Science Communications Officer and Editor

Position overview:

The SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory Strategic Communications & External Affairs (SCEA) division is seeking a skilled and professional Science Communications Officer & Editor to join the Science Communications team. The SciComms Officer & Editor will work with the Head of Science Communications and laboratory leaders in developing 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 editor and writer 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.

In addition to core duties, responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Work with the SCEA team, directorate leaders, scientists and other key staff to plan and develop strategic communications; edit strategically important reports and documents; write and edit science news, press releases, social media posts, web and print pieces. Collaborate with researchers and other SCEA teams to develop content for a variety of digital channels. Facilitate content reviews and approvals according to established guidelines.

Your responsibilities include:

• Lead editing and provide communications expertise on strategically important reports and documents related to SLAC science and technology. Work with Head of Science Communications, Science Communications Officers, 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. 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 Creative Communications team on design and execution of visual and digital media to support Science Communications. This includes 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.
• Other duties may also be assigned
• Given the nature of this position, SLAC is open to on-site and hybrid work options.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism or Public Relations and five years of relevant experience in Science Communications or combination of education and relevant experience.
• Excellent written communication skills and advanced skills in conceptual editing, copy editing, and proof reading.
• Ability to work collaboratively with communications groups across the organization.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills in working with a variety of people.
• Capacity to write and synthesize materials and communicate information in a manner easily understood.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• Knowledge of natural/physical sciences and Science Communications.
• Experience in editing scientific and technical documents.
• 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.

SLAC employee competencies:

• Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
• Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.
• Dependability: Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
• Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
• Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
• Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages
• Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve.

Job-Specific Competencies:

• Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Organization Savvy: Maneuvering comfortably through complex policy, process, and people –related organizational dynamics.
• Balance Stakeholders: Anticipating and balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders.

Physical requirements and Working conditions:

• Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

Work standards:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1—General Policy and Responsibilities:Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide,

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• Classification Title: Unit/Program Communicator 3
• Grade: I, Job code: 4215
• Employment Duration: Regular Continuing

The expected pay range for this position is $95,000to $122,000 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.