Job Description

Are you a great storyteller who loves to share scientific and engineering knowledge with others? Are you a leader who can envision and achieve as well as a manager who knows what needs to be done for the team? Are you comfortable working with diverse teams to make tough strategic decisions? Do you have a passion for space exploration, news and sharing the Lab’s work with others, including media? If so, we could make a great team!

The Communications Department is looking for a Space Communications Manager, working closely with the Space Exploration Sector (SES) Communications Strategist, who will also serve as the Assistant Section Supervisor for its Public Affairs Section.

This new role will partner with the Public Affairs Section Supervisor to lead a team of public affairs officers, writers and storytellers, and with the SES Communications Strategist to plan and execute the Laboratory’s Space Communications activities within the wider scope of the Lab’s overall communications goals.

As a Space Communications Manager you will…

• Work closely with the SES Communications Strategist, Civil Space Mission Area, and the Public Affairs Section Supervisor. You will collaborate with mission/instrument project teams and the SES formulation and new opportunities office on new strategic outreach and engagement events. You will also collaborate regularly with the Messaging & Editorial Group’s Senior Communications Manager and the Public Affairs Space team to ensure overall awareness for leadership on all Space PAO activities and external communications.s.
• Write about, direct creative collateral (such as videos) covering, and externally amplify the innovative research and experts enabling the Laboratory to tackle some of the country’s toughest technological space exploration challenges
• Work with the Public Affairs team to engage in external media outreach featuring APL’s space science and engineering experts, technology and programs. This includes press briefings, panels, “live shots” and other campaigns, web-based features, development of executive summaries of strategic studies, and other media engagements.
• Regularly contribute to the Lab’s internal, biweekly staff newsletter and its external news presence
• Support strategic communications planning and rollouts, along with other Laboratory communications campaigns
• Work with other APL departments to ensure consistency in messaging to all audiences
• Follow and uphold editorial guidelines
  
  

As an Assistant Section Supervisor, you will….

• Be a member of the Messaging & Editorial Group’s leadership team and work very closely with the Section Supervisor of Public Affairs
• Manage intake of stories and assignments, organizing the editorial calendar and working with the Section Supervisor to help prioritize and assign work. You will also:
• Work closely with the Communications Strategists to understand the incoming work (if coming through them)
• Stay up to date on active Public Affairs work to be able to provide updates and support as needed
• Work closely with the Public Affairs Section Supervisor, and the Messaging & Editorial Group Supervisor to inspire and encourage all members of the Public Affairs Section to be their best, individually and as a team, and seize opportunities to achieve significant results
• Partner with the Public Affairs Section Supervisor on processes, managing expectations and creating a working environment that benefits the Lab and nourishes creativity and staff development

We are actively searching for someone who has . . .

• A degree in communications, journalism, public relations or a related field, or equilvent years of related experience
• Minimum of 5 years of experience 
• Strong writing and communications skills, including experience developing and executing communications plans, writing news stories, blogs and technical or scientific articles
• Demonstrated experience engaging the media, securing media placements and coordinating media opportunities
• An ability to work in a dynamic environment as an agile member of a diverse team
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, organization and follow-through
• Ability to work on deadline, set priorities and work independently
• Strong verbal communication skills with an ability to present ideas coherently and persuasively
• Willingness to learn and develop in skill areas in which they may not have as much experience
• Demonstrated success in leading teams and/or supervising staff, either formally or informally
• Ability to obtain Secret level security clearance. If selected, they will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
• Ability to demonstrate they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. To ensure the safety and well-being of the community, APL has established a policy requiring that all staff be vaccinated against COVID-19. All staff members must provide proof of full vaccination or have an approved medical or religious accommodation by their start date. 

We’d be even more impressed if you had...

• Prior experience working in communications on space programs or as a public affairs officer
• Proficiency in AP style
• Experience working across multiple levels of an organization
• Experience producing videos or writing scripts
• A master’s degree

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

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