Public Affairs Specialist (Digital Communications), IS-1035-12

OPENING DATE: June 29, 2026 CLOSING DATE: July 29, 2026 SERIES/GRADE: 1035/12 TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal) DIVISION: Director's Office LOCATION: Cambridge, MA AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates. SAO is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. What are Trust Fund Positions?

Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status.

The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side.

Benefits

, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). Conditions of Employment Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required. Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.

Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer. The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. S.

is not required to apply.

Requirements

within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. INTRODUCTION Reporting to the CfA Director of Communications, this position is a core role within the CfA Office of Communications, responsible for managing the Center’s digital presence and ensuring a clear, consistent visual identity across all platforms. They lead major web initiatives that connect the CfA’s many space missions and scientific programs into a unified, accessible institutional website; oversee branding, digital standards, and day‑to‑day web operations; and use analytics and digital marketing tools to improve audience reach and engagement.

This position serves as the CfA’s primary digital communications expert, shaping how the institution presents its core messages to the public and key stakeholders. SUMMARY The Digital Communications Manager at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard and Smithsonian oversees and strengthens the institution’s digital presence to ensure the Center communicates its science and successes clearly, consistently, and effectively to all audiences Reporting to the CfA Director of Communications, this position is a core role within the CfA Office of Communications, responsible for managing the Center’s digital presence and ensuring a clear, consistent visual identity across all platforms. They lead major web initiatives that connect the CfA’s many space missions and scientific programs into a unified, accessible institutional website; oversee branding, digital standards, and day‑to‑day web operations; and use analytics and digital marketing tools to improve audience reach and engagement.

This position serves as the CfA’s primary digital communications expert, shaping how the institution presents its core messages to the public and key stakeholders. Web Strategy & Project Management ● In partnership with the Director’s office, IT specialists and heads of scientific and engineering disciplines, leads a major effort to optimize and streamline CfA’s web presence. ● Using visuals and messaging consistency, connects the web presences of the CfA’s many federal and international missions and telescopes to the CfA’s main website ● Manages the continual review and improvement of static web pages; oversees day-to-day operations, content uploads, page management, and user experience for the primary agency website.