Science Communications and Outreach Support

$70,304 - $70,304/Yr

Oak Ridge Associated Universities - Washington, DC

Full-time - Entry Level

Washington, DC

Educational Services

About the position

The EPA National Student Services Contract has an immediate opening for a full-time Science Communications and Outreach Support position with the Office of Research and Development at the EPA facility in Washington, D.C. This role is crucial in supporting high-quality research aimed at improving the scientific basis for decisions on national environmental issues, thereby helping the EPA achieve its environmental goals. The research is conducted across a broad range of environmental areas by scientists in EPA laboratories and at universities nationwide. Within the Office of Research and Development, the Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment (CPHEA) plays a vital role in providing the necessary science to understand the complex interrelationship between people and nature. This understanding supports assessments and policies designed to protect human health and ecological integrity. The CPHEA Communications team is responsible for coordinating strategic communications and outreach efforts to ensure that the research conducted by the Center reaches the intended audiences and stakeholders, fostering awareness and support for decision-making actions that impact health and the environment. As a member of the CPHEA Communications team, you will assist in shaping and executing the overarching communications strategy for the Agency, advancing key priorities that support the mission of the EPA. This includes managing daily communication support for the Center, which encompasses website and social media management, media engagement, and providing communication counsel and guidance to leadership and staff. You will also support various special assignments and projects related to internal and external communications and outreach for the CPHEA Communications Team.

Responsibilities

• Assist in shaping and executing the overarching CPHEA and ORD/EPA communications strategy.
• Manage daily communication support for the Center, including website and social media accounts.
• Provide leadership and staff communication counsel and guidance.
• Assist in the development of internal and external web content explaining the public health and environmental protection impact of CPHEA research.
• Write and edit communications materials for posting on CPHEA Internet and Intranet sites.
• Provide graphic design support for CPHEA, including designing web pages, infographics, posters, and brochures.
• Develop a variety of communications and outreach materials explaining the impact of CPHEA research, including articles, blogs, and social media posts.
• Assist in the development and implementation of outreach strategies for various stakeholder groups.
• Plan and develop strategic social media and digital initiatives based on CPHEA's work.
• Assist with planning for CPHEA representation at conferences, workshops, and public events.
• Take photos and videos of scientists and research projects for posting on various platforms.
• Prepare and maintain electronic records of background information and communications materials.
• Use Google Analytics to compile metrics on website activity and write reports for future engagement strategies.

Requirements

• Experience writing for a lay audience about science, environmental issues, or public health concerns, evidenced by a writing sample.
• Experience developing and implementing stakeholder outreach strategies.
• Experience with Adobe and/or Microsoft graphic design software such as Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
• Experience with content management systems for editing internal and external websites.
• Experience reviewing, collecting, and analyzing website metric trends, preferably using Google Analytics.
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams, and Outlook.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to handle multiple assignments with competing deadlines.
• Strong proofreading and editing skills.
• Strong written, oral, and electronic communication skills.

Benefits

• Hourly wage of $33.80 for hours worked.
• Full-time employment with the potential for future opportunities.