Senior Science Communications Strategist

Jet Propulsion Laboratory; United States; On-site; USD 113,000 - 137,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Wellbeing programs

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Learning opportunities

Rideshare

Childcare

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA, seeks a seasoned communications professional to translate complex planetary science into compelling public storytelling. You will lead media outreach, craft concise narratives, and coordinate with researchers to illuminate NASA missions.

This role requires strong AP style, deadline discipline, and cross‑agency collaboration. Ideal candidates bring 6+ years in science writing, digital storytelling, and strategic media planning, with a track record of

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, science writing, or related discipline with a minimum of 6 years of related work experience.
• Advanced expertise in science and technical writing, short- and long-form news writing, and/or digital storytelling across varied media platforms.
• A combination of excellent creative storytelling skills and strong organizational capabilities.
• Proven ability to adhere to AP Style, hit deadlines, and stay within word counts.
• Proven ability to meet tight deadlines, stay ahead of the news cycle, and manage breaking news while balancing input from numerous stakeholders.
• Strong news judgment and diplomatic skills, with a track record of building trust with scientists, engineers, and external journalists alike.
• Intellectual agility to shift areas of focus and rapidly build domain expertise as mission portfolios evolve.

Responsibilities

• Distill complex planetary science, geology, and engineering into compelling, concise materials easily understood by the public while providing depth for science journalists.
• Cultivate relationships with subject matter experts across the lab to discover projects and angles highlighting JPL’s work for NASA and the nation.
• Help build and execute end-to-end communication plans, messaging frameworks, press kits, and both virtual and in-person news conferences for major mission announcements.
• Respond to media inquiries under tight deadlines, pitch media outlets, build relationships, and prepare subject matter experts for interviews.
• Navigate complex review workflows across JPL, NASA Headquarters, and external partners.
• Develop proactive messaging, reactive Q&As, and rapid-response plans for crises and issues.

Skills

Science writing

News writing

Digital storytelling

AP style

Deadline management

Stakeholder relations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, science writing, or related discipline

Master’s degree in a similar discipline

Ph.D. in a similar discipline

Job description

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA, seeks a seasoned communications professional to translate complex planetary science into compelling public storytelling. You will lead media outreach, craft concise narratives, and coordinate with researchers to illuminate NASA missions.

This role requires strong AP style, deadline discipline, and cross‑agency collaboration. Ideal candidates bring 6+ years in science writing, digital storytelling, and strategic media planning, with a track record of