Communications Specialist

Allegheny Science & Technology (AST) is seeking a Communications Specialist to support our Department of Energy customer. Candidates must have a demonstrated ability to effectively interact with and elicit information from engineers and other technical subject matter experts, locate primary sources, synthesize disparate data points into a focused message, and communicate technical topics to non-technical audiences while maintaining high standards of quality across all channels. Duties include, but are not limited to, the development of communications collateral in the form of written reports, PowerPoint presentations, graphical and information driven visuals, memos, website content, and social media products.  Other critical communications support tasks include the development and maintenance of digital communications products, social media products and campaigns to ensure that critical programs and projects are properly and successfully presented, messaged, and curated to the proper audiences both internal and external.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leads the design and maintenance of key PowerPoint slide decks for usage in internal and external communications, events, and presentations including speaker preparation for important meetings and engagements. Aligns content to speaker voice and to the needs of specific audiences.
• Leads technical writing, copy-editing, and proofreading of various communications and liaising with numerous Subject Matter Experts to interpret, summarize, analyze, and visually represent data, analyses, and messages.
• Works closely with graphic designer, web designer, and other Communications Team members to create superior work products.
• Assists with vetting information and materials with leadership, senior staff, related stakeholders, and other offices as needed throughout the DOE and National Lab complex.
• Assists in the production of infographics and illustrations to support all client materials, internal and external including the development of corresponding digital communications products (e.g., fact sheets, presentations, press statements, etc.).
• Assists in the creation of social media content, particularly for Twitter and LinkedIn.
• Assists with developing, implementing, and updating strategic communications plans, including but not limited to individual event promotion, stakeholder engagement plans, program communications, and social media campaigns.
• Assists the development and tracking of performance metrics and reports on emergent trends and new opportunities to engage stakeholders.
• Engages in independent research to contextualize and supplement information for presentations and briefings; assists with background research on speaking engagements, organizations, and audience analysis.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience in science, energy, or technology is preferred with an enhanced preference for experience in government consulting or government service.
• A Bachelor’s Degree or higher is required.
• Must have a minimum of three (3) to seven (7) years combined relevant experience in programmatic and corporate communications, public speaking, consulting, or other closely related field(s) – additional years of experience or post-graduate degrees may be substituted for education or experience requirements
• Experience in managing a broad set communication activities and programs is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint.

Desired Qualifications:

• Proficiency with Adobe Creative applications (i.e., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is preferred.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment
• Experience working with Senior Level Executives
• Demonstrated ability to be self-directed, take initiative, and see projects through to completion
• Working within a cross-functional team
• Ability to manage multiple messaging efforts at once
• Project Management skills
• Proven mastery of PowerPoint presentation and slide development
• Open to telework
• AST would like to see writing samples, especially slide decks and examples of technical writing/editing

Other Qualifications:

• U.S. Citizenship is required
• Candidates must be located within commutable distance to Washington, D.C.
• The duties of this position require the candidate to report to a designated DOE Reporting Center or the DOE Forrestal Building in Washington, D.C. during their daily work schedule. The reporting location will be defined at the time the position is filled. Unless otherwise stated, the default DOE Reporting Center is the DOE Forrestal Building in Washington, D.C. Occasional or regularly scheduled telework may be available for this position as workload or other conditions allow and will be negotiated at the time of appointment. These teleworking agreements, if accepted by both parties, are intended to be flexible and may change during the term of this appointment. Initial teleworking agreements are not guaranteed to remain unchanged and workload or other conditions may require the candidate to report full time to the designated DOE Reporting Center.

Multiple factors contribute to determining the final pay for a position. These include, but are not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications, and competencies that align with the specific role, geographic location, educational background, and contract provisions related to labor categories specific to the position. We are committed to offering a competitive compensation package that reflects the value and expertise that each candidate brings to our team. 

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is $80,000 - $120,000.