Astrophysics and Space Communications Associate

Schmidt Sciences is a nonprofit organization founded in 2024 by Eric and Wendy Schmidt that works to accelerate scientific knowledge and breakthroughs with the most promising, advanced tools to support a thriving planet.

The organization prioritizes research in areas poised for impact including AI and advanced computing, astrophysics, biosciences, climate, and space—as well as supporting researchers in a variety of disciplines through its science systems program.

• Lead the development of clear, unified narratives for Schmidt Sciences' astrophysics portfolio of programs
• Serve as a thought partner to astrophysics program staff on positioning, messaging and presentation support
• Highlight the voices and work of astrophysics grantees through profiles, interviews and feature stories
• Draft and edit high-quality written materials including press releases, website content, reports, blog posts, newsletters, op-eds, social posts, speeches and explainer materials
• Translate complex astrophysics, instrumentation and scientific research into accessible language for diverse audiences including media, and the public
• Pitch stories to journalists, podcasters, and other influencers in astrophysics and space science and the general public
• Ensure consistency in tone, brand, and messaging across communications
• Collaborate on multimedia storytelling efforts for the Astrophysics and Space Center, including video, audio, interactive features and short-form explainers
• Draft and develop content, calendar and post to Schmidt Sciences social media channels
• Monitor and analyze communications performance metrics to evaluate effectiveness and inform strategy
• Identify opportunities to innovate using digital tools, data visualization or emerging AI technologies to strengthen communications
• Maintain an active understanding of trends in astrophysics research across academia and industry to ensure messaging remains timely and credible
• Monitor astrophysics grantee publications and Schmidt Sciences-funded research for amplification on owned media channels
• Manage incoming communications requests from internal teams and external partners for the Astrophysics and Space Center, ensuring accuracy and adherence to brand standards
• Provide general project support to the communications director as needed
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across programs
• Some national or international travel will be required

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, astronomy, astrophysics, physics or a related field
• 3 - 5 years of professional experience in communications
• Previous experience pitching stories successfully and working with the press
• Strong working knowledge of astrophysics, observational astronomy, astronomical instrumentation and computational tools
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical topics into clear, compelling narratives for non-expert audiences
• Strong track record of collaboration with researchers, scientists or technical subject matter experts
• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Experience using AI tools to enhance day-to-day workflows and productivity
• Experience managing websites, digital content platforms and social channels
• Familiarity with analytics tools and audience engagement metrics
• Strong project management skills and ability to coordinate multiple initiatives simultaneously
• High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment

• Experience working in philanthropic, academic, research or technology-focused institutions
• Emerging network of connections at publications, social media channels and other domains that cover astrophysics and space news
• Experience with data analysis or visualization tools
• Design sensibility and working knowledge of creative tools such as Adobe Creative Suite or audio/video editing software
• Portfolio demonstrating science or space storytelling
• Interest in or exposure to both academic and industry astrophysics research environments
• Experience with analytics, audience engagement metrics, or performance tracking

Additional information

This is an exempt position.

Schmidt Sciences, is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that proudly pursues and hires a

diverse workforce.

We do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color,

religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender-identity, sexual

orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable local,

state, or federal laws or prohibited by Company policy.

We strive for a healthy and safe workplace and

strictly prohibit harassment of any kind.