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Scientific Multimedia Researcher

The position is hybrid, with potential for full-time at the client site in Alexandria, VA.

Spire Communications is hiring a full-time multimedia researcher with demonstrated expertise in digital asset management, multimedia sourcing, and rights clearance to support strategic communications for the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). This role manages NSF’s multimedia resources, including researching, sourcing, evaluating, organizing, and preparing image and video assets for communications products across digital, print, and multimedia platforms. The ideal candidate combines strong research skills with an understanding of scientific communications, copyright, licensing, and digital asset workflows to ensure NSF multimedia content is accurate, appropriately represented, accessible, and available for public engagement.

Spire Communications is a woman-owned strategic communications and creative firm based in Alexandria, VA that supports science, technology, and engineering organizations within the government and private sectors.

This position is hybrid, with the potential to be fully onsite, based at the client site in Alexandria, VA.

Salary range: $110,000-$140,000

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What You’ll Do

  • Research scientific and technical subject matter to ensure multimedia assets accurately represent NSF programs, research outcomes, and scientific concepts.
  • Research, identify, acquire, and prepare external video footage, photography, and multimedia assets for use in NSF productions while ensuring appropriate permissions and usage rights.
  • Review document copyright, licensing, usage rights, and permissions requirements for multimedia assets.
  • Obtain permission for NSF to use images and video from credited parties whether via phone, email, online form, etc.
  • Maintain accurate records of asset ownership, usage restrictions, releases, and permissions documentation.
  • Manage NSF’s digital asset library, including metadata creation, categorization, tagging, archiving, and asset organization within Acquia DAM and Brightcove.
  • Respond to internal and external requests for multimedia assets, identifying appropriate content and preparing files for distribution.
  • Collaborate with communications, creative, web, and multimedia teams to support the development of digital, print, and outreach materials.
  • Support quality assurance of multimedia assets to ensure compliance with NSF branding, accessibility, and federal requirements.
  • Participate in special projects and multimedia resource initiatives as assigned.

What You’ll Bring to Spire

  • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in communications, library science, digital media, journalism, visual communications, or a related field.
  • 6+ years of experience managing multimedia assets, digital content libraries, or communications resources.
  • Experience researching and evaluating scientific, technical, or educational content for accuracy and audience appropriateness.
  • Comprehensive experience using digital asset management systems, including Acquia DAM, Brightcove, or similar enterprise platforms.
  • Experience researching, sourcing, organizing, and preparing multimedia assets for enterprise communications programs.
  • Working knowledge of copyright, licensing, permissions, and media usage practices.
  • Strong research skills and attention to detail when reviewing technical, scientific, or institutional content.
  • Demonstrated experience communicating scientific and technical subject matter, with expertise in one or more NSF focus or technology areas (e.g., Biology, Engineering, Computing, AI, Cybersecurity); federal or federally funded research experience is a plus.

Major Pluses

  • Experience supporting large government, academic, scientific, or research-focused communications programs.
  • Experience managing multimedia libraries for large-scale websites or enterprise communications programs.
  • Experience with image/video licensing, stock photography management, or media clearance processes.

Our benefits

Medical (United Healthcare), dental (CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield), and vision (United Concordia) plans paid at 100% (employee premium) plus 30% contribution to family premium

Monthly $50 “wellness” stipend for gym memberships, spa services, etc.

Life and disability insurance (short- and long-term)

18 days PTO and 8 federal holidays per year (+Veterans Day for those who have served)

Flexible home/office environment

Home office expense reimbursement

401(k) plan with automatic 3% of salary employer contribution

Employee referral bonuses

Annual stipend for employee and/or job-related training

About Spire

We are a boutique, woman-led agency that specializes in technology, health, and science. Our clients are federal agencies and contractors charged with advanced R&D and vital national programs that make life better for all Americans. Our team is committed to the work of these pioneers and public servants. We believe in their missions, marvel at their innovations, and delight in telling their stories.

Every member of our team is a senior-level communicator. This means every assignment is an opportunity to work with and learn from the best strategists and storytellers—designers, videographers, writers, editors, media relations leads, social media managers, and web developers.

Submit an Application

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1. Contact Information

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2. Personal Details

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3. Upload Resume

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4. Submit Application

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Equal Opportunity Employer

Spire Communications is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability, veterans’ status, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor.

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