Description:

The Senior Digital Communications Specialist provides digital communications, website management, and content development support to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Standards Coordination Office (SCO). This role supports the development, maintenance, and enhancement of standards.gov, nist.gov/SCO, and related digital communications platforms.

The specialist will support federal communications initiatives by developing web content, publications, graphics, and outreach materials that highlight U.S. government leadership in international standards and conformity assessment activities.

This position requires expertise in government web communications, Drupal-based website management, accessibility compliance (Section 508), and digital content strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Digital Communications & Website Management

• Develop, update, and maintain digital content for standards.gov and nist.gov/SCO websites.
  
• Create and revise web pages including content authoring, editing, formatting, and routing through NIST approval workflows.
  
• Design navigation structures, menus, quick links, and other user interface elements to improve website usability.
  
• Manage website content migration activities between standards.gov and NIST web platforms.
  
• Apply appropriate metadata tagging and ensure content aligns with NIST digital communication standards.
  

Content Development & Editorial Support

• Draft, edit, and publish digital content related to U.S. government standards activities and programs.
  
• Coordinate with NIST staff and federal partners to develop success stories, case studies, and other web content.
  
• Ensure digital content adheres to NIST Public Affairs Office (PAO) branding, style, and editorial guidelines.
  
• Support development and editing of technical and policy communications materials.
  

Publications & Technical Documentation Support

• Provide editorial and formatting support for NVLAP handbooks, publications, and lab bulletins.
  
• Prepare finalized publications for submission through the NIST publication approval system.
  
• Maintain consistency, accuracy, and readability across technical communications products.
  

Graphic Design & Outreach Support

• Develop digital graphics and visual assets for websites, publications, and outreach materials.
  
• Design trade show and outreach materials including exhibit graphics, banners, and promotional materials.
  
• Ensure visual content aligns with federal branding and accessibility standards.
  

Accessibility & Compliance

• Review digital content, publications, and training materials for Section 508 accessibility compliance.
  
• Update and remediate web content and documents to meet federal accessibility requirements.
  
• Conduct accessibility reviews of PowerPoint, PDF, and web-based materials.
  

Reporting & Coordination

• Coordinate closely with NIST program staff, SMEs, and the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).
  
• Prepare and submit Monthly Status Reports summarizing work performed and project progress.
  
• Support coordination with federal agencies contributing content to standards.gov.
  
• Maintain documentation, schedules, and deliverables associated with digital communications tasks.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Digital Media, Journalism, Public Affairs, or a related field.
  
• 10+ years of experience managing government or enterprise websites, including Drupal-based platforms.
  
• Strong knowledge of Section 508 accessibility compliance requirements.
  
• Demonstrated experience supporting federal government communications initiatives.
  
• Experience developing digital content for government or public sector organizations.
  
• Advanced proficiency with:
  
  • Drupal CMS
    
  • HTML/CSS basics
    
  • Microsoft Office Suite
    
  • Adobe Creative Suite or comparable graphic tools
    

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting NIST, federal standards organizations, or regulatory agencies.
  
• Familiarity with standards development, conformity assessment, or laboratory accreditation programs.
  
• Experience collaborating with federal Public Affairs Offices.
  
• Knowledge of federal web governance and digital communications policies.
  
• Experience developing outreach materials and communications strategies for government programs.