Senior Science Content & Digital Media Specialist (SME II)

Science Content & Digital Media SpecialistYou are the kind of communicator who finds a hurricane forecast just as compelling as a viral social post — because you understand that both are stories, and both matter. As a Science Content & Digital Media Specialist supporting NOAA's Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), you will be embedded at a NOAA laboratory or program, providing day-to-day writing, visual content creation, and editorial support across digital, social media, and print platforms. You'll research and write news stories about cutting-edge atmospheric science, develop eye-catching graphics and videos that bring ocean research to life on Instagram and YouTube, and shepherd content through NOAA's rigorous scientific review process to make sure every word is accurate and every image is on-brand. This is a role for a creative professional with a scientific mindset — someone who can move seamlessly between a technical research summary and a 280-character social post, always keeping the audience at the center of every content decision.FWI is expanding rapidly and has been recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Top Workplace by the Washington Post, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.Work Schedule and Location:In-person presence required at one of the following locations: Air Resources Laboratory (College Park, MD); Pacific Marine Environment Laboratory (Seattle, WA); David Skaggs Research Center (Boulder, CO); Global Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (Plainsboro, NJ); Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (Miami, FL); National Severe Storms Laboratory (Norman, OK); Great Lakes Environment Research Laboratory (Ann Arbor, MI); or NOAA SSMC3 (Silver Spring, MD)Remote positions are expected to work in the office each Tuesday (OAR CFO-CAO office day) when based in Silver Spring, MDNormal work hours are Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day / 40 hours per week, excluding federal holidaysLocal and non-local travel may be required, including international travel; all unplanned travel must be approved in writing by the COR at least 10 calendar days in advanceResponsibilitiesExplain and organize complex scientific information into communication products for OAR leadership and the workforce, demonstrating strong writing and editing skills with experience translating technical information for non-scientific audiencesProvide expert technical and scientific writing and editing for public communication products across OAR digital and print platforms, including news stories, web features, social media posts, and visual contentResearch, write, and edit audience-appropriate content for online, social media, and print channels; shepherd content through internal review cycles within OAR and NOAA to ensure scientific accuracy, correct format, and appropriate styleDevelop themes, schedules, and content for updates to external websites, internal Google Sites, and social media platformsCreate visual graphics, videos, and other visual materials for use across NOAA platformsMonitor engagement analytics across digital platforms and apply insights to content strategyCoordinate with other NOAA teams to showcase OAR mission, work, and activities across NOAA websites and partner platformsProvide advice and recommendations to the OAR Communications Director on sensitive content issues; recommend and execute new content strategies and innovations to increase public engagementDocument workflows and maintain organized files containing data associated with content developmentQualificationsRequired:BA/BS in a technical or business discipline — Communications, Journalism, Digital Media, Science Communications, Environmental Science, or a closely related field preferred; advanced degrees or certifications may qualify for shorter periods of required experience8+ years of professional and/or academic experienceDesired:Demonstrated experience producing science or technical content for digital platforms, including websites, social media, and multimedia channels for a federal agency or research organizationStrong science or technical writing and editing skills; ability to translate research findings into compelling, accurate, audience-appropriate content across multiple formats and reading levelsProficiency with visual content creation tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or equivalent platforms; experience producing graphics, short-form video, or infographics for public audiencesExperience managing content through formal scientific or government review and approval processesFamiliarity with web content management systems (CMS) and social media scheduling platforms; experience monitoring and reporting on digital engagement analyticsKnowledge of NOAA, OAR, or federal agency web publishing standards, Section 508 accessibility requirements, and plain language guidelinesSME II candidates: demonstrated experience leading content strategy development and advising senior communications leadership on audience engagement and platform innovationAbility to obtain and maintain a Low-risk federal security clearanceFWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.Why Join Our TeamAt 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 InsuranceDental InsuranceVision InsuranceLong-term and Short-term Disability InsuranceLife Insurance401(k) PlanHoliday PayPaid Time OffPay Range$102,866.40 - $108,280.42