Science Communications Specialist-76077
Organization
:PA-Public Affairs
Description
Position Summary:
The
Science Communications Specialist is responsible for independently
developing high-profile editorial content for a variety of informational
channels that showcases the value of Berkeley Lab science, research,
and technology to specific audiences and to society at large.
Key Responsibilities:
Translate
highly complex science—from physics and cosmology to nanoscience --
into lay friendly language for various high-profile communication
outlets, including news releases, online news center, online
newsletters, social media and related endeavors
Identify, pursue and write stories that build support for and awareness of Berkeley Lab
Spot
topic trends and create storytelling opportunities that exploit what is
happening in a national news context with a Berkeley Lab perspective
Cultivate media of all types through astute pitching of stories, diligent follow through and frequent interaction
Understand
how to leverage content across different platforms and to different
audiences by varying story length, level of difficulty and style of
language
Knowledge
of – and participation in -- engagement and awareness campaigns,
particularly those with a clear call to action and metrics.
Maintain
current awareness of scientific editorial practices, Berkeley Lab
programs, and policies that affect current or future editorial projects.
Skills required to succeed:
Minimum
8 years of experience communicating science to various audiences or an
equivalent combination of experience and Bachelor’s degree in English,
Journalism, Science, Communications, History, or related field
Proven ability to translate complex scientific research into understandable, lay friendly language
Understanding
of and success in pitching and delivering science stories to the
science media as well as shaping science stories so that they appeal to
non-science media as well
Fluency
with and appreciation for social media, with a track record in having
contributed to successful engagement with online audiences
Experience with crisis communications and breaking news
Demonstrated success in contributing editorial expertise to and leveraging stories for online vehicles
Appreciation for the need to market science and evidence of having succeeded in shaping opinions of target audiences
Ability to interact successfully with scientists in different disciplines and to generate confidence in doing so
Willingness
to work collaboratively within a “beat” system or as part of Public
Affairs-wide teams, assume different responsibilities, and stay on
deadline
Belief that science is a positive and hopeful force in society
Competence
in the use of word processing software, communications software, and
other ancillary software (such as graphics or database) needed to
produce high-quality documents in the shortest possible time.
Proven ability to proofread highly technical and complex documents with an extremely high degree of accuracy.
Proven ability to work efficiently, collaboratively, and cooperatively as a member of a team.
Demonstrated ability to produce results in a timely fashion toward meeting desired results.
Ability to change priorities when necessary and to adjust levels of effort accordingly.
Marginal
MS/MA degree in communications or marketing
