Media Relations Specialist III

About the role

JPL’s Media and Mission Communications Group, within the Communication, Legislative Affairs, and Academic Engagement Division, functions as a fast-paced digital newsroom while actively engaging with global news media and digital platforms. This Media Relations Specialist III role concentrates primarily on planetary sciences, working closely with world-class scientists and engineers to transform complex material into clear, compelling news releases, features, blog posts, press kits, and potentially video scripts that inspire audiences worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Science Translation and Storytelling: Distill complex planetary science, geology, and engineering into compelling, concise materials that are easily understood by the public while providing sufficient depth for science journalists.
• Proactive Story Mining: Cultivate relationships with subject matter experts across the lab to discover projects in development, scientific milestones, and angles that highlight the work JPL is performing on behalf of NASA and the nation.
• Campaign and Event Planning: Working closely with NASA and JPL colleagues, 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.
• Media Relations and Inquiry Management: Respond to media inquiries under tight deadlines, pitch media outlets, build relationships, and prepare subject matter experts for broadcast and print interviews.
• Stakeholder and Multi-Agency Navigation: Thrive within complex review and approval workflows across JPL, NASA Headquarters, and external partners.
• Crisis and Issues Management: Develop proactive messaging, reactive Q&As, and rapid-response communication plans as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, science writing, or a related discipline with a minimum of 6 years of related work experience; master’s in a similar discipline with a minimum of 4 years of related work experience; Ph.D. in a similar discipline with a minimum of 2 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.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of or passionate interest in science and/or technology.
• Established relationships with national and international science, technology, and mainstream journalists.
• Hands-on experience developing video storyboards or scripting short-form digital visual media.
• Experience working in a matrixed environment.

Benefits

JPL offers a catalog of benefits and perks spanning traditional to unique offerings, including a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning opportunities, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave, and more. The focus is on work-life balance and living healthy, fulfilling lives. For benefits-eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.

Pay

The typical full-time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California is $112,528 – $136,760. In extending an offer, JPL considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job-related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.