Science & Technology Communications Officer,

Stanfordlivetickets; Menlo Park (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory invites a skilled Science & Technology Communications Officer to join the SC&EA team. The role partners with lab leaders to develop strategic narratives about SLAC science for internal and public audiences.

You will synthesize complex topics, write news and press releases, and coordinate with Stanford University Communications, DOE, and external partners to maximize visibility; on-site or hybrid work options.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism or Public Relations.
• At least five years of experience in science communications.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Ability to write, edit and synthesize technical information for diverse audiences.
• Capacity to work collaboratively with cross-organizational teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills across a variety of people.

Responsibilities

• Plan and develop strategic communications with laboratory leadership.
• Write and edit science news, press releases, social media posts, web and print pieces.
• Tailor messages for specific channels with institutional and external communications teams.
• Develop content for digital channels and manage CMS workflows.
• Collaborate with lab partners and writers to determine scope and budget of assignments; facilitate completion.
• Stay current on science topics and communications standards by attending webinars and conferences.
• Contribute to the laboratory's communication strategy and cross-promotional opportunities.
• Collaborate with Stanford University Communications and DOE offices to maximize visibility.

Skills

Written communication

Editing

Synthesis

Collaboration

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/Jor Public Relations

Job description

The SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory Strategic Communications & External Affairs (SC&EA) division is seeking a skilled and professional Science & Technology Communications Officer to join the Science & Technology Communications team. The Sci-Tech Comms Officer will work with the Head of Science & Technology Communications, other SC&EA teams and laboratory leaders in developing content about SLAC science and technology that gives the laboratory's strategic aims visibility among key audiences and stakeholders. The successful candidate will be a detail-oriented communicator expected to synthesize complex information and produce well-constructed, accurate and compelling communications to tell the stories of SLAC science to internal and public audiences, news media and policymakers.

In addition to core duties, responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Work with the SC&EA team, directorate leaders, scientists and other key staff to plan and develop strategic communications; write and edit science news, press releases, social media posts, web and print pieces. Collaborate with researchers and other SCEA teams to develop content for a variety of digital channels. Facilitate content editing, reviews and approvals according to established guidelines.

Your responsibilities include:

• Work with Head of Science & Technology Communications, fellow Science & Technology Communications Officers, SC&EA colleagues and laboratory scientific leadership to plan and manage the creation of strategic communications for key audiences.
• Write and edit science news, press releases, social media posts, web and print communications.
• Tailor messages to specific channels in collaboration with Institutional and External Communications teams.
• Develop and publish communications deliverables using content management systems and collaboration platforms.
• Work with lab partners and on-call writers and editors to determine scope and budget of assignments. Facilitate assignments to completion.
• Stay current on science topics and communications industry standards by attending webinars, conferences and networking events.
• Contribute to the development of communication strategy for the laboratory and its programs.
• Collaborate with Creative Communications team on design and execution of visual and digital media to support science communications. This includes illustrations, photos, videos and design of social media content.
• Collaborate with Stanford University Communications, Stanford science communicators, the Department of Energy's Public Affairs and Office of Science Communications to maximize cross-promotional opportunities, including media relations and social media.
• Other duties may also be assigned

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism or Public Relations and five years of relevant experience in science communications or combination of education and relevant experience.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with communications groups across the organization.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills in working with a variety of people.
• Capacity to write, edit and synthesize materials and communicate information in a manner easily understood.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• Knowledge of natural/physical sciences and science communications.
• Experience in communications at an academic or scientific institution.
• Experience and interest in developing content for a variety of digital media and social media platforms.

Given the nature of this position, SLAC is open to on-site and hybrid work options. Minimum working 2 days on site.