Communications Lead

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Communications Lead at UL Research Institutes. The Communications Lead plays a pivotal role in advancing UL Research Institutes’ overarching communications strategy by delivering high-impact external communications programs that elevate our research, amplify our experts, and strengthen institutional credibility. The role leads the development and execution of enterprise-level narratives and integrated communications initiatives that translate complex safety science into clear, compelling, and audience-relevant storytelling. The Communications Lead partners closely with senior leadership, researchers, and cross-functional teams to ensure consistent, aligned messaging that reinforces UL Research Institutes’ position as a global authority in safety science.

This is a remote based position.

UL Research Institutes:

At UL Research Institutes (ULRI), we expand the boundaries of safety science to create a more secure and sustainable world. For more than a century, we have studied the unintended consequences of innovation, designed solutions to mitigate risk and shared our findings with academia, scientists, manufacturers, and policymakers across industries. We identify critical safety and sustainability issues, asking the tough questions because we believe a safer world begins with knowledge.

Build a safer, more secure, and sustainable future with us. Join us and work with our Chemical Insights, Digital Safety, Electrochemical Safety, Fire Safety, Materials Discovery Research Institute, and Office of Research Experiences and Education teams who conduct the research required to produce that knowledge and put into practice. Through all of our programs, we aim to unlock the diverse perspectives that are essential for solving the world’s most pressing safety and sustainability issues.

What you’ll learn and achieve:

As the Communications Lead, you will play a key role in the rapid growth of UL as you:

• Lead the development and execution of integrated communications programs that support institutional priorities, advance research initiatives, and strengthen organizational reputation.

• Translate complex, technical, and scientific concepts into clear, credible, and compelling narratives tailored to both external and internal audiences.

• Elevate executive and subject-matter expert visibility through thought leadership, speaking engagements, contributed content, and strategic storytelling initiatives.

• Develop messaging frameworks, narrative platforms, and editorial content that reinforce UL Research Institutes’ mission, values, and strategic positioning.

• Provide strategic communications counsel and day-to-day support to senior leaders, researchers, and subject-matter experts, exercising sound judgment and discretion.

• Partner closely with creative, digital, media relations, and communications teams to deliver integrated, consistent messaging across channels.

• Lead and support enterprise and change communications initiatives aligned with organizational growth, strategic priorities, and transformation efforts.

• Track, analyze, and report on communications performance metrics to assess effectiveness and recommend improvements.

• Contribute to department-specific and cross-functional initiatives, serving as a communications resource and collaborator.

What you’ll experience working at UL Research Institutes: We have pursued our mission of working for a safer, more secure, and sustainable world for nearly 130 years, embedding conscientious stewardship into everything we do.

• People: Our people make us special. You’ll work with a diverse team of experts respected for their independence and transparency and build a network, because our approach is collaborative. We collaborate across disciplines, organizations, and geographies to build the global scientific response that today’s global challenges require.

• Interesting work: Every day is different for us here. We see what’s on the horizon and use our expertise to build the foundations of a safer future. You’ll have the opportunity to push the boundaries of human understanding as part of a team working to advance the public good.

• Grow and achieve: We learn, work, and grow together through targeted development, reward, and recognition programs.

• Values. Four core values guide our work: collaboration, respect, integrity, and beneficence. By living our values, we inspire the trust essential to fulfilling our mission and foster the partnerships that enable us to pursue a beneficent future in which we all can thrive.

• Total Rewards: All employees at UL Research Institutes are eligible for bonus compensation. We offer comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans and a generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay. Moreover, we invest an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment. Depending on your role, you may be able to discuss flexible working arrangements with your manager. We also provide employees with paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days.

What makes you a great fit:

While no one candidate will embody every quality, the successful candidate will bring many of the following professional competencies and personal attributes:

• Extensive experience leading brand, corporate, and enterprise communications initiatives, with a focus on narrative development and reputation management.

• Proven ability to translate complex, technical, or scientific concepts into clear, compelling messaging tailored to diverse audiences.

• Exceptional writing and editing skills across a range of formats, including executive briefings, thought leadership, talking points, and digital communications.

• Trusted advisor to senior leaders and subject-matter experts, providing strategic communications counsel with sound judgment and a high degree of discretion.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently while effectively collaborating within a matrixed organization.

• Strong project leadership capabilities, with a track record of managing multiple priorities and delivering high-quality work within tight deadlines.

• Strategic thinker with a results-oriented approach and strong execution discipline.

• Collaborative, professional, and solutions-oriented, with a commitment to mission-driven and research-focused environments.

• Comfortable operating in fast-paced, dynamic settings, with the agility to adapt and solve complex challenges.

Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or Equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in brand, corporate, strategic communications or related roles.

• Experience supporting internal communications, thought leadership, or external visibility initiatives preferred. 

• In-house corporate or institutional communications experience strongly preferred. 

About UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement

UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement are nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing safety science research through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge. We conduct rigorous independent research and analyze safety data, convene experts worldwide to address risks, share knowledge through safety education and public outreach initiatives, and develop standards to guide safe commercialization of evolving technologies. We foster communities of safety, from grassroots initiatives for neighborhoods to summits of world leaders. Our organization employs collaborative and scientific approaches with partners and stakeholders to drive innovation and progress toward improving safety, security, and sustainability, ultimately enhancing societal well-being.

Learn more about us and the offered benefits, visit our websites at UL.org and ULSE.org.

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