Job Description

Are you a communications professional with a passion for writing and creating content to share technical research and discoveries?

Are you an organized, deadline-driven individual who enjoys a variety of internal and external communications work?

If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team.

This content creator will write, manage and produce communications for internal- and external-facing audiences, across a range of science and engineering disciplines. The writer will communicate complex scientific and technical topics to a broad audience and will demonstrate a creative approach to internal and external communications using traditional and digital methods.

As a Content Creator/Writer...

• You will be responsible for finding and crafting interesting stories about the innovative work happening every day across APL for two primary audiences:
• Internal communications aimed at engaging APL staff members in the organization's strategic vision, mission and values; and 
• External communications to interest media outlets, partners and the public in the important research, discoveries and critical contributions of APL staff members to challenges facing the nation.
• You will be the primary liaison from the Public Affairs Section with the Laboratory’s Innovation & Collaboration Program and its Communications Strategist.
• You will regularly contribute to production of the Lab’s internal, bi-weekly staff newsletter, including responsibility for crafting event and announcement postings, as well as detailed editing.
• You will support the planning and delivery of communications to advance the work of APL’s technical staff and other APL initiatives.
• You will write and update various other content as needed, including briefings, letters, facts sheets and presentations.
• You will support strategic planning and enable rollout of Innovation & Collaboration Program initiatives and other strategic Laboratory priorities.
• You will work across the Communications Department and with other APL departments to ensure consistency in messaging to all audiences.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or a related field.
• Have 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Have strong writing and communications skills, including previous experience writing news stories or internal communications for an organization.
• Have an ability to work in a dynamic environment as an agile member of a diverse team.
• Have strong attention to detail, accuracy, organization and follow-through.
• Have an ability to work on deadline, set priorities and work independently.
• Demonstrate strong verbal communication skills with an ability to present ideas coherently and persuasively.
• Demonstrate proficiency in AP style and newspaper or magazine-style writing.
• Are able to obtain Secret level security clearance. If selected, you 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.
• Can demonstrate that you 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:

• Have experience working in academia or with the government (U.S. government, Department of Defense, or related national public or private organizations)
• Have a strong news sense and experience executing strategic communications plans
• Have experience working across multiple levels of a large organization
• Have experience working on events and event communications
• Have media relations experience
• Have 5+ years proven experience

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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