Communications / Media Associate - National Academy of Engineering

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine value diversity in our members, volunteers, and staff and strive for a culture of inclusion in our workplace and activities. Convening a diverse community to exchange ideas and perspectives enhances the quality of our work and increases our relevance as advisers to the nation about the most complex issues facing the nation and the world.

Keck Center

National Academies of Sciences Engineering Medicine

<br /><br />The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine provide independent, objective advice to inform policy with evidence, spark progress and innovation, and confront challenging issues for the benefit of society. We marshal knowledge and expertise across disciplines to study complex and sometimes contentious issues, reach consensus based on the evidence, and identify the best path forward. https://www.nationalacademies.org/

keywords: position summary,position details,analysis,communication,teamwork,assist,publishing,social media,education,experience,knowledge, skills, and abilities,collaboration,communication,leadership

Full time

Overview: <strong>Req. No.: R0001553</strong><br /><br />Founded in 1964, the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) is a private, independent, nonprofit institution that provides engineering leadership in service to the nation. The mission of the National Academy of Engineering is to advance the welfare and prosperity of the nation by providing independent advice on matters involving engineering and technology, and by promoting a vibrant engineering profession and public appreciation of engineering.<br /><br />Under general supervision from the Director, NAE Office of Outreach and Communications, The Communications/Media Associate coordinates internal and external communication and/or media activities (e.g., projects, programs, events, and related efforts). Collaborates with staff on communication and dissemination strategies. Compiles and prepares material for dissemination through a variety of types of media. Assists in the development, design, and implementation of outreach and communication projects, using various media such as print, electronic, video, and web-based products. Assists in the development of media dissemination plans, including media coverage for both lay and scientific audiences. Produces online products and services for journalists and the general public. Serves as a liaison to the media and staff regarding media relations.<br /><br />This is a professional role, working under general supervision and functioning with the ability to deviate from subscribed courses of action as needed. It is not a clerical or administrative support role. It is not typically the only communications or media role in a unit, but reports to a senior communications or media position.
Responsibilities: <strong>ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:</strong><br /> <ul> <li>Assists in the design and implementation of the NAE&rsquo;s outreach and communication activities and dissemination of related information or National Academies&rsquo; publications. Provides assistance and input to staff on communication and dissemination plans. Collaborates with staff to identify target audiences and appropriate vehicles for reaching those audiences. Plans the release of reports and organizes dissemination meetings and briefings. Participates in the establishment of guidelines and formats for communication materials.</li> <li>Researches and drafts materials, articles, news items, and web content for outreach. Produces electronic newsletters, event calendars and other web-based and email outreach tools.</li> <li>Creates, writes, and edits a variety of media pieces (i.e., lay-language summaries of complex engineering and scientific articles and reports) for dissemination across a variety of platforms including blogs, websites, and social media. Selects articles of interest to the press and writes corresponding press releases. Ensures scientific breadth and high editorial standards of information disseminated.</li> <li>Researches content and audience trends to ensure that content is relevant and appealing.</li> <li>Participates in networking activities, press outreach, and other publicity events. Works with related associations and organizations. Identifies and develops collaborative activities with professional groups.</li> <li>Coordinates the work of vendors and contractors in producing and publishing materials and alternative products for dissemination, e.g., compact discs, videos, and other interactive and virtual products and for freelance writing assignments.</li> <li>Represents the unit at events, exhibits, and meetings. Promotes meetings and events and may set up exhibit booths. Coordinates shipping, installation, and de-installation of items, as necessary. Handles logistics for these activities and provides on-site coordination during activities. Organizes volunteer participation in activities.</li> <li>Monitors effectiveness of outreach efforts and programs, including tracking event attendance and web traffic. Coordinates and tracks news coverage, audience and content analytics, and other activities. Prepares statistics and performs trends analyses, and provides feedback and recommendations to supervisor. Conducts surveys, as needed. Ensures that SEO and SMO strategies are effectively implemented.</li> <li>Coordinates press coverage and press conferences for assigned projects. Analyzes news coverage and provides feedback to staff and other appropriate parties.</li> <li>Conducts interviews with scientists, Academies&rsquo; members, staff, and other relevant parties and writes articles, biographical profiles, and question and answer-style interviews for dissemination across a variety of platforms including blogs, websites, and social media.</li> <li>Serves as liaison to journalists, and public information officer (PIO) communities. Works with media contacts to ensure information is accurate and complies with all embargoes, etc.</li> <li>Advises management on potential problems with assigned projects and with media relations.</li> <li>Creates and produces online products and services for internal audiences (members) and external audiences (journalists and the general public).</li> <li>Develops, updates, and maintains related databases.</li> </ul> <br /><strong>NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES</strong><br /> <ul> <li>Related duties and special projects as assigned.</li> </ul>
Requirements: <strong>Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:</strong> Familiarity with content management systems such as WordPress, Drupal, Joomla and Hootsuite. Good knowledge of content and layout design tools such as Adobe InCopy and InDesign. Excellent computer skills with MS Office and Google Suite. Good knowledge of various content platforms such as social media, blogs, and print media. Strong understanding of content practices such as SEO and SMO. Ability to operate with appreciable latitude for independent judgment and action. Ability to solve problems of some variety and complexity. Ability to work successfully in a team environment. Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness. Ability to develop effective working relationships with co-workers, employees in other National Academies&rsquo; departments, and external customers. Excellent interpersonal skills. Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees.<br /><strong>Minimum Education/Training Requirements: </strong>Bachelor&rsquo;s Degree in Communications or related field, or equivalent knowledge.<br /><strong>Minimum Experience:</strong> One year of related professional experience.<br /><strong>Physical Capabilities:</strong> Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time. Ability to access exhibition spaces.<br /><strong>Required Licenses, Certification or Registration:</strong> None.<br /><strong>Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls:</strong> Reports to supervisor/manager. Sets objectives with supervisor.