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Requisition ID:  117747

Science Communications Manager

A robot that performed the first laparoscopy surgery without human help. The science behind the appeal of pumpkin spice. Using AI on spider webs! What happens to kids’ grades when you give them free eyeglasses in school? Finding mystery chemicals in vaping products. How posture relates to how fast pills work. Some of the world’s most exciting research is happening at Johns Hopkins University and we're seeking experts in science storytelling who can deftly distill the research for a mainstream audience.

Johns Hopkins seeks an experienced Science Communications Manager who is, effective, creative and nimble communicator to identify, develop and promote research news. The selected candidate will work with cutting-edge scientists and the award-winning University Communications office to develop stories and multimedia that showcase our ground-breaking science and help to garner coverage in high-profile news outlets.


The Science Communications Manager promotes understanding and appreciation of Johns Hopkins by developing engaging stories related to the university, in particular the scientific and scholarly research of the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, the Whiting School of Engineering and other schools and divisions. The successful candidate will have creative ideas about how to best tell these stories to help get coverage in a fast-changing and intensely competitive media environment.


The science communications manager will cultivate strong working relationships with our researchers, as well as science reporters, editors, and producers at top-tier media outlets. They will work closely with colleagues in the University Communications office and other Johns Hopkins communications offices to create successful packages with video, photos, social media and infographics.


The successful candidate will also perform other duties as assigned to advance the mission of the University Communications office.


Specific Duties & Responsibilities

  • Identify and develop compelling stories about the work and key initiatives of the university and the activities of its students, faculty and staff, particularly our researchers and scientists.
  • Communicate science in a compelling, entertaining and highly engaging manner.
  • Shape information into engaging and effective stories, news releases, expert lists, and other content. Devise fresh ways to tell stories that attract media attention.
  • Respond quickly and effectively to breaking news and media queries.
  • Prepare experts and subjects for media engagement.
  • Plan and execute press conferences, events and interviews.
  • Proactively collaborate with communications colleagues to create multimedia news packages with video, audio, photos and infographics.
  • Effectively pitch stories to secure coverage, with emphasis on high-impact outlets at the local, national and international levels.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with key journalists and with on-campus story sources and collaborators.
  • Support media relations functions including media contact database, distribution platforms, metrics/impact measurement tools and reports, media monitoring.

Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Facility with A.P. style.
  • Ability to work with web content management systems, such as Drupal or WordPress.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in social media.
  • Ability to art direct or collaborate to create multimedia content.
  • Ability to navigate web content and/or digital asset management systems.
  • Familiarity with media contact databases and metrics/analytical tools.


Minimum Qualifications
    • B.A. Degree in relevant discipline.
    • Five years of related experience in journalism, media relations, or organizational communications. Some of that experience must include storytelling background in science, health or other related complex fields.
    • Strong news judgment and demonstrated skills in reporting, writing, editing and/or media outreach.
    • Ability to shape complex information, including the results of scholarly and scientific research, into understandable and engaging content.
    • Strong interpersonal communications skills with individuals of all levels in an organization.
    • Strong organizational, multitasking, and time-management skills.
    • Fast-paced, efficient mode of working and high productivity.
    • Attention to detail and accuracy.
    • Demonstrated ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and work flexible hours (including evenings and weekends, as necessary)
    • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with people of diverse backgrounds.
    • Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond HS Diploma/Graduation Equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.


    Preferred Qualifications
    • Master’s Degree in relevant discipline.

     

     

    Classified Title: Sr. Media Relations Representative 
    Job Posting Title (Working Title): Science Communications Manager   
    Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PD  
    Starting Salary Range: $62,900 - $110,100 Annually (Commensurate w/exp.) 
    Employee group: Full Time 
    Schedule: Monday-Friday/ 8:30 a.m. -5:00 p.m. 
    FLSA Status: Exempt 
    Location: Hybrid/JH at Keswick 
    Department name: ​​​​​​​University Communications  
    Personnel area: University Administration 

     

     

    Total Rewards
    The referenced base salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University’s salary range for this position. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education/training and other qualifications. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.

    Education and Experience Equivalency
    Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines: JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.

    Applicants Completing Studies
    Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.

    Background Checks
    The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.

    Diversity and Inclusion
    The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.

    Equal Opportunity Employer
    All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

    EEO is the Law
    https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

    Accommodation Information
    If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit https://accessibility.jhu.edu/.

    Vaccine Requirements
    Johns Hopkins University strongly encourages, but no longer requires, at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. We still require all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. This change does not apply to the School of Medicine (SOM). SOM hires must be fully vaccinated with an FDA COVID-19 vaccination and provide proof of vaccination status. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/ and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/.

    The following additional provisions may apply, depending upon campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.
    The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.
    Hybrid: On-site 3-4 days a week

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