Communications Specialist

Job Description Summary:

Under general guidance and direction, plans, develops, and coordinates internal and external communications and social media projects, programs, events, outreach and dissemination activities. Establishes, designs and oversees implementation of communication, social media, and dissemination projects, using various platforms and media such as print, electronic, video, and web-based products. Advises staff on communication and dissemination strategies and develops strategies for public release and media activities. Negotiates, plans, and implements communication strategies. Expands the National Academies’ and Transportation Research Board’s (TRB) presence and product awareness through communication and media efforts through a variety of media.

Incumbents in this job perform more complex writing and oversight activities than those performed at the Associate level and work more independently and autonomously. This job supports managers and supervisors by assisting with supervision of staff and may be responsible for full supervision of nonexempt staff but typically is not responsible for managing a unit’s media or communications group.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

Content Development & Editorial Support

• Independently writes articles, columns, information pieces, and publication announcements relating to complex scientific and engineering topics for various media, including bulk email, newsletters, social media, and advertisements.
• Composes and/or edits report highlights, publication blurbs, report summaries, briefs, flyers, postcards, videos, and other dissemination products.
• Provides advice and technical assistance or directly assists in the production of materials for general and specialized audiences.

Communications Strategy & Dissemination

• Explores and develops new approaches to communicate activities, disseminate reports and information, and expand audience reach.
• Works with staff and committees to develop publication, distribution, and implementation strategies and identify appropriate channels for target audiences.
• Uses metrics and analytics to assess effectiveness of communications efforts and inform adjustments.
• Tracks status and relevance of reports and publications, assesses stakeholder interest, and disseminates materials to appropriate audiences.
• Coordinates study release schedules and, in collaboration with senior staff, troubleshoots issues that may affect report impact or institutional reputation.

Digital Content & Communications Channels

• Creates and maintains online content, including websites and social media channels.
• Provides technical and strategic expertise in the use of online technologies.
• Provides oversight of production of online products, such as electronic newsletters and other web-based and email outreach tools.
• Collaborates with appropriate units and staff to maintain and expand effective internal communications.

Stakeholder Engagement & Events

• Develops and maintains networks of stakeholders, media contacts, external experts, and service providers; maintains ongoing dialogue with external audiences.
• Helps organize public briefings and in-person and virtual events; promotes and publicizes meetings, programs, and activities.
• Serves as on-site contact for communications and media issues during the TRB Annual Meeting.
• May manage production of TRB webinars in coordination with the Distance Learning Coordinator.

Staff Support, Operations & Business Development

• Trains and mentors staff; may assign and review work of junior staff; provides technical training on communications tools and initiatives.
• May monitor communications budgets, provide input, and generate forecasts.
• May identify potential sponsors for dissemination efforts and assist in proposal development or program materials.
• May coordinate event advertising sales efforts in collaboration with the Technical Activities Division.

NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Related duties and special projects as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to solve problems of appreciable variety and complexity. Ability to serve as a resource to others in the resolution of complex problems and issues. Ability to operate independently, and exercise appreciable latitude for independent judgment, discretion, and action. Ability to work successfully in a team environment and to form and maintain effective teams. Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness. Ability to develop effective working relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies’ departments through effective communication. Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees.

Minimum Education/Training Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Communications or related field, or equivalent experience.

Minimum Experience: Three years of related professional experience.

Physical Capabilities: Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.

Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: None.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: Reports to Manager/Director. General direction is provided.

Compensation & Benefits: An estimated compensation range for this position is $70,880 - $88,600. Compensation offered to the selected candidate will be based on the candidate’s relevant knowledge, skills, and work experience, commensurate with compensation of current employees in comparable positions with similar knowledge, skills, and work experience, and subject to budget parameters. Note it is not typical for a candidate to be hired at the higher end of the range.  This is a benefits-eligible position.  Our Benefits Plan offers competitive and comprehensive benefit options, including medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement and savings benefits, leave benefits such as paid holidays and paid personal leave, transportation subsidies, and education assistance.  For more information, please click here.

Work Environment: Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage 60%, with occasional travel between National Academies’ facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations. 

Equal Opportunity Employer:

It is the policy of the National Academies to recruit, hire, transfer, compensate, and promote people in all job categories and to administer all other personnel actions, terms and conditions of employment in a manner that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. It is also the institution's policy to recruit, hire, promote, and provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and covered veterans who are otherwise qualified.

Any qualification to be considered equivalent, in lieu of stated minimum, requires the prior approval of the Office of Human Resources.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Some functions in this description may be specific to a particular unit of the National Academies and not applicable to other units

Job Family:

COMM

Employee Type:

Employee

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

City/State:

Washington, District of Columbia