Communications Specialist

Description

Job Description:

We are seeking a Communications Specialist who is current with industry trends, can build relationships, collaborates across multiple functions and has the ability to support the ongoing communication needs of the Antarctic Support Contract (ASC) program. The Communications Specialist will be a part of the Communications Team reporting to the Communications Manager. NSF OPP is the designated single point manager for the United States Antarctic Program. ANT supports research in all areas of science in Antarctica and works in close collaboration with OPP's Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics Section (AIL), other parts of OPP and NSF, other U.S. agencies, and national Antarctic programs in other countries to support high-priority research in Antarctica.

About the Antarctic Support Contract:

Leidos Antarctic Support Contract (ASC) is the prime contractor to the National Science Foundation (NSF) in support of the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). Leidos supports the NSF’s Office of Polar Program’s Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics by aligning with their Mission and Vision Statements:

• Vision:  Expanding our scientific reach in Antarctica through increased operational and logistical effectiveness.

• Mission:  To provide the operational and logistical platform necessary for the U.S. to conduct world-class science in Antarctica and maintain its active and influential presence on the continent.

Leidos ASC provides science and logistics support for approximately 150 science and technical events across three geographically remote research stations; McMurdo Station, Palmer Station, and South Pole Station and several deep field sites across Antarctica. Each station or field site supports world class research across multiple science disciplines.  The planning and implementation of science support requirements in Antarctica is a critical part of our mission.

Primary Responsibilities:

The selected candidate will provide communications support, including strategic planning, producing marketing and communications collateral, executing internal and external communications campaigns, and developing information products for the Antarctic Support Contract (ASC) under the US Antarctic Program (USAP), specifically:

• Assisting the Communications manager, developing a robust internal communications program for ASC and USAP participants that includes an internal program newsletter, facilitating All-Hands planning and team meetings,  providing support for program Diversity Equity and Inclusion projects and other HR initiatives,  providing deployment support through communications orientations, participant media training, and participant Zoom calls, and assists with programmatic general messaging.

• Writes, edits, proofreads, and/or provides writing and graphic design support on non-technical and/or technical documents.

• Conceptualizes, designs, and develops marketing and branding of ASC initiatives, including website content, video scripts, articles, podcasts, social media messaging, and other multi-media assets, ensuring program collateral is up-to-date and reflects the organization’s current policies.

• Omnichannel Support via social media - Synthesize complex program initiatives and policies to create messaging for employees, stakeholders, and  the public.

• USAP Publications/Guides - Monitors and updates publications as needed ensuring appropriateness, consistency, and proper use of logos and customer branding, including the USAP Participant Guide.

• Conforms to policies, guidelines, and procedures with adherence to plain language guidelines and communication best practices, and USAP, OPP (Office of Polar Programs), and ASC branding guidelines.

• Media and Distinguished Visitor support – provide implementer support.

• Provides official ASC photography.

• Responds to queries from key stakeholders, participants, and the public.

• Maintain the USAP Photo Library / Historical Archives – Gather relevant technical information, coordinating with stakeholders or other experts, developing draft and final copies of documentation while ensuring documents meet editorial and government specifications and adhering to quality, graphics, coverage, format, and style.

• Manage ASC Educational Outreach - Provide support by managing educational outreach communication products for schools and universities, programs, strategic messaging, creative production, and content development.

• USAP Extreme Cold Weather Gear Loan program - Coordinates the reservation, loan, and distribution of presentation materials, ECW issue gear, and keeps accurate records of long-term loan agreements.  

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 4 to 8 years of prior relevant experience or master’s with 2 to 6 years of previous relevant experience

• Excellent writing skills with demonstrated experience writing and editing various types of communications, including web content, articles, communications plans, and marketing materials with experience communicating science to the general public.

• The candidate must communicate well orally and possess excellent writing skills to various levels of management.

• Working knowledge and proficiency in utilizing Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Skilled in Adobe InDesign, Canva, Trello, social media platforms, and web-based graphic design software.

Must be able to obtain a Public Trust Security clearance.

U.S. Citizenship/permanent residence is required.

Pay Range:

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is a Fortune 500® technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world’s toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, civil, and health markets. The company’s 46,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $14.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2022.  For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at [email protected].

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Commitment to Diversity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.