Communications Associate

Full-time FAS staff

Washington, DC

Why FAS?  

Does FAS sound like an organization that you would be energized to join?  Is it aligned to 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.

Skills and Expertise: Must Haves

Skills

What skills do you need to possess to be a strong candidate?

Ability for fruitful collaboration coupled with an ability to work independently to move projects forward:

• Working across the organization help a range of policy teams communicate complex policy ideas in clever and engaging ways to maximize policy impact
• Creating unique ways to tell the larger organization story of FAS
• Helping teams consider new ways and mediums with which to reach a variety of  audiences
• Balancing rapid-response communications efforts with longer-term strategic communications plans 
• Constantly working to expand and diversify FAS’s reach, and helping to reach groups traditionally left out of the policymaking conversation

Expertise

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

• Excellent written, phone and in-person communication skills
• Familiarity with and enthusiasm for science and innovative government policy
• Proven ability to follow through on clear action plans
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple issues at the same time
• Know how to write for different audiences, at different levels of existing knowledge
• A spirit of experimentation and creativity when it comes to non-traditional communications outreach (social media, video)

Nice to haves

• Experience with Salesforce
• Familiarity with media tracking software such as MuckRack
• Experience with WordPress and Google Analytics
• Experience with Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, or Premiere
• Experience with website design and management
• A good eye for stories and trends before they go big 
• An impressive meme folder

To Sum It Up…

What’s the “elevator pitch” for the role?

The Federation of American Scientists is looking for a Communications Associate to join its communications team. This role would add to a small but increasingly sophisticated communications department focused on building FAS’s reputation as a hub of innovative and actionable policy ideas across a wide range of science- and technology-related policy areas, and getting attention for those policy ideas to maximize impact to make the country and the world a safer, prosperous, and more equitable place for all. 

The ideal candidate for this role will possess stellar writing skills, a knack for communicating complex policy concepts in clever and engaging ways on a variety of different platforms and through media outreach, a familiarity with analytics to help track social and traditional media performance, and an enthusiasm for collaboration and experimentation. 

This candidate will also possess an interest in science and technology, and a curiosity about how sound policy can make a difference in people’s lives.

Work Environment 

This position will be a hybrid role, meaning that both remote and in-person work can be accommodated, generally two to three days per week on-site, and two to three days per week remote.  

This position is included in a union-represented collective bargaining unit, and specific terms and conditions of employment are subject to collective bargaining.

For this role, much of the work will consist of working with policy teams to craft stories about their work to maximize reach and impact with important stakeholders in the federal government and on Capitol Hill, as well as creating and executing unique ways to raise FAS’s profile with the public at large.

Salary Range

$60,000-$65,000

Hiring Statement

Don’t 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 you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t 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.  Employment is contingent on successful verification of eligibility to work in the United States.