Strategic Media Relations Specialist

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, TN seeks a media relations professional to help position the Lab among top research institutions. You will support the Media Relations Group in sharing compelling stories about ORNL science to targeted audiences through news releases, features, and external media.

Requirements include a BS/BA in journalism or related field and at least two years of experience, AP style proficiency, and experience with Smartsheet and media outreach.

Qualifications

• BS/BA degree in journalism, mass media communications, public relations, advertising, marketing, or a science-related field, plus a minimum of two years relevant experience.
• Proven proficiency in applying Associated Press (AP) style guidelines.
• Experience using workflow and project/task management platforms such as Smartsheet.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple deadlines and perform effectively in high-pressure situations.

Responsibilities

• Assist the editing and review process of external news stories and content by managing the workflow of news content via Smartsheet.
• Distribute news content through the Lab’s internal and external news platforms.
• Develop reports and metrics that demonstrate the visibility of Lab news and the value of earned media to leadership and other stakeholders.
• Inform local, national, and international audiences about noteworthy ORNL accomplishments, highlighting the Laboratory’s outstanding staff and its leadership in diverse fields of science.
• Participate in preparing staff members to communicate effectively with media and other external audiences.
• Help develop and implement plans to promote the Laboratory’s research, activities, services, programs, and events. Assist with creating publicity campaigns, developing targeted media lists, and devising strategies to amplify news content.
• Find ways to cultivate relationships with local, trade and national media outlets and identify opportunities to pitch stories about ORNL activities. As directed, respond to media inquiries, facilitate interviews with Lab experts and manage media visits.
• Assist with coordinating activities with 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 Communications and Community Engagement Directorate.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Skills

AP style

News writing

Media relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field

Tools

Smartsheet

CMS/Web analytics

Job description

Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, TN seeks a media relations professional to help position the Lab among top research institutions. You will support the Media Relations Group in sharing compelling stories about ORNL science to targeted audiences through news releases, features, and external media.

Requirements include a BS/BA in journalism or related field and at least two years of experience, AP style proficiency, and experience with Smartsheet and media outreach.