Science Communications Manager

The American Physical Society (APS)

The APS is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to advancing and disseminating the knowledge of physics. With over 50,000 members globally, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry, APS works through research journals, scientific meetings, and various outreach, education, and advocacy initiatives.

Position Summary:

Science Communications Manager

APS is looking for an accomplished Science Communications Manager to join its strategic communications team. The role involves contributing to APS’s mission by generating publicity for scientific research published in APS’s journals and presented at its meetings. The ideal candidate should be a self-starter with exceptional writing, project management, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities:

• Communications planning: Develop and execute publicity plans to increase visibility for scientific research published in APS’s journals or presented at APS’s meetings.
• Media relations: Foster strong relationships with media outlets, manage APS’s press lists, and respond to incoming media inquiries.
• PIO relations: Build relationships with public relations counterparts at the home institutions of APS’s authors, referees, and presenters.
• Content creation: Produce high-quality communications collateral, including press materials, talking points, and social media content.
• Event promotion: Coordinate logistics for press programs at APS’s meetings and for APS’s journals.
• Measurement and analysis: Identify, monitor, evaluate, and report on key performance indicators to guide future science communications strategies.
• Staff management: Supervise APS’s science writer and maintain APS’s freelance science writer database.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in science communications, public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field.

Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Minimum of four years of related experience as a press officer at a science organization.
• Impeccable science writing, editing, and presentation skills.
• Established relationships with science journalists at top-tier news outlets.
• Thorough knowledge of scientific research and academic publishing processes.
• Strategic thinker with exceptional project management and organizational skills.
• Proficient with communications tools like Muck Rack and Sprout Social.
• Experience managing social media accounts for a brand.
• Fluent in AP style.
• Background in physics is a plus.

Travel:

This position requires travel (up to 25%) to attend staff, leadership, scientific, and professional meetings and events as part of its core responsibilities.

Salary:

The salary range for this role is $93,850k/year – $140,774k/year (USD), with a target range of $93,850k/year – $104,407k/year (USD).

Work Environment:

APS has a “remote first” concept, allowing equal treatment and access. Physical offices are located in College Park, MD, Washington D.C, and Hauppauge, N.Y.

Our Core Values:

• The Scientific Method
• Truth and Integrity
• Diversity, Inclusion, and Respect
• Partnering, Cooperation, and Open Collaboration
• Speaking Out
• Education and Learning

Web Presence:

• Company: www.aps.org
• Social Media: APS Newsroom

Amazing 2024 Benefit Offerings:

• Flexible schedules and ability to work remotely
• 8% employer-paid retirement contribution
• Investment advisement services: 100% employer paid
• Medical benefits: PPO or HDHP option
• Employer contribution to FSA or HSA account
• Lifestyle Spending benefit up to $2000.00 (USD)
• Dental and vision benefits
• Basic Life & Accident insurance
• Generous holiday leave, personal leave, and volunteer leave
• 12 weeks employer-paid family leave
• College tuition reimbursement plan
• Job-related seminar & continuing education
• Professional Certification/Recertification 100% employer paid
• Employee Assistance Program
• Mindfulness Meditation: live and on-demand classes
• APS does not offer relocation assistance/costs

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The American Physical Society is committed to equal opportunity and access, with a “remote first” concept promoting equality in the workplace. Discrimination is prohibited based on various characteristics, and APS is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

For further inquiries or accommodation requests, contact APS Human Resources at [email protected]. Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Provision ensures protection against discrimination when discussing compensation.

Learn more here