Communication Specialist

The American Chemical Society seeks a communication specialist to help promote the wonder of science and the value of chemistry to solve problems in the world. As part of the Communications Division at ACS, the person in this role will work with multimedia partners and with colleagues across the organization to support ACS's strategic goals. The ideal candidate will help support the landmarks program, assist with social media, write press releases and other materials, and support media relations. Strong interpersonal skills are essential, as there will be significant collaborations across the organization and with external stakeholders. This is a hybrid position. Some travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and enhance current partnerships with journalists and public information officers. Identify new contacts to pursue.
• Write and edit effective press releases and other content intended to promote ACS, in conjunction with units within the organization and external partners.
• Help support the National Historic Chemical Landmarks program.
  
  
  
  • In partnership with the web team, improve the web presence of the program.
  • In partnership with staff and freelancers, continue to build a library of lesson plans to accompany landmarks.
  • With support of freelancers and subject matter experts, create a narrative describing the impact chemical landmarks have made on society.
  • Track the success of the translated content currently available and make data-drive decisions about the future of program, in conjunction with other team members.
  • In partnership with other colleagues, plan dedication events of new landmarks, which may require some travel.
  
  
  
  
• Help monitor and post ACS content to social media platforms.
• Assist with training scientists to speak with members of the media in simple, uncomplicated ways.
• Assist with monitoring brand compliance, both internally and externally.
• ACS is represented accurately in the media.
• Contribute to a positive corporate identity and positive brand recognition. Promote a positive and consistent company social narrative.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or similar field required; science communication experience is highly desired.
• 3+ years of experience in communications, publicity, or media relations field.
• Strong communication skills with proven ability to present, write, and edit materials for journalists and do so in a clear, concise, well-organized, and well-articulated manner.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Experience working and contributing to a highly collaborative team.
• Ability to speak candidly, while handling sensitive and complex issues with discretion.
• Proficiency in Spanish, Mandarin, or Arabic is a strong plus.
• Willing and able to learn software specific to the team, including Microsoft 365, Asana, Slack, and Cision.
• Knowledge of AP Style.

This role is based in our Washington, D.C. office. A reasonable rate of compensation for this position is between $69,000-94,000 per year.

ACS currently provides the following benefits for this position: paid vacation leave, paid sick leave, paid holidays, health insurance, flexible spending account or health care savings account, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, retirement benefits, short- and long-term disability, and 4-week work from anywhere; each benefit is subject to the terms of the applicable program. Additional benefits may apply based on skills, experience, and location.

Any actual offer of employment, reflecting the total compensation package and benefits, will be made in the sole discretion of ACS. ACS reserves the right to amend or modify its employment benefits and compensation structure at any time.