EPO - Edu & Public Outreach - Public Information - Public Information Officer

June 2, 2026

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Position Description: Position Summary <a name="_Hlk227318317" target="_blank"></a>The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. The Observatory has been instrumental in the study of black holes, galaxies, and the early universe. At NRAO, we are recruiting a Public Information Officer. The role of Public Information Officer, part of the Education and Public Outreach Public Information Group, is a unique role that shares stories about NRAO’s scientific and technological innovations with the general public. This position will produce a wide variety of public information materials, support NRAO staff and partners in outreach, and coordinate access to unique and one-of-a-kind facilities with the goal of elevating NRAO’s public profile. The location for this position may be based at one of our U.S. sites (Charlottesville, VA, Socorro, NM or Green Bank, WV), or a remote workstation within the U.S. may be considered for candidates with sufficient experience, who can work independently while effectively completing their work with the team. What You Will be Doing: <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in;" type="disc"> <li style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; line-height: normal; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Research, develop, and produce NRAO public information materials, including press releases, blog posts, announcements, briefs, presentations, talking points, and other public information products</li> <li style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; line-height: normal; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Provide input and support for content produced by EPO colleagues for the web, e-blasts, video, and social media – familiarity or experience with digital media production platforms or AI is a plus!</li> <li style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; line-height: normal; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Develops and maintains strong working relationships with colleagues across all NRAO divisions and sites, the press, media producers, and external partners</li> <li style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; line-height: normal; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">As needed, assist NRAO leadership and other staff in preparing materials for presentations to the general public and media training for interviews</li> <li style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; line-height: normal; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Support public relations by answering requests from journalists, media producers, educators, and the general public about NRAO </li> <li style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; line-height: normal; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Support visits and tours for media producers and VIPs, including film and photography at NRAO facilities </li> <li style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; line-height: normal; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Support EPO outreach activities and special events, represent NRAO at public events and professional meetings</li> <li style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; line-height: normal; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Document projects and work following established processes in Public Information Group using platforms such as Jira, the Google Suite, and Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Teams, Share Point, One Drive)</li> <li style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; line-height: normal; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Compliance with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work area is expected</li> <li style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; line-height: normal; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Depending on work location or project assignments, travel can be expected 2-4 times a year for conferences, outreach, and special events</li> <li style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; line-height: normal; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Other duties may be assigned</li> </ul> Work Environment Typical office environment with occasional outside work with potential exposure to environmental extremes. Will be required to stand and sit, and operate a personal computer. Will be required to lift 25 pounds or more occasionally and have the ability to assemble/disassemble convention display units and similar equipment. Moderate to extensive travel is required. Must possess a valid driver’s license. Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception. Who You Are: Education <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0px; text-align: justify; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">You have a Bachelor's degree in education, communication, science, or related field. A Master's degree is preferred.</li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0px; text-align: justify; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">For candidates from non-traditional educational backgrounds, work experience may be considered in lieu of academic degrees</li> </ul> Experience <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0px; text-align: justify; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">You have a minimum of five years of experience in journalism, public relations or communications, preferably in connection with a scientific or technical organization required</li> </ul> Skills and Competencies <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0px; text-align: justify; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">High level of competency in Microsoft software products and web-based systems, Visio and SharePoint.</li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0px; text-align: justify; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Attention to detail is critical</li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0px; text-align: justify; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Highly organized</li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0px; text-align: justify; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Excellent communication skills</li> </ul> Additional Requirement Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position. Total Rewards: Compensation The starting salary/hourly rate of this position is between $76,000-$84,558. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions. Benefits: Associated Universities, Inc (AUI) offers a comprehensive benefits package addressing the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment, subject to eligibility requirements. AUI provides: <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0px; text-align: justify; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)</li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0px; text-align: justify; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment.</li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0px; text-align: justify; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution.</li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0px; text-align: justify; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Click <a rel="noopener" href="https://public.nrao.edu/careers/working-with-us/" target="_blank">Total Rewards</a> for more information.</li> </ul> Application Instructions: Select the “Apply” button above. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit <a rel="noopener" href="https://public.nrao.edu/careers/" target="_blank">https://public.nrao.edu/careers/</a>. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to <a rel="noopener" href="mailto:resumes@nrao.edu" target="_blank">resumes@nrao.edu</a>

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