Community Engagement Specialist (IS-0301-11)
Smithsonian Institution
Cambridge, MA, USA
USD 83,742-108,859 / year
Posted on Dec 12, 2025
OPENING DATE: December 11, 2025
CLOSING DATE: January 9, 2026
SERIES/GRADE: IS-0020-11
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: Directors Office
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
CLOSING DATE: January 9, 2026
SERIES/GRADE: IS-0020-11
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: Directors Office
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
- Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
- Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
- Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
- The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
- Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
- Application Deadline
- January 09, 2026
- Department
- Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Location
- Cambridge, MA
- Workplace type
- Onsite
- Compensation
- $83,742 - $108,859 / year
OVERVIEW
INTRODUCTION
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.
SUMMARY
The Community Engagement Specialist will play a critical role in advancing the mission of the STARS (Scientists Taking Astronomy to Rural Schools) program by building, growing, and maintaining strong relationships with K-12 schools, school districts, and teachers in rural communities. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position drives initiative-taking outreach and communication efforts, coordinates community events (e.g., star parties), and fosters a community of practices among teachers and schools participating in the STARS program. The Community Engagement Specialist will collaborate with scientists, educators, and delivery specialists to create engaging and impactful learning experiences that inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.
SUMMARY
The Community Engagement Specialist will play a critical role in advancing the mission of the STARS (Scientists Taking Astronomy to Rural Schools) program by building, growing, and maintaining strong relationships with K-12 schools, school districts, and teachers in rural communities. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position drives initiative-taking outreach and communication efforts, coordinates community events (e.g., star parties), and fosters a community of practices among teachers and schools participating in the STARS program. The Community Engagement Specialist will collaborate with scientists, educators, and delivery specialists to create engaging and impactful learning experiences that inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
MAJOR DUTIES
- Serves as an advisor to leadership on outreach policy, equity, and culturally responsive engagement practices.
- Builds and maintains partnerships with community leaders, advocacy groups, nonprofits, and underserved populations to advance mission objectives.
- Develops and delivers tailored messaging through public presentations, digital platforms, and community forums.
- Analyzes community feedback, demographic data, and participation trends to inform program improvements and policy recommendations.
- Coordinates cross-functional teams to implement engagement campaigns aligned with agency priorities.
- Manages digital engagement tools, including social media, newsletters, and virtual town halls.
- Prepares comprehensive reports and briefings on engagement outcomes, stakeholder concerns, and strategic recommendations.
- Community Relationship Building and Management
- Identify and cultivate new K-12 rural school partnerships and opportunities to expand STARS’s reach.
- Serve as the primary liaison between STARS and rural school partners to guide them through onboarding and gather feedback to inform program development and delivery.
- Work with educational content specialists and scientists to ensure program delivery materials align with the needs of teachers and schools, while collecting feedback.
- Implement and foster communities of practice among the school partners to increase sustained participation and opportunities to make connections among the network and extensions to other Smithsonian opportunities.
- Program Support and Implementation
- Advise in logistical aspects of events, such as star parties and training workshops, including scheduling, planning, and communicating about events.
- Work closely with delivery and education development specialists to ensure effective delivery of program content to align program goals and community needs.
- Advise in the recruitment, orientation, and scheduling of local volunteers and community networks to support program implementation and delivery.
- Professional Development and Training
- Organize webinars, in-person workshops, and virtual consultations with educators to deepen teacher and school engagement in STARS.
- Work with education development specialists in developing and delivering training sessions for teachers, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to implement the curriculum and learning materials in their classrooms and schools effectively.
- Collaboration and Innovation
- Stay informed about strategies and best practices in rural school/community engagement, integrating innovative approaches into the program.
- Partner with program staff and community schools to design tools and support that enable rural teachers and schools to engage with program content.
- Participate in program evaluation efforts, gathering data to assess community impact and inform improvements.
- Documentation and Reporting
- Maintain detailed documentation of school partners, contacts, and engagement methods, on a state-by-state basis.
- Contribute to reports for funders and stakeholders, highlighting the impact and outcomes of the program.
- Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining relationships with educators, schools, or community organizations.
- Experience working with underserved or rural communities is highly desirable.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Basic Requirements:
Minimum of one year specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 9 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as perform the duties of the position such as organizing nationwide networks of expert practitioners, maintaining communities of practice/online learning communities, engaging broad audiences in a regional or nationwide program.
OR
Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
OR
3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree.
OR
a combination of education and experience.
For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on the web at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0300/miscellaneous-administration-and-program-series-0301/
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:
- Excellent knowledge and experience of community engagement, public affairs, and strategic communication.
- Ability to apply analytical and cultural competency frameworks to develop inclusive outreach strategies.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with people from various communities.
- Excellent skills in written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create clear engaging strategies of communication.
- Critical knowledge and skills in critical thinking and the ability to navigate complex community/partner issues.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with teams and stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills and diligence, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact hr@cfa.harvard.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact hr@cfa.harvard.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: https://www.si.edu/oeesd.
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/
About Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is joined by Harvard College Observatory to form the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian. The Center is a collaboration between Harvard and Smithsonian designed to ask — and ultimately answer — humanity’s greatest unresolved questions about the nature of the universe. Founded in 1973, the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian is an ongoing collaboration designed to foster innovation and propel discovery. Our mission is to advance knowledge of the Universe through research in astronomy and astrophysics and in related areas of fundamental physics and geophysics.
At the CfA, scientists in a broad range of disciplines study the universe at every scale, from every wavelength, and using telescopes and instruments that span and orbit the globe, all with a single purpose: making groundbreaking discoveries that advance human knowledge.
At the CfA, scientists in a broad range of disciplines study the universe at every scale, from every wavelength, and using telescopes and instruments that span and orbit the globe, all with a single purpose: making groundbreaking discoveries that advance human knowledge.
Our Hiring Process
Stage 1:
Applied
Stage 2:
Qualifications Review
Stage 3:
Phone Screen
Stage 4:
First Interview