nonexempt, AURA and contractor personnel.
- Administers the budget of this organizational unit. Plans, projects needs, determines allocations, approves expenditures, and ensures adequacy of the budget.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Reports to the STScI Deputy Director, works independently on executive‑level functions in coordination with the Deputy Director and other Director’s Office members.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Communication, Public Relations, astronomy/physics, or other relevant field.
- Advanced degree highly desirable.
Experience
- Extensive progressively responsible experience (15+ years) in strategic science communications, science writing, science communications product development, and science public outreach.
- Knowledge of both the strategic and operational aspects of running a science communication function with national/international reach.
- Demonstrated experience leading science communication and outreach editorial processes that balance newsworthiness, public interest, and scientific relevance.
- Demonstrated experience developing strategic message frameworks and integrating those messages in a diverse operational context with multiple products and channels.
- Experience working across broad stakeholder groups to facilitate alignment to core, shared messages and promoting collaborative communication and outreach strategies that optimize audience impact.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- A successful track record of people management responsibility.
- Experience in strategic planning, budgetary development, and financial management.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Extensive knowledge of science communication and public outreach in science.
- Existing press and media partnerships are particularly valuable
- Strategic and visionary leadership abilities.
- Working knowledge of current technology and leveraging that technology to support science communication and outreach needs.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and in writing, including being able to present and communicate ideas effectively.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with leadership, staff, AURA groups, NASA, internal and external astronomical communities, internal and external contractors and various community contacts.
Explore Our Benefits
- Employer retirement contribution – direct STScI contribution of 10% of your salary from your first day, 100% vested
- 12 days sick leave, up to 24 days’ vacation, and 10 paid holidays- 1st year
- Flexible work schedule with healthy work/life balance
- Relocation Assistance
- Comprehensive medical/dental/vision/prescription plans, and more!
Salary range is $215k to $240k.
Applications received by January 31, 2026 will receive full consideration. Reference #:
Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at
Equal Opportunity Employer
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