NSF has a unique, federal role in supporting basic scientific research and building the workforce to create knowledge that transforms the future. This type of support:

• Drives the U.S. economy.
• Enhances the nation's security.
• Advances knowledge to sustain global leadership.

GEO is charged with carrying out these responsibilities for the earth, atmospheric, geospace, and ocean sciences as well as research in the polar regions. GEO-funded research drives technological innovation while improving our understanding of Earth systems. GEO supports disciplinary and interdisciplinary studies that contribute directly to national research priorities such as: developing and deploying Earth observing capabilities to support evidence-based management, understanding future availability of fresh water and other critical natural resources, and understanding and adapting to the impacts of global change. The geosciences underlie understanding and capitalization of natural resources, both finite (such as minerals and fossil fuels) and renewable (such as wind and solar). Lives are saved, and property is preserved through better prediction and understanding of natural processes and environmental hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tornados, hurricanes, tsunamis, drought, wildfires, sea level rise and solar storms. Basic research supported by GEO enables preparation for, and adaptation to, the effects of these and other disruptive natural events. GEO engages actively with local, state and federal agencies as well as with the private sector and international partners. The activities of the Office of Polar Programs (OPP) fulfill national geopolitical requirements through operational support and national policy contributions. The GEO education portfolio enhances public understanding of the geosciences, while simultaneously supporting the development of a diverse and skilled geoscience workforce.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent is responsible for providing GEO with support on its communications outreach on GEO funded research, education, workforce development and training. This is conducted both through support for regular GEO activities and special assignments and projects.

The Policy Analyst is expected to work with minimal guidance, to exercise independent judgment and initiative, and to handle sensitive or confidential matters related to GEO. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Program Analysis and Communication

• Pursuing intensive research of complex geoscience and interdisciplinary research and results.
• Maintaining awareness of opportunities and issues being considered by GEO Leadership.
• When appropriate, the incumbent generates options for action, describes arguments for and against each option, and recommends courses of action.
• Researching and writing various materials.
• Providing support for the GEO Communication Team, the NSF Office of Legislative and Public Affairs (OLPA), external organizations, groups and individual stakeholders, ensuring credibility and consistency in GEO’s communications efforts; and coordinating communications activities and programs with GEO’s divisions and NSF officials.
• Managing the planning, development, implementation and tracking of internal and external communications activities related to the full range of GEO’s programs/activities; analyzing and evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of communications needs of the Office; and making key recommendations concerning the best techniques to accomplish outreach goals.

External Engagement

• Assisting GEO leadership in preparing speeches, talking points, presentations, and reports as well as executing events that enhance the reach and impact of GEO’s activities.
• Producing briefing materials to support GEO staff engaging with stakeholders.
• Helping develop new approaches for external engagement, including through new media.
• Establishing contacts and maintaining active involvement in professional activities.
• Providing information to the science community on how GEO is pursuing its mission and gathering information from the community and researching trends.
• Assisting GEO in interactions with various elements of partnership interactions.

Representation, Communication and Leadership

• Representing GEO within the scientific and related education communities.
• Creating and maintaining linkages to other GEO stakeholders and other federal agencies in pursuit of the overall GEO mission.
• Operating on an aggressive production and implementation schedule.
• Utilizing contemporary computer technologies and tools to disseminate information and communications on GEO programs and activities.
• Assisting with content oversight of the GEO internet home page.
• Pursuing affirmative action and EEO goals.
• Acting as a team player, including by being responsive to special projects, improving office communication, and seeking to improve the quality of GEO policies and performance.