Join Our Team!
The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) at the Department of Education is seeking applications for a Communications Officer.
With an annual program budget of over $550 million and a staff of approximately 175 people, IES supports a wide range of research, statistics, assessment, and evaluation activities designed to provide rigorous evidence to inform education practice and policy from preschool to postsecondary education and for all students, including students with disabilities, English Language Learners, and adult learners. We fund education researchers nationwide who conduct studies that address topics concerning the education community and support programs to train the next generation of education researchers. We collect and analyze statistics on the condition of education, conduct long-term longitudinal studies and surveys, support international assessments, and carry out the National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as the Nation's Report Card. We conduct evaluations of large-scale educational projects and federal education programs. We help states work toward data-driven school improvement by providing grants for the development and use of longitudinal data systems. Finally, we provide the public with accurate and accessible information through a variety of dissemination strategies and technical assistance programs, including the What Works Clearinghouse, the Education Resources Information Center, and the Regional Educational Laboratories.
The Communications Officer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and measuring the effectiveness of a comprehensive strategic plan for communicating the overall mission and ongoing work of IES to key audiences, such as policymakers at the state and national level, by employing traditional print and social media, the IES website, news outlets, and face-to-face opportunities for audiences to engage with IES staff and researchers. He or she will serve as IES’ primary media contact to communicate major developments in IES research, statistics, assessment, and evaluation activities to both general interest media outlets as well as organizations in the education sector. He or she will also enhance the capacity of IES staff at all levels to present important findings in an accurate and engaging manner by staying abreast of developments in communications technology and providing examples of and opportunities for learning more about effective communications strategies.
Ideal applicants for this position will possess:
- a demonstrated commitment to connecting research, policy, and practice in education;
- experience in writing, editing, and media or public relations for both academic and non-academic (e.g., education practitioners and policymakers) audiences and publications;
- training in social science research methods, including basic statistics;
- excellent verbal and written communication skills;
- a proven record of working collaboratively with internal and external partners; and
- a creative and flexible approach to solving problems.
If interested, please apply online to either of the following links by Friday, September 12, 2014:
- Associate Research Scientist:
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/361114000 - Research Scientist:
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/361111900