Media Relations Strategist

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Parental Leave

Educational Assistance

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a media relations strategist to communicate ORNL's science and technology efforts to local, national, and international audiences through news releases, features, social media, and strategic campaigns.

You will build publicity plans, develop targeted media lists, and coordinate a high volume of content while cultivating relationships with outlets. Strong writing, AP style, and the ability to explain complex topics to diverse audiences are essential.

Qualifications

• BS degree with minimum 5 years relevant experience.
• Experience using analytics and research to identify opportunities, shape messaging, and measure communication effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Inform local, national, and international audiences about ORNL accomplishments.
• Develop and implement publicity plans; create targeted media lists and campaigns.
• Coordinate a high volume of news content aligned with priorities and key messages.
• Cultivate relationships with local, trade and national media outlets and coordinate interviews.
• Assist in distribution of news content through internal and external digital platforms.
• Prepare staff to communicate effectively with media and external audiences.
• Develop reports/metrics demonstrating earned media value to leadership.
• Assist in video/multimedia production and coordinate with AV, design, and digital teams.
• Serve on the Lab's emergency communications team.
• Provide writing and event support to External Communications Division and CCED.

Skills

Media relations

Story pitching

Analytics & measurement

AP style

Public speaking

Education

BS degree in journalism, mass media communications, public relations, advertising, marketing, or a science-related field

Tools

Web CMS

Social media platforms

Meltwater

Siteimprove

Smartsheet

Job description

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The Communications and Community Engagement Directorate (CCED) at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a media relations strategist to help communicate about the Lab's efforts to deliver solutions to the nation's toughest scientific challenges. The successful candidate will tell compelling stories about ORNL science and technology that reach key stakeholders through multiple channels, including news releases, feature stories, social media, and earned media in external publications, broadcasts, and strategic campaigns.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Inform local, national, and international audiences about noteworthy ORNL accomplishments, highlighting the Laboratory's outstanding staff and its leadership in diverse fields of science.
• Develop and implement plans to promote the Laboratory's research, activities, services, programs, and events. Create publicity campaigns, develop targeted media lists, and devise strategies to amplify news content.
• Coordinate a high volume of news content, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and key messages
• Cultivate relationships with local, trade and national media outlets and identify opportunities to pitch stories about ORNL activities. Respond to media requests, facilitate interviews with lab experts and manage media visits.
• Assist in distribution of news content through the Lab's internal and external digital news platforms.
• Prepare staff members to communicate effectively with media and other external audiences.
• Develop reports and metrics that demonstrate the value of earned media to leadership and other stakeholders.
• Assist in the production of video and multimedia presentations. Coordinate activities with audio/visual specialists, graphic artists, 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 External Communications Division and CCED.

Basic Qualifications

• BSdegree in journalism, mass media communications, public relations, advertising, marketing, or a science-related field with a minimum of 5 years relevant experience.
• Experience using analytics and research to identify opportunities, shape messaging, and measure communication effectiveness.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with layout and photography, web content management systems, and web analytics is a plus, as well as experience writing on scientific or technical topics for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong writing and editing skills with proficiency in the Associated Press (AP) style and usage guide.
• 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 proficiency in the use of social media and content management systems.
• The ability to balance multiple demands and perform professionally and capably under pressure is required.
• Demonstrated understanding of artificial intelligence and its evolving role in communications, with the ability to identify and apply AI-enabled approaches that advance organizational visibility, efficiency, and impact.
• Experience using communications and media management platforms, such as Mailchimp, TVEyes, Meltwater, Siteimprove, Smartsheet, or similar tools.
• DOE or national laboratory experience also a plus.

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

• 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
• Employee Discounts

#LI-DC1

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.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position now or in the future.

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.

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.