Media Relations Specialist II

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 168 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

JPL’s Media Communications Group, within the Communication, Legislative Affairs, and Academic Engagement Division, functions as a digital newsroom and also interacts with traditional news media and new media platforms. The Group has an exciting opportunity for an Media Relations Specialist to join their team and help respond to the growing demand to learn about JPL’s missions, projects, and discoveries.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the News Chief, the person in this position will concentrate on Earth, planetary sciences, and astrophysics, working closely with subject matter experts and communications teammates to craft and guide the development of an array of text and multimedia products, including news releases, feature stories, blog posts, press kits, videos, presentations, and social media posts. In addition, the person will help craft communication plans with longer-term strategic goals for individual missions, help organize news conferences and other events, and develop crisis communications plans as needed. The ability to create compelling, user-friendly products for general audiences and the news media alike with pinpoint accuracy is essential, as is the ability to navigate a complex environment with various stakeholders at JPL. The JPL newsroom is a fast-paced environment where collaboration, excellent internal communication, and strong navigation skills are key. Leading candidates must be able to hit their deadlines and stay ahead of news cycles while working with various stakeholders at JPL, NASA, and other institutions to see projects through from start to finish.

Required qualifications

This position requires the ability to work independently yet collaboratively. An ideal candidate will have:

• Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, science writing, or related discipline with a minimum of three years of related experience, or a Master’s degree with a minimum of 1 year of related experience, or a PhD with 0 years of related experience.

• Advanced skill in one or more of the following areas: science and technical writing, news releases, digital storytelling, and both short- and long-form newswriting. Candidates must be able to to distill complex science and engineering topics into brief, colorful, and descriptive materials that are easily understood by the public and the general media yet provide sufficient detail for science and technology journalists.

• Flexible writing abilities: This position involves developing succinct statements, 900-word features, short blog posts, website text, and more on a quick-turn basis.

• Strong internal and external communication skills, solid news judgment, and diplomatic skills.

• Excellent copyediting skills; JPL and NASA follow the AP Stylebook.

• Proven ability to meet deadlines and handle breaking news while juggling multiple projects and working with numerous stakeholders on any given project.

• A combination of creativity and strong organizational abilities.

• A passion to learn; knowledge of Earth science, planetary science and/or astrophysics is considered a plus.

Desired qualifications:

• Experience crafting and producing online multimedia products, including video, imagery, audio, and graphics.

• Knowledge of applicable JPL and NASA policies and procedures as well as government regulations.

• Familiarity with navigating complex environments.

• Facility with PowerPoint and Google Slides, Airtable, Microsoft365

• Project management skills.

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.

For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

EEO is the Law.

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Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.