Science & Technology Communications Officer,

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; Menlo Park (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

On-site option

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory seeks a skilled Science & Technology Communications Officer to join the Strategic Communications & External Affairs division. You will craft content that highlights SLAC science and technology for internal and public audiences, news media, and policymakers.

Responsibilities include planning communications with leaders, writing science news and press materials, and collaborating across teams to deliver diverse digital content while maintaining accuracy and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism or Public Relations and five years of relevant experience in science communications or a combination of education and relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage the creation of strategic communications for key audiences with leadership and staff.

Skills

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Collaborative work

Synthesize complex information

Project management

Attention to detail

Storytelling in science

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism or Public Relations

Tools

Content Management Systems

Job description

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.
• Ability to write, edit and synthesize materials and communicate information clearly and concisely.

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.

Responsibilities

Core Duties:

• Develop communication deliverables in an area of expertise for a unit or a complex program.
• Develop complex communications for various content delivery channels.
• Develop and design complex materials according to defined requirements using software applications and mediums.
• Work with vendors to obtain information to evaluate quality, process, and costs to support vendor selection.
• Maintain knowledge by attending webinars, conferences, networking etc. to remain at the forefront of current industry standards, trends and technology.
• Contribute to the development of communication strategy for the unit or program.
• Analyze data and curate illustrations, photos, and pictures for assignments.
• Work in collaboration with Institutional Communicators on media relations content and other areas.

Minimum Education And Experience

Bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with internal communications groups across campus.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex materials and communicate information in a manner easily understood.
• Experience with project management and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to perform detailed work with high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

About Us

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory explores how the universe works at the biggest, smallest and fastest scales and invents powerful tools used by researchers around the globe. As world leaders in ultrafast science and bold explorers of the physics of the universe, we forge new ground in understanding our origins and building a healthier and more sustainable future. Our discovery and innovation help develop new materials and chemical processes and open unprecedented views of the cosmos and life’s most delicate machinery. Building on more than 60 years of visionary research, we help shape the future by advancing areas such as quantum technology, scientific computing and the development of next-generation accelerators.

SLAC is operated by Stanford University for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.

All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. All staff at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory must be able to demonstrate the legal right to work in the United States. SLAC is an E-Verify employer.

As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For Foreign National Candidates
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.