Title: Communications Manager
State Role Title: PR & Mktg Spec IV
Hiring Range: $89,000-$110,000
Pay Band: 5
Agency: The Science Museum of Virginia
Location: NOVA Science Center
Agency Website: https://smv.org
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
Agency Overview:
The Science Museum works to inspire Virginians to enrich their lives through science. We create compelling and thought-provoking experiences that connect our community with the science all around them.
For almost 50 years, the Science Museum has been curating relevant science stories that are delivered through engaging exhibits, programming, demos, workshops, films, content and more. As we look toward our 50th anniversary as an institution, we’re pushing ourselves to be even more important in our community’s life to elevate science as the answer to our complicated world.
The Science Museum is unlike others in our field. We are a state agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia that benefits from state operating support as well as private funds raised through our Foundations to help support the mission. This support provides operational stability and growth opportunities as we evolve to not only meet the needs of our community, but also increase our impact. Our flagship location in Richmond and our satellite in Danville have reached two straight years of record attendance. The opening of our Northern Virginia campus in 2027 is poised to push annual visitation over 800,000, extending our reach and impact across the Commonwealth as we empower Virginians to see science not just as knowledge, but as a vital tool for shaping a better future.
Job Description:
The opening of the Northern Virginia Science Center is the largest project in the Science Museum’s history. As we prepare to open our doors in spring/summer 2027, we are seeking a Communications Manager who can turn big ideas into compelling stories, build meaningful connections with audiences, and help establish the Science Center’s voice and presence in Northern Virginia.
In this role, you will lead local communications efforts for the Northern Virginia Science Center and its Foundation, in collaboration with the Science Museum’s larger Communications team based in Richmond. You will use public relations, storytelling, copywriting, social media, photography and videography to build awareness, engagement and visitation. Reporting to the Science Museum’s Director of Communication, you will be the Communication project manager for the Science Center, helping to set priorities and ensuring the larger team in Richmond has all details needed to execute campaigns. You will manage local social media platforms, cultivate media relationships and tell stories that inspire people to discover what’s coming next.
This is an exciting opportunity for a communications professional who thrives on creativity, collaboration and bringing a new vision to life and who wants to help shape how Northern Virginia experiences its new science center for the first time.
The position primarily follows a Monday–Friday schedule with occasional evening and weekend events for photography, communications and other purposes.
The position will be based in Northern Virginia and we’re anticipating filling the role sometime this October. Training will take place in Richmond, with the candidate expected to spend 2-3 days a week in Richmond from October-January. Telework or other work arrangement will be made for the remaining days each week until the Science Center is fully constructed. Interested candidates must apply at https://jobs.virginia.gov/.
Benefits
The position offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, FSA, HRA, HSA, life insurance, 457 and pension plan, short and long-term disability and employee assistance program. The Science Museum has a generous paid time off policy, including vacation leave, four days family & personal leave, eight sick days per year and 12 paid holidays.
The salary range for this position is $89,000-$110,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, certifications, internal equity and applicable market considerations at the time of offer.
Minimum Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess demonstrated experience developing inspirational, engaging, and entertaining content for diverse audiences across marketing and communications platforms, as well as evaluating content effectiveness in achieving organizational goals. Strong public relations, writing, editing, relationship-building, and project management skills are essential, including experience developing PR strategies, pitching stories to media, and securing coverage. Proficiency with digital tools, including website content management systems, email marketing platforms, and social media analytics, along with basic photography and videography skills, is essential. The candidate must be organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple projects, meet critical deadlines, adapt to changing priorities, follow creative direction, and monitor digital platforms outside of regular work hours. Strong communication skills, creativity, curiosity, a passion for learning, and enthusiasm for collaboration are also essential. Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in communications, public relations, English, marketing, journalism, or a related field is essential.
Additional Considerations
Experience in communications, particularly within a nonprofit, museum, or public-facing institution, is a plus.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
The Science Museum of Virginia will accept ONLY online applications for all Science Museum employment opportunities. To be considered for this position, you must submit a Commonwealth of Virginia application or resume through the on-line “Virginia Jobs” (RMS) employment site no later than 11:55 p.m. on the closing date listed. If the position is an open until filled recruitment; the position will remain open for a minimum of 5 workdays or until the position is filled. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and additional qualifications stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided on the application; therefore, it is essential to provide detailed information. Submitting an application lacking in detail, may impact your interview eligibility. The RMS website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Please refer to your RMS account for the status of your application and this position. Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment within 90 days of the closing date. Computers are available for applying for jobs in public libraries and the Virginia Employment Commission offices.
The Science Museum seeks motivated people of all backgrounds. We value diversity of cultures, races and ethnicities, gender expressions, and abilities. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.
As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer the Science Museum Welcomes Veterans to apply! We provide hiring preference to Veterans and Members of the Virginia National Guard in support of Executive Order 29, (2010). If you are a Veteran or Virginia National Guard Member, we urge you to respond accordingly on your state application or resume.
Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a criminal history background check. A record of criminal history does not automatically bar an applicant from consideration. Employment verification will be conducted to include current/previous supervisory employment reference checks.
The Science Museum will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.
Contact Information
Name: Human Resources
Phone: 804.372.3766
Email: hr@smv.org
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.