Public Affairs Specialist (Digital Communications), IS-1035-12
Company: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Location: Cambridge
Posted on: February 18, 2026
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Job Description:
Job Description Job Description Description OPENING DATE:
February 5, 2026 CLOSING DATE: March 5, 2026 SERIES/GRADE: 1035/12
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal) DIVISION:
Director's Office LOCATION: Cambridge, MA AREA OF CONSIDERATION:
This position is open to all eligible candidates. What are Trust
Fund Positions? Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian.
They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the
Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities,
donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of
the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal
status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the
same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal
employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit
program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life
Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and
Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly
Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships,
Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Flexible Spending
Account (Health & Dependent Care). Conditions of Employment Pass
Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background
Investigation, as required. Complete a Probationary Period if
applicable. Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic
Transfer. The position is open to all candidates eligible to work
in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not
required to apply. Applicants must meet all qualification and
eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this
announcement. OVERVIEW INTRODUCTION Reporting to the CfA Director
of Communications, this position is a core role within the CfA
Office of Communications, responsible for managing the Center’s
digital presence and ensuring a clear, consistent visual identity
across all platforms. They lead major web initiatives that connect
the CfA’s many space missions and scientific programs into a
unified, accessible institutional website; oversee branding,
digital standards, and day?to?day web operations; and use analytics
and digital marketing tools to improve audience reach and
engagement. This position serves as the CfA’s primary digital
communications expert, shaping how the institution presents its
core messages to the public and key stakeholders. SUMMARY The
Digital Communications Manager at the Center for Astrophysics |
Harvard and Smithsonian oversees and strengthens the institution’s
digital presence to ensure the Center communicates its science and
successes clearly, consistently, and effectively to all audiences
MAJOR DUTIES Reporting to the CfA Director of Communications, this
position is a core role within the CfA Office of Communications,
responsible for managing the Center’s digital presence and ensuring
a clear, consistent visual identity across all platforms. They lead
major web initiatives that connect the CfA’s many space missions
and scientific programs into a unified, accessible institutional
website; oversee branding, digital standards, and day?to?day web
operations; and use analytics and digital marketing tools to
improve audience reach and engagement. This position serves as the
CfA’s primary digital communications expert, shaping how the
institution presents its core messages to the public and key
stakeholders. Web Production ? In partnership with the Director’s
office, IT specialists and heads of scientific and engineering
disciplines, leads a major effort to optimize and streamline CfA’s
web presence. ? Using visuals and messaging consistency, connects
the web presences of the CfA’s many federal and international
missions and telescopes to the CfA’s main website ? Manages the
continual review and improvement of static web pages; oversees
day-to-day operations, content uploads, page management, and user
experience for the primary agency website. ? Oversees web
governance and site architecture, ensuring digital properties
conform with best practices for usability, accessibility, SEO, data
privacy, and security. ? Coordinates with IT staff for web platform
upgrades, system maintenance, and ease of use for internal web
producers. ? Implements web publishing workflows and digital
editorial standards, working with content owners to ensure timely
and accurate updates. ? Leads efforts to innovate web features and
maintain competitive digital presence by researching and
incorporating emerging technologies and user experience
improvements. Brand Management ? Serves as the primary steward of
the organization’s visual identity, ensuring the correct and
consistent application of logos, color palettes, typography, and
graphic standards across all digital and print platforms. ? Takes a
thoughtful and inclusive approach to integrating the main CfA brand
with its two branches, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
and the Harvard College Observatory; develops standards that
leverage brand equity from both institutions. ? Develops, updates,
and disseminates agency brand guidelines; reviews and approves all
materials for compliance with brand and logo usage standards. ?
Monitors internal and external communications for unauthorized or
inconsistent use of organization logos or sub-brands; proactively
addresses any deviations. ? Advises project leads and collaborators
on the application of brand standards in the development of
marketing, outreach, and scientific materials. ? Manages the
organization’s digital asset library, including up-to-date logos,
graphics, templates, and related documentation, ensuring assets are
accessible to authorized staff and appropriately permissioned.
Digital Marketing and Analytics ? In coordination with the Director
of Communications, integrates digital and visual strategy with
editorial and content strategy across digital platforms. ? In
partnership with writers on the communications and advancement
teams, plans, executes, and optimizes internal and external email
messaging, including production and distribution of digital
newsletters and targeted outreach communications. ? Tracks,
analyzes, and reports analytics for web and email campaigns,
interpreting data trends to inform marketing strategy and outreach
decisions. ? Develops and delivers regular analytics reports to
management, providing actionable recommendations for improved
reach, engagement, and communication effectiveness. Graphic Design
Management ? Partners with communications staff, subject matter
experts, and external vendors to translate complex ideas and data
into compelling visual formats. ? Works with designers and
visualization experts to optimize graphical representations of
science work for publicity purposes. ? Uses basic knowledge of
graphic design to periodically produce original digital graphics,
infographics, interactive features, and visual assets to support
the organization’s outreach, education, and program initiatives. ?
Ensures all designed materials adhere to brand standards and are
accessible for a wide range of audiences. ? In partnership with
content developers and external print vendors, oversees the design
and production of high-quality, sophisticated print materials for
important stakeholders. ? Provides creative consultation and
technical guidance to colleagues and stakeholders in the
conceptualization and execution of branded, multi-format content.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS Basic Requirements: Candidates must
possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the
grade 11 level in similar positions. Specialized experience is
experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to
successfully perform the work of the position such as as assisting
in the redevelopment of a complex system of websites and supporting
the maintenance and implementation of a sophisticated brand and its
assets. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required : Expert
knowledge of digital communications principles, strategies, and
industry trends, including web content development, information
architecture, user experience (UX), and digital marketing
fundamentals. Comprehensive understanding of brand management and
visual identity systems, with the ability to develop, interpret,
and implement brand standards across diverse digital and print
platforms. Advanced proficiency with web content management systems
(CMS), email marketing platforms, analytics and reporting tools
(such as Google Analytics), and digital asset management software,
including the ability to troubleshoot, adapt, and recommend
appropriate technologies for specific communications goals.
Advanced skills in graphic and visual design, including expertise
in design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite), accessibility and
inclusive design standards, and the effective communication of
complex scientific or technical information through visual media.
Advanced analytical skills to track, interpret, and act on digital
metrics and user engagement data, using this information to inform
content strategy and continually improve communications
effectiveness. Strong interpersonal, consultation, and project
management skills, enabling productive collaboration, effective
stakeholder engagement, and the ability to lead major digital
initiatives from conception through completion with minimal
supervision. Any false statement in your application may result in
rejection of your application and may also result in termination
after employment begins. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through
Knowledge and Discovery." Resumes should include a description of
your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job;
starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average
number of hours worked per week. What To Expect Next: Once the
vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be
compared against the qualification and experience requirements
related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete,
qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid. The Smithsonian Institution
provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities
where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation
should contact hr@cfa.harvard.edu . Determinations on requests for
reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To
learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation
Procedures. The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity
Employer . We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of
educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and
enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our
exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information:
https://www.si.edu/oeo. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit the SAO website at
http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/
Keywords: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Worcester , Public Affairs Specialist (Digital Communications), IS-1035-12, IT / Software / Systems , Cambridge, Massachusetts
