Communications and Outreach Specialist with NASA Acres

Job Description Summary About Us NASA Acres is NASA’s consortium that aims to advance the use of NASA satellite data in and supporting agriculture in the United States. Founded in 2023, NASA Acres brings the value of Earth observation technology down to Earth. We bridge the gap from space-to-farm and education-to-impact together with current and future U.S. farmers, ranchers, and other agrifood system decision makers who are addressing the most pressing challenges to long-term productivity, profitability, sustainability, and resilience in agriculture. Our vision is, through the power of satellite data and integrated tools, to foster: Richer, decision-relevant knowledge about past and present agricultural productivity, resilience, and land use; More tools that use satellite data in the hands of farmers, ranchers, and other agrifood system actors; A stronger agriculture workforce ready to tackle the challenges that face U.S. agriculture today and into the future. Position Overview We are seeking a skilled and mission-driven Communications and Outreach Specialist to lead and support our science communication, public engagement, and stakeholder outreach efforts. This role bridges the gap between technical satellite data and real-world agricultural applications, helping to translate complex science into accessible, compelling narratives that engage current and prospective partners, funders, media, and broad swaths of the public. The chosen candidate will strategically select and use different modalities - for example, social media, written copy, audio/visual platforms, and events - to help NASA Acres broaden its reach and increase its impact. Key Responsibilities: Science Communications Develop and execute communication strategies and near-term work plans that help NASA Acres accomplish its mission and vision. Write and edit clear, engaging content including blog posts, news stories, press releases, newsletters, reports, and social media posts, and manage follow-on engagements. Collaborate with scientists and program staff to translate technical research into accessible formats for non-expert audiences. Maintain and update web content related to current projects, tools, and scientific developments. Support creation of infographics, data visualizations, and short videos that showcase the value of Earth observations generally and the work that NASA Acres specifically to benefit U.S. agriculture. Contribute to, edit, and/or proof articles developed by other organizations about NASA Acres. Monitor communication metrics and analytics to inform strategy decisions. Outreach & Engagement Scope, coordinate, and support events, webinars, workshops, and stakeholder briefings that promote NASA-related agricultural tools and data. Represent NASA Acres at scientific and public events, conferences, congressional engagements, and community meetings. Develop outreach materials, toolkits, and digital campaigns to support capacity-building and knowledge sharing. Contribute to proposals and reports by providing communication materials, success stories, and engagement metrics. In coordination and collaboration with the NASA Acres Executive Director and the Strategic Engagement Officer (who develops new partnerships and funded projects), build and maintain relationships with the agriculture community and key audiences, including farmers, ranchers, researchers, policymakers, commodity/farm associations, and others. Coordinate and collaborate with NASA Headquarters and NASA Harvest communications and outreach teams. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Science Communication, Journalism, or a NASA-Acres related field such as geography, remote sensing, or agriculture. 3 years of experience in communications or outreach, preferably in a scientific, agricultural, or environmental nonprofit, research institution, or government agency. Excellent writing and storytelling skills, with a proven ability to translate complex science into accessible, engaging content. Demonstrated track record of creating engaging social media content and driving sustained engagement and interest. Proficiency with digital communication tools (e.g., Square Space, WordPress, Mailchimp, Constant Contact, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Hootsuite). Experience scoping and organizing public-facing events or training workshops. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. Preferences: Master’s degree in Communications, Science Communication, Journalism, or a NASA-Acres related field such as geography, remote sensing, or agriculture. Graphic design, video editing, or GIS/visualization experience. Familiarity with topics such as remote sensing, agriculture, climate change, or geospatial tools. Information about the Position There is a preference for the candidate to be in the Washington D.C. area. This position will have occasional domestic travel. This position will formally be employed by the University of Maryland. What We Offer A collaborative and mission-driven environment with a focus on real-world impact. Opportunities to work with leading scientists and impactful organizations, agencies, and companies. Competitive salary and benefits package. Flexible work arrangements and support for professional development. Physical Demands: N/A Licenses/certifications N/A Additional Job Details Required Application Materials: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and 2-3 Examples of work that illustrate the candidate’s experience and skills related to the Key Responsibilities of the position. Please also submit the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of 2-3 references. Location: Washington, D.C. Area preferred with telework flexibility, or remote. Best Consideration Date: August 8, 2025 Open Until Filled: Financial Disclosure Required For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website. Department BSOS-Geography Worker Sub-Type Faculty Regular Salary Range $80,000-$100,000 Benefits Summary For more information on Regular Faculty benefits, select this link. Background Checks Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed. Employment Eligibility The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment. EEO Statement The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy. Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice Resources Learn how military skills translate to civilian opportunities with O*Net Online Search Firm Managed Recruitment There are some positions that are not advertised on this career site as the search is being managed by a Search Firm. Please visit the link below to see these available opportunities: Search Firm Managed Vacancies The University of Maryland, College Park is the state's flagship university and one of the nation's preeminent public research universities. A global leader in research, entrepreneurship and innovation, the university is home to more than 40,700 students, 14,000 faculty and staff, and 388,000 alumni all dedicated to the pursuit of Fearless Ideas. Located just outside Washington, D.C., we discover and share new knowledge every day through our renowned research enterprise and programs in academics, the arts and athletics. And we are committed to social entrepreneurship as the nation’s first “Do Good” campus. EEO Statement The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy. Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice Resources Learn how military skills translate to civilian opportunities with O*Net Online The University works hard to make its websites accessible to any and all users. If you need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at one of the below options: Email: jobs@umd.edu Phone: 301.405.7575 Maryland Relay: Dial 711 This contact information cannot be used to inquire about application status. There are some positions that are not advertised on this career site as the search is being managed by a Search Firm. Please visit the link below to see these available opportunities: Search Firm Managed Opportunities

Salary : $80,000 - $100,000