Principal, Open Science Policy & Public Affairs (North America)

Frontiers; Connecticut; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extra wellbeing days

Paid volunteering days

24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

Learning & development support

Competitive local benefits

Job summary

A leading research publication organization is seeking a Head of External Affairs for North America to enhance its profile in the open science community. The role demands strategic communication and relationship-building skills, overseeing outreach initiatives and advocacy for open-access publishing. Candidates should possess extensive experience in communications, with a strong grasp of the scholarly communication ecosystem. This position offers competitive local benefits and a welcome environment focused on diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Experience in communications, external relations, or a related field, preferably in academia.
• Proven experience leading strategic initiatives and managing high-impact outreach campaigns.
• Strong understanding of the open-access publishing landscape.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive external affairs strategy.
• Build and nurture strategic relationships with key stakeholders.
• Lead communications and advocacy efforts around open science.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align messaging with priorities.
• Monitor trends in open science to inform initiatives.
• Create briefing documents, presentations, and reports.

Skills

Strategic communications

Relationship building

Analytical skills

Project management

Policy communication

Education

Relevant advanced degree

Job description

About Frontiers

At Frontiers, our purpose is simple yet ambitious: to make science open. We believe open science empowers the global scientific community to accelerate discovery and develop the solutions needed for healthy lives on a healthy planet.

We are one of the world’s largest and most influential open-access research publishers. Every article we publish is peer-reviewed and quality‑certified, ensuring research is accessible to everyone, everywhere. To date, Frontiers research has been viewed over 4 billion times, demonstrating the real‑world impact of science without barriers.

Joining Frontiers means being part of a global, mission‑driven organization at the intersection of science, technology, and innovation — working alongside passionate colleagues who care deeply about advancing knowledge for the benefit of society.

To learn more about our impact and culture, please watch this video

About the role

As the Head of External Affairs for North America at Frontiers, you will be at the forefront of advancing our mission to make science open. This position encompasses the development and execution of policies and initiatives that foster partnerships with key stakeholders, including academic institutions, industry professionals, policymakers, and research organizations.

Your role will center around representing Frontiers’ interests and values in external communications while developing and maintaining relationships that will promote our vision of a globally connected open science community. Through strategic collaborations and impactful messaging, you will ensure that Frontiers remains a leading voice in the open‑access research landscape.

As a strategic thinker and skilled communicator, you will focus on outreach, engagement, and advocacy in North America, driving initiatives that enhance our reputation and visibility in the scholarly communications ecosystem.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive external affairs strategy to elevate Frontiers' profile within North America.
• Build and nurture strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including university administrations, funding organizations, and policymakers.
• Lead communications and advocacy efforts around open science and scholarly publishing, representing Frontiers at industry events and conferences.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams to align external messaging with organizational strategies and priorities.
• Monitor and analyze trends and developments in open science and publishing to inform strategic initiatives.
• Develop key materials for outreach and advocacy, including briefing documents, presentations, and reports.

Qualifications

• Experience in communications, external relations, or a related field, preferably in academia, research, or publishing.
• Proven experience leading strategic initiatives and managing high‑impact outreach campaigns.
• Strong understanding of the open‑access publishing landscape and the scholarly communication ecosystem.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders.
• Experience leading teams and fostering a collaborative working environment.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities effectively.
• Passion for advancing knowledge and the mission of open science.
• Relevant advanced degree preferred.

Benefits

• Extra wellbeing days on top of your annual leave allowance
• Up to 3 paid volunteering days each year
• 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme (wellbeing, mental health, legal & financial support)
• Learning & development support via the Frontiers Learning Hub
• Competitive local benefits country dependent (e.g. healthcare and pension/retirement provision)

Equal opportunity statement

Frontiers actively embraces diversity and is a safe and welcoming workplace. Recruitment is free from discrimination – including based on race, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or sexual orientation. With employees from more than 50 different nations, our diversity creates vibrant teams and constantly challenges us to appreciate multiple perspectives.