Jr. Communications Specialist

NSF NOIRLab is the preeminent U.S. national center for ground‑based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) that operates as a matrix organization, providing services across several programs—Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC—with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile, and Hawai‘i. Our mission is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state‑of‑the‑art ground‑based observatories and providing data products and services for our community. The Communications, Education & Engagement (CEE) group consists of approximately 30 staff members, including communications specialists, educators, graphic professionals, and other content experts. CEE is responsible for telling the story of NOIRLab and its programs in a cohesive, coordinated way that is tailored to our diverse target audiences. Help us tell the story of NOIRLab! We are seeking a Jr. Communications Specialist to join the CEE group and help produce a variety of communication products targeting internal and external audiences. The role involves building relationships, creating audiovisual materials, and writing news products. This position offers excellent opportunities to work in a dynamic and diverse environment, with strong potential for professional growth and advancement. Our preference is for this position to be based in Tucson, AZ, with the possibility of hybrid work. This is a full‑time, one‑year renewable position. Essential Functions As part of CEE’s Communications Group, the Jr. Communications Specialist reports to the Public Information Officer, with day‑to‑day tasks delegated by the CEE/Rubin EPO social media managers. Responsibilities include producing creative communication products for external audiences. Examples include: Working closely with CEE and Rubin EPO staff to implement projects that creatively disseminate astronomical concepts and activities to the media, public, students, and teachers via text, images, video, and audio. Assisting with social media production, including writing posts, producing short‑form videos, and contributing to longer‑term campaigns. Assisting with press releases, external announcements, and other news products. Supporting innovative campaigns that promote NOIRLab’s public visits and other public‑facing activities. Assisting with the creation of audiovisual products for a variety of applications (social media, science meetings, public outreach events, etc.). Participating in team meetings (internal communications, external communications, social media, graphics, audiovisuals) and updating agendas and related documentation as needed. Providing input to the ongoing refinement of NOIRLab’s external and internal communications strategy. Assisting with general media relations, outreach activities, and events as directed. Other Functions Other duties as assigned. Requirements Bachelor’s degree in astronomy, physics, communications, or a related field. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere). Sufficient astronomy background to fully understand and communicate key points in astronomy research papers. Demonstrated experience using social and new media as a communication tool for internal and external audiences. A demonstrated passion for science communication. Excellent organizational skills and the ability to coordinate and lead projects while managing multiple parallel tasks effectively. Excellent oral and written communication skills and an interest in organizational communication (internal and external). Experience working as a professional public science communicator. Demonstrated experience in project coordination and leadership (preferably in science outreach, news, or marketing). High flexibility and willingness to adapt to NOIRLab’s processes and workflows. Ability to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds, countries, and cultures. Results‑oriented, with the ability to provide prompt, efficient service while managing concurrent projects under tight deadlines. Strong analytical skills and the ability to anticipate and solve problems independently. Proactive, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Native‑level written English and fluent spoken English. Ability and willingness to travel internationally. Responsibility for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions, as assigned in the Vela Award Management system. Desired Proficiency in Google Workspace. Experience working with U.S. and international media. Experience supporting projects or organizations funded by U.S. federal agencies. Experience developing written and visual organizational communications. Work Environment This position operates in a professional office environment and routinely utilizes standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and copiers. The work environment is generally quiet and may involve working in close proximity to others, depending on the needs of the specific function. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time. Occasional need to move about inside the office environment to access files, office tools, attendance in a meeting room, etc. Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity tools that require fine motor skills, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc. May occasionally need to position self to maintain computer and related tools. Seldomly needed to move objects up to 10 pounds. Constant communication with other individuals. Must be able to discern and exchange information as appropriate to the situation. Constant need to distinguish, discern, and identify a variety of objects and fine details with accuracy. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required by personnel so classified. This Institute promotes Equal Employment Opportunity workplace that includes reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified, disabled applicants and employees. Salary Range $51,000 - $62,000 annually. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience. AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources. How to Apply Apply by April 1, 2026 for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: LastName DocName. Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance here. #J-18808-Ljbffr