Media Relations Specialist

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, TN seeks a media relations professional to help position the Lab among top research institutions. You will support the Media Relations Group in sharing compelling stories about ORNL science to targeted audiences through news releases, features, and external media.

Requirements include a BS/BA in journalism or related field and at least two years of experience, AP style proficiency, and experience with Smartsheet and media outreach.

Qualifications

• BS/BA degree in journalism, mass media communications, public relations, advertising, marketing, or a science-related field, plus a minimum of two years relevant experience.
• Proven proficiency in applying Associated Press (AP) style guidelines.
• Experience using workflow and project/task management platforms such as Smartsheet.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple deadlines and perform effectively in high-pressure situations.

Responsibilities

• Assist the editing and review process of external news stories and content by managing the workflow of news content via Smartsheet.
• Distribute news content through the Lab’s internal and external news platforms.
• Develop reports and metrics that demonstrate the visibility of Lab news and the value of earned media to leadership and other stakeholders.
• Inform local, national, and international audiences about noteworthy ORNL accomplishments, highlighting the Laboratory’s outstanding staff and its leadership in diverse fields of science.
• Participate in preparing staff members to communicate effectively with media and other external audiences.
• Help develop and implement plans to promote the Laboratory’s research, activities, services, programs, and events. Assist with creating publicity campaigns, developing targeted media lists, and devising strategies to amplify news content.
• Find ways to cultivate relationships with local, trade and national media outlets and identify opportunities to pitch stories about ORNL activities. As directed, respond to media inquiries, facilitate interviews with Lab experts and manage media visits.
• Assist with coordinating activities with digital media staff and others to support multiplatform storytelling.
• Serve as part of the Lab’s emergency response team performing communications or related support.
• Provide other writing and event support to the Communications and Community Engagement Directorate.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Skills

AP style

News writing

Media relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field

Tools

Smartsheet

CMS/Web analytics

Job description

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The Communications and Community Engagement Directorate at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a media relations professional whose talent and experience will help position the Lab among the world's premier research institutions. The successful candidate will support the Media Relations Group to share compelling stories about ORNL science and technology to reach curated, targeted audiences through channels including news releases, feature stories, and earned media in external publications, broadcasts, and strategic campaigns.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assist the editing and review process of external news stories and content by managing the workflow of news content via Smartsheet.
• Distribute news content through the Lab’s internal and external news platforms.
• Develop reports and metrics that demonstrate the visibility of Lab news and the value of earned media to leadership and other stakeholders.
• Inform local, national, and international audiences about noteworthy ORNL accomplishments, highlighting the Laboratory’s outstanding staff and its leadership in diverse fields of science.
• Participate in preparing staff members to communicate effectively with media and other external audiences.
• Help develop and implement plans to promote the Laboratory’s research, activities, services, programs, and events. Assist with creating publicity campaigns, developing targeted media lists, and devising strategies to amplify news content.
• Find ways to cultivate relationships with local, trade and national media outlets and identify opportunities to pitch stories about ORNL activities. As directed, respond to media inquiries, facilitate interviews with Lab experts and manage media visits.
• Assist with coordinating activities with digital media staff and others to support multiplatform storytelling.
• Serve as part of the Lab’s emergency response team performing communications or related support.
• Provide other writing and event support to the Communications and Community Engagement Directorate.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS/BAdegree in journalism, mass media communications, public relations, advertising, marketing, or a science-related field, plus a minimum of two years relevant experience.
• Proven proficiency in applying Associated Press (AP) style guidelines.
• Experience using workflow and project/task management platforms such as Smartsheet.
• Demonstrated ability to manager multiple deadlines and perform effectively in high-pressure situations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• The successful candidate must be self-motivated, self-directed, results-focused, and committed to achieving goals.
• Creativity and attention to detail are essential, as is knowledge of planning, coordinating, and implementing effective public information activities.
• The successful candidate will have excellent written and interpersonal skills, familiarity with word-processing and presentation software, and working knowledge of social media and content management systems.
• Familiarity with layout and photography, web content management systems, and web analytics is a plus, as well as writing samples on scientific or technical topics for both technical and non-technical audiences.

Special Requirements:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email [e-mail].

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.