Science & Technology Communications Officer,

About the role

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory’s 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 to develop 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.

SLAC is open to on-site and hybrid work options, with a minimum of 2 days on site.

Responsibilities

• Work with the 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 and 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 the Creative Communications team on design and execution of visual and digital media to support science communications, including 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.
• 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.
• Analyze data and curate illustrations, photos, and pictures for assignments.
• Work in collaboration with Institutional Communicators on media relations content and other areas.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• Experience with project management and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to perform detailed work with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

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.