Job Description

Science Communications Manager

Who we are:

The American Physical Society (APS) is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance and diffuse the knowledge of physics through its outstanding research journals, scientific meetings, and education, outreach, advocacy, and international activities. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and throughout the world.

Position Summary:

The American Physical Society (APS) seeks an accomplished Science Communications Manager to join its strategic communications team. The Science Communications Manager will contribute to APS's mission of advancing and disseminating knowledge of physics by generating publicity for scientific research that is published in APS's journals and presented at its meetings. The ideal candidate would be a self-starter with exceptional writing, project management, and interpersonal skills. If you are passionate about science communication and possess the skills to drive APS's mission forward, please apply.


APS has a “remote first” concept that promotes equal treatment and equal access, independent of physical work location, with a majority of staff working primarily from remote work locations. This position could require in-office work and travel to attend various events and meetings as instructed by a supervisor. APS values diversity and welcomes candidates from a variety of backgrounds. APS offers a dynamic work environment with an outstanding total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, exceptional benefits, and excellent paid time off.


Responsibilities:

Communications planning: In collaboration with the Head of Strategic Communications and key players across the organization and at partner organizations, develop and execute publicity plans to increase visibility for scientific research published in APS’s journals or presented at APS’s meetings and protect and enhance the reputation of APS.
Media relations: Foster strong relationships with media outlets and journalists to secure positive and accurate coverage of APS. Respond to incoming media inquiries and manage APS’s press lists.
PIO relations: Build relationships with public relations counterparts at the home institutions of APS’s authors, referees, and presenters to extend the reach of promotional efforts.
Content creation: Produce high-quality communications collateral, including press materials, talking points, social media content, and the like to effectively communicate APS’s activities around scientific research and the Physical Review journals.
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, preferably at a scientific publisher.
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.
Strong interpersonal skills and relationship-building abilities.
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.