Communications & Outreach Specialist

Dragonfly is a Convergent Research Focused Research Organization (FRO). Our mission is to capture the faint cosmic web of gas that connects galaxies across the universe, using a groundbreaking distributed-aperture telescope with over 1000 high-end telephoto lenses.

To learn more about the project, visit www.mothratelescope.org.

We are looking for a talented Communications & Outreach Specialist to help share the progress and excitement of MOTHRA with public audiences. In this role, you will communicate project developments across our website and social media channels, highlighting construction, scientific publications, and the team and technology behind the project.

Reporting to the Dragonfly project leadership, you will collaborate closely with members of the scientific and project team to develop accurate, engaging, and visually compelling content. This is a part-time position for an initial one-year term, with the possibility of extension.

The position is remote, and the candidate can be based out of Canada or the United States.

Responsibilities

• Plan and publish regular content for MOTHRA’s Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube Shorts accounts.

• Develop accessible and engaging updates about construction, scientific publications, and other project milestones.

• Write and publish concise, image-rich news and blog posts for the MOTHRA website.

• Use social media content to direct audiences to longer-form content on the website.

• Source, organize, and prepare photographs, short videos, astronomical images, and other visual content provided by the team.

• Develop occasional newsletter content, including email distribution if a subscriber list is established.

• Support the preparation, organization, and distribution of press releases in coordination with the team and relevant partner organizations.

• Develop a monthly communications plan based on upcoming project activities and priorities.

• Maintain lightweight tracking of published content, media coverage, engagement, and audience growth.

• Consult with team members to ensure technical content is accurate and sensitive information is handled appropriately.

• As time and project priorities permit, the role may also include:

  • Producing occasional longer-form YouTube videos, approximately 8-10 minutes in length.

  • Supporting collaborations with established science, astronomy, astrophotography, or filmmaking content creators.

  • Coordinating podcast, interview, and other media opportunities.

  • Preparing background information, summaries, quotes, and image packages for journalists and partner press offices.

Qualifications & Assets

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience creating science, nature, or technology content for public audiences through social media, web, video, broadcast, education, or similar channels.

• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate technical material into clear, accurate, and engaging content.

• Practical experience sourcing or creating visual content, completing basic video editing, and publishing content across web and social media platforms.

• Excellent communication, time management, and organizational skills.

• Ability to plan and manage a regular content schedule independently.

• Sound judgment about when to work independently and when to consult the project team regarding technical or sensitive material.

• Enthusiasm for astronomy, science communication, and the night sky.

• Education or professional experience in science communication, communications, journalism, education, content creation, or a related field.

Assets:

• Familiarity with astrophotography and the astrophotography community.

• Experience communicating astronomy or other areas of scientific research.

• Experience working with journalists, press offices, press releases, or media embargoes.

• An established network or presence in astronomy-focused media or content creation.

• Involvement in astronomy clubs, public outreach, or education.

• Experience working in a start-up or start-up-like environment.

What we offer

• Flexible working hours and location. The FRO is goal-oriented and most of the team works remotely, with occasional in-person team meetings.

• A baseline commitment of approximately 16 hours per week, with the possibility of additional hours around major milestones, planned in advance.

• Competitive compensation of USD $40 to $50 per hour, adjusted based on experience and location.