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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER for SOFIA Job Summary: The Public Affairs Officer for SOFIA (the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) will be responsible for ensuring high quality media and public visibility for the observatory, working with and supervising a staff growing to 3 assistants by the time SOFIA reaches full operational status. The Public Affairs Officer will be a key member of the SOFIA observatory staff, one of two deputy directors of the SOFIA Outreach effort, reporting to the Outreach Director while coordinating SOFIA public affairs with NASA Public Affairs and the SOFIA Science and Mission Operations Director. Context: SOFIA will be the world's largest airborne observatory, featuring a 2.5-meter telescope mounted in a modified Boeing 747SP aircraft. SOFIA's scientific mission is being developed and will be operated in the U.S. for NASA by the Universities Space Research Association (USRA). First scientific observations are expected in mid-2009, ramping up to full operations over the next few years. SOFIA's Outreach program, including both education & public outreach and public affairs, is conducted via a contract jointly administered by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific and the SETI Institute. Job Responsibilities: Develop and lead a proactive media relations program that will provide information for media and the public regarding SOFIA's science, technology and education programs, and that will be responsive to the needs and requirements of electronic, broadcast and print media. Produce SOFIA science news releases and other public affairs materials. Manage the process for approval by NASA and SOFIA constituent organizations of news releases and public affairs materials. Work closely with NASA, USRA, scientific Principal Investigators and their institutions, Germany's Aerospace Center (DLR) and the Deutches SOFIA Institut (DSI), to ensure a constant flow of accurate, interesting and up-to-date information to media and the public. Oversee public contents of the SOFIA observatory website. Exercise supervisory responsibilities as the SOFIA public affairs staff expands. Work on other SOFIA Outreach projects as necessary. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree required, preferably in science, journalism, or communications. Experience as a working journalist or in media relations required. Knowledge of astronomy required. Excellent English communication skills (both oral and written) required. Full computer literacy including standard office applications is required. Preferred Qualifications: a graduate degree in science, journalism, communications or a related field is highly desirable. Experience with new media (e.g. podcasting, web streaming) is also desirable. Knowledge of spoken and/or written German a plus. Status: Exempt. Location: NASA's Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, between San Francisco and San Jose. Some domestic and foreign travel required. Compensation: Starting salary range is between $70,000 and $80,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications, plus a benefits package. The successful candidate will be an employee of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, a non-profit organization. How to Apply: Send letter of interest and resume to: Dr.
Dana Backman Position available August 1, 2008. Open until filled. The Astronomical Society of the Pacific is an equal opportunity employer.
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