Senior Advisor, Strategic Science Communications

Compensation: Up to $72000 total depending on experience and final scope

To Sum It Up

Whats the elevator pitch for the role

The Federation of American Scientists is seeking an experienced part-time Senior Advisor Strategic Science Communications to join our Engaged Science and Technology Policy (ESP) Initiative for a 6-month contract. The Senior Advisor will drive the development of a strategic communications playbook manage convenings and the formation of a strategic communications working group and support the development of strategic communications for key policy proposals. Our ESP Initiative aims to strengthen the science research and innovation enterprise through efforts to protect the existing infrastructure; develop systemic good faith reforms; and communicate the public impact of the science and research enterprise. The Senior Advisor will report to the Senior Manager Innovation and Design.

Skills and Expertise: Must Haves

What skills do you need to show proficiency (or higher) in order to be a strong candidate

• At least 7-10 years of strategic communications experience directly or closely related to science technology innovation and/or policy;
• Proven ability to develop targeted messaging for distinct audiences and translating complex technical or policy content into accessible communications for general audiences;
• Demonstrated experience designing managing and facilitating convenings workshops or structured stakeholder engagement processes with high-profile thought leaders;
• Demonstrated ability to deliver complex projects on time with limited oversight;
• Ability to develop social media and content dissemination strategies including platform selection and content architecture;
• Knowledge of the traditional and non-traditional media landscape and experience managing media relations for events;
• Exceptional writing editing communication and collaboration skills;
• Familiarity with the federal science and technology policy landscape (e.g. federal government S&T institutions);
• Enthusiasm for strengthening bridges between the public and science and technology policy organizations;
• A commitment to diversity equity and inclusion and pursuing it within the mission of FAS and within the broader science and technology ecosystem.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience developing communications designed to reach across ideological lines and/or transpartisan audiences;
• Knowledge of communications research methodologies and frameworks;
• Experience supporting congressional science policy communications (e.g. developing materials for congressional outreach policy proposals);
• Experience designing and managing message testing;
• Bachelors and/or advanced degree in strategic communications communications science communications public relations public policy science policy journalism marketing or related field.

Core Responsibilities

• Manage design and execute a series of convenings (i.e. one in-person and 1-2 virtual) focused on science and technology policy communication challenges including stakeholder engagement and programming
• Develop briefs that synthesize and capture the outputs from the convenings to inform a strategic science and technology communications playbook
• Create a strategic science and technology communications playbook for science and technology organizations to develop and refine their communication strategies with the public and/or communication professionals who serve as proxies for the public
• Manage any media relations needs related to the convenings
• Support ESP staff in developing strategic and/or traditional communications for policy proposals. This may include:
  • Developing a social media and dissemination strategy (e.g. building partnerships with influencers) to communicate policy proposals with target audiences
  • Developing an actionable evidence-based strategy for engaging national and local media outlets (traditional and non-traditional) to communicate policy proposals with target audiences
• (Optional) Conduct message testing to inform the strategic science and technology communications playbook and/or to advance ESP policy proposals

Work Environment

This position is fully remote; however if the selected candidate is located in Washington DC presence in person at FAS offices can be accommodated. Some travel to FAS offices in Washington D.C. will be expected. FAS will cover approved business travel costs.

Compensation Range

Compensation is up to $72000 total for the 6-month contract depending on experience and final scope of work. This role is expected to be part-time with scope and time commitment finalized during the contracting process.

Why FAS

Does FAS sound like an organization that you would be energized to join Is it aligned with your values

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) takes quite seriously our role as a beacon and voice for the science community.

FAS has a rich history: after the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 a group of atomic researchers deeply concerned about the use of science for malice created an organization committed to using science and technology to benefit humanity.

The group they created the Federation of Atomic Scientists soon became the Federation of American Scientists in recognition of the hundreds of scientists across diverse disciplines who joined together to speak with one voice for the betterment of the world.

Today we are a group of entrepreneurial intrepid changemakers forging a better future for all through the nexus of science technology and talent. We value equity inclusion and transparency. As a collective we are building an organization focused on being impact-driven customer-focused and growth-oriented as a force for good in the world.

Hiring Statement

Dont check off every box Apply anyway! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every listed qualification. At FAS we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and developing new voices. If youre excited about this role but your past experience doesnt align perfectly we encourage you to apply anyway you might just be the right candidate.

The Federation of American Scientists is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion gender identity or expression national origin age disability genetic information marital status amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal state and local laws. The Federation of American Scientists prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about discuss or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant.

Proposal Submission Requirements

Interested consultants are invited to submit a comprehensive proposal that includes the following:

1. Individual / Company Overview

• Background and experience in science and technology communications (portfolio and/or examples of previous work)
• Previous experience managing and facilitating workshops and events
• Previous experience with event communications
• Previous experience with media campaign creation
• Commitment to ethical behavior

2. Proposed Approach

3. Proposed Budget

4. References

• Contact information for at least three references from previous clients

Closing Date: WednesdayJun 17 2026 11:59PM ET

Evaluation Criteria

All proposals will be reviewed and evaluated based on relevant experience and qualifications the technical approach writing and previous work quality the understanding of project goals the proposed workplan and timeline cost and diversity equity and inclusion.

Confidentiality and Intellectual Property

All information shared with the selected consultant in connection with this engagement including but not limited to project goals strategic frameworks stakeholder identities convening content internal deliberations draft materials and any other non-public information provided by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) or its partners is considered confidential and proprietary. The selected consultant agrees to hold all such information in strict confidence and shall not disclose share reproduce or otherwise communicate confidential project information to any third party without the prior written consent of FAS.

All work products developed under this contract including but not limited to the strategic communications playbook convening materials and syntheses messaging frameworks media and dissemination strategies and any other deliverables produced in connection with this engagement are the sole and exclusive property of the Federation of American Scientists. All such work products shall be considered works made for hire under applicable copyright law. To the extent any work product does not qualify as a work made for hire the consultant hereby assigns to FAS all right title and interest in and to such work products including all intellectual property rights therein.

The consultant shall not use any confidential information or work products developed under this engagement for any purpose other than the performance of services under this contract and shall not reference reproduce or display such materials in whole or in part in portfolios proposals publications presentations or any other public or professional context without the prior written consent of FAS.

These confidentiality and intellectual property obligations shall survive the termination or expiration of the contract.