Communications Manager

NSF’s NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai’i. The mission of NOIRLab 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 a diverse and inclusive community.

The Communications, Education & Engagement (CEE) group consists of approximately 30 individuals including communications specialists, educators, graphics professionals, and other content professionals. CEE is responsible for telling the story of NOIRLab and its programs in a cohesive and coordinated manner that is tailored to each of its target audiences. 

As a critical member of the CEE group we are now hiring for NOIRLab’s Communications Manager. This position supervises the 5-person Communications team and offers excellent opportunities to work in an exciting and diverse environment as well as for professional growth and advancement. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

The Communications Manager is charged with leading the production of all NOIRLab communication products targeting internal and external audiences. This position manages all communication positions. The Head of Communication leads the short- and longer-term strategic planning and annual budgeting of NOIRLab’s external and internal communication. This position leads social media, internal comms team, user comms teams, media relations team, Promotion, Events, Partnerships and supports the promotion and distribution of all CEE products.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads the ongoing process of improving NOIRLab’s strategy for external and internal communications;
• Leads the production and dissemination of press releases, external announcements, and other external news products;
• Point of contact for media inquiries;
• Leads the implementation and the production of internal communication products such as internal news announcements via the Internal Newsletter, email and intranet;
• Leads social media strategic and tactical planning;
• Overseeing the integration of written and visual material in the development of audiovisual products;
• Maintains relationships with partners such as the NOIRLab Communications Network;
• Ensures continuity (and uniformity, where possible) in the many diverse functions at each site;
• Ensures that overall program scope and resources are in balance. Plans, prioritizes, and organizes project workflows to keep workload balanced for staff;
• Ensures that processes and workflows are established and in line with the CEE Values (e.g. to guarantee scientific authenticity, transparency, collaboration, inclusion, creativity, horizontal and efficiency etc.);
• Works with staff to set clear (SMART) goals;
• Monitors the progress of ongoing projects, provide feedback and prioritize and re-prioritize urgent and important tasks with staff;
• Coaches, mentors, supports, motivates, develops, and evaluates staff;
• Through personal example, set the highest standards;
• Facilitate a smooth flow of information to and from the team, including with peers in other CEE and NOIRLab teams;
• Supports communication activities for professional conferences and workshops;

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in astronomy, physics, communications or a related field;
• Three years of experience working as a professional public science communicator;
• Demonstrated experience in project coordination and leadership (ideally in science outreach, news or marketing);
• Sufficient astronomy background to fully understand and communicate the main points of astronomy research papers;
• Native language level in written English and fluent language level in spoken English;
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to lead and coordinate projects and work effectively and efficiently on a wide range of parallel activities;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and an interest in internal and external organizational communication;
• A demonstrated passion for science communication;
• Ability to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds, countries, and cultures;
• Results-oriented — delivering prompt and efficient service on multiple concurrent projects under tight deadlines;
• Strong analytical skills and ability to anticipate/identify problems and provide workable solutions independently;
• Proactive, highly motivated and able to work effectively both in a team and independently;
• Flexibility and willingness to adapt to changes in tasks are required;
• Able to contribute ideas for improvements while following departmental procedures and workflows; document new and updated procedures when necessary, in a manner that colleagues can implement;
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree or PhD in astronomy or physics;
• Demonstrated experience in effectively using social and new media as an external and internal organizational communication tool;
• Experience working with the US and international media;
• Experience supporting projects or organizations that are supported by US federal funding
• Experience developing written staff communications ranging in scope from an entire organization to a business unit;
• Advanced proficiency and comfort with giving presentations to audiences of scientists and media.

Location: The position is preferred to be based in Tucson, Arizona. 

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.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
• Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eyeglasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately.
• Some travel may be necessary in or outside the contiguous United States.

Salary Range: $110,200 - $121,400 The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.

Salaries for positions hired in Chile meet Chile national market rates and internal scales for AURA.

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 https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/benefits-by-location/ 

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by October 4, 2024.

• Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname. 
• Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org. 
• Please enter 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process). 

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org 

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 49 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities. 

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.