Join our team as an Outreach and Communications Specialist and support the Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL) by playing a crucial role in overseeing PMEL’s communications efforts, including public relations and social media. Your duties will include developing and distributing information to promote the lab, communicating with subject matter experts and media personnel to showcase the lab’s unique science and innovation, and upholding best communication practices at the lab to promote NOAA’s and PMEL’s brand. FedWriters is expanding rapidly and has been recognized as a 2024 Top Workplace by the Washington Post, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.

**This is a 6 month contract**

Work Schedule and Location:

Hybrid: This full-time hybrid position will work Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with 90% on-site at The PMEL location on Seattle, WA.

• Interact daily with scientists, engineers, and a team of professionals to learn about and promote cutting-edge marine science and innovation
• Build the lab’s presence and positive reputation in the community through a variety of communications methods, including social media content
• Build awareness of PMEL capabilities at the highest levels of OAR, NOAA and DOC by developing relevant materials and giving presentations about PMEL science 
• Maintain a database of multiple types of media outlets and contacts within them, developing and maintaining working relationships with these contacts
• Manage the lab’s social media communications
• Develop program-specific informational/promotional material
• Create and produce the lab’s monthly digital newsletter chronicling new and important lab developments to inform PMEL employees
• Develop PMEL’s social media presence by posting information about PMEL activities using OAR’s social media channels: 
• Build social media followers 
• Identify ways to use current and emerging social media to broadcast PMEL stories
• Coordinate PMEL social media with CPO, OAP, and NOAA Research social media coordinators and leverage social media outlets across NOAA and other agencies and organizations
• Develop a sustainable social media presence and plan for PMEL
• Work with other NOAA labs and Line Offices to amplify a unified NOAA brand, while collaborating with the lab’s scientific and engineering teams to identify its newsworthy activities, ensuring the lab’s work is well represented and reflects its high standards of integrity and its value to society
• Develop strategies for public relations and collaborate with Outreach Coordinator to build greater awareness of the lab’s work at public events
• Consult with lab leadership to develop effective communication procedures and policies to apply to various situations
• Develop materials to educate staff on communication practices; coach and assist team members on improving communication skills
• Perform communications audits; monitor the progress of various communications strategies

Required:

• 4 years of related experience
• Must be able to obtain a Public Trust
• Exceptional communication abilities, including writing, speaking and active listening
• In-depth knowledge of best writing and messaging practices for professional correspondence, public relations, branding, and social media
• Ability to effectively engage with team members of all levels and across departments
• Great project management skills, including time management, goal setting, multitasking and prioritization
• Good data analysis, problem-solving and critical thinking skills

Desired:

• Proactive approach and team-focused mentality
• An interest in connecting people and the desire to share PMEL’s mission with the greater community
• A relevant science background is helpful though not necessary