Media Relations Strategist

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is seeking a Media Relations Specialist to join the Strategic Communications Department. Berkeley Lab conducts world-class research that advances clean energy, a healthy planet, and solution-inspired discovery science – as a member of the Strategic Communications team, this position shares and promotes Berkeley Lab’s scientific, institutional, and operational priorities and successes with key internal and external audiences and is responsible for helping to coordinate media relations activities for the Laboratory. Top priorities for this position are two-fold: 

1. Proactive Media Outreach. Developing media strategies and tactics to raise Berkeley Lab’s profile and its research with key audiences by earning media coverage in targeted media outlets on topics related to identified Laboratory priorities and building relationships with key reporters, editors, correspondents and producers at the international, national, regional, and local level.

2. Reactive Media Management. Working with colleagues to ensure that all incoming media queries are being vetted and triaged with professionalism, speed and judgment so that we take full advantage of opportunities and avoid any potentially negative outcomes.   

The role consists of working with the Outreach Communications Manager, fellow communicators, Lab scientists and officials to identify and develop compelling content, working with colleagues to develop outreach strategies that maximize impact, conducting targeted news media outreach as well as handling incoming media queries and taking the lead on monitoring, analyzing and reporting on media outreach outcomes. The Media Relations Strategist is expected to fully support and coordinate all on-site media visits, serving as the lead on-site staffer, as well as support emergency communications activities, potentially on short or no notice. In addition, the ideal candidate will continually seek to improve and innovate, providing resourcefulness and professionalism to enhance the quality and impact of Berkeley Lab’s media outreach and communications program.

What You Will Do:

• Serve as a primary Berkeley Lab resource for, and build relationships with, members of the local, national, and international news media, including sharing story ideas with reporters.

• Serve as a first point of contact for incoming media queries and coordinate internally to respond to requests from reporters, often on deadline.

• Develop strategies to raise the profile of Berkeley Lab and its research among key, news-reading audiences and achieve increased coverage of the Lab’s scientific work.

• Earn and increase targeted news media coverage of Berkeley Lab’s scientific work.

• Work with communications colleagues and Lab experts to identify, research, write, edit, package, and assist in the distribution of informative, compelling content.

• Use social media and other tools effectively to build relationships with key reporters.

• Stay informed of key achievements in selected scientific areas of the Lab and work with experts in those areas to promote their work in the press.

• Plan and manage visits by reporters or TV or film crews to the Lab, including hosting visits as needed. Plan and manage in-person and virtual news conferences.

• Coordinate with Laboratory leadership to respond rapidly and effectively to breaking or negative news about the Laboratory, and monitor and prepare to address institutional issues that could negatively affect Berkeley Lab’s reputation.

• Prepare for and support effective media relations tactics and activities during emergencies.

• Coordinate as needed with media relations colleagues throughout the Department of Energy and the national laboratory system.

• Manage reporting, notification, and coordination requirements with the Department of Energy and other funding and oversight agencies.

• Help develop, coordinate, and maintain ongoing media training programs for key Laboratory personnel.

• Monitor the national and international news for relevant connections to Lab research.

• Develop, produce, and report select media coverage metrics that inform leadership and optimize future strategies.

• Serve as a representative and ambassador for the Strategic Communications Department.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, English, or a scientific discipline relevant to Berkeley Lab’s research and a minimum 5 years’ combined experience in media relations, journalism, or related communications; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• A track record of media placements in top-tier national, regional, local, and trade media.

• Experience preparing subject matter experts for media interviews and staffing and following up on interviews.

• Some experience communicating about scientific research with non-science-trained audiences.

• Strong journalism-based research, interview, writing, editing, and proofreading skills.

• Demonstrated past experience in crisis and emergency communications.

• Tech savvy with skills and experience in the use of internal and external communications tools and channels - including media monitoring and metrics platforms as well as social media and other relevant communication platforms.

• Effective project management skills with the ability to prioritize work assignments, work collaboratively with others, and adjust schedules based on changing requirements.

• Demonstrated experience protecting confidential and private information.

• Strong demonstrated collaboration skills and an ability to engage multiple stakeholders.

• Available and willing to occasionally work extended hours, including occasional weekends and holidays.

Desired Qualifications:

• A track record of working with science reporters and media placements in top-tier national science and science trade media, or reporters from California and/or the Bay Area.

• Media experience for a government agency, ideally at the state or federal level. 

• Experience as a media relations professional within a national laboratory or other science-based organization.

Notes:

• For full consideration, please submit your resume and cover letter by November 3, 2023.

• This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.

• This position is expected to pay $100,000 to $130,000 annually; salary will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualifications and experience (including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications) related to the position requirements as well as aligned with the internal peer group.

• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule - a combination of teleworking and performing work on site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab.

Learn About Us:

Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 16 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities. To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments.

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab’s mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. 

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:

Know your rights, click here for the supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law" and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.