JBEI & BSE Communications & Outreach Manager
Berkeley Lab’s Biosciences Area Office has an opening for a Communications & Outreach Manager. The Emery Station East (ESE) facility of the Berkeley Lab houses multiple research programs that are part of the Biosciences Area at LBNL, including the Joint Bioenergy Institute (JBEI), as well as the headquarters for the Biological Systems & Engineering Division. The facility has an exciting career opportunity available for an experienced Public Affairs / Outreach professional to support JBEI, the division, and the Biosciences Area in communications and outreach activities. The Public Affairs Specialist will assist with the development and execution of tactical public affairs plans, including communication and promotion of Laboratory and JBEI research initiatives. Duties include writing and editing of internal communications, online communication and other related documents and assisting with media inquiries, creating media opportunities and working with agencies to get favorable stories in the press and online. Will also be involved in JBEI education outreach, scheduling and conducting JBEI tours, managing social media accounts and strategies, and other communications-based activities. This position reports to the JBEI Chief Operating Officer/Operations Deputy for BSE and will actively collaborate with other Biosciences Area communications staff and the Berkeley Lab Strategic Communications Office.
What You Will Do:
Support JBEI & BSE Public Affairs initiatives with comprehensive external and internal communications programs and tactical public affairs plans, in coordination with LBNL Strategic Communications, when necessary.
Develop strategies and implementation plans to improve, broaden, and make more impactful, the group’s outreach, communications, and public relations areas.
Research, and write internal communications, online communications and other related documents of moderate scope.
Field media requests in coordination with Berkeley Lab’s media relations officer.
Research potential stories and seek out resources to promote JBEI & BSE research initiatives and programs including: internet, intranet, newspapers, periodicals, newsletters and other sources.
Capture and quantify metrics for JBEI & BSE Public Affairs initiatives. Track JBEI’s public affairs and outreach activities for reporting to DOE, including outreach to educational institutions, the scientific community and the general public.
Schedule and lead high school, community group, and other external entities for visits and tours to the JBEI.
Enlist JBEI & ESE researcher and staff to assist in lab facility tours, demonstrations and handson activities. Assist in the development of training courses and programs to keep a suitable population of qualified tour guides through normal JBEI turnover, as well as general training for communicating JBEI’s mission and work in any potential outreach or public affairs setting.
Maintain JBEI’s and Biosciences Area’s social media presence through regular updates and posts, as well as collaborative efforts with LBNL Strategic Communications for social media events. Use social media tools for scheduling campaigns and tracking metrics to maximize visibility and impact.
Contribute to the development and production learning materials for JBEI's education outreach, to include teaching modules for elementary and high school level curricula, and work with schools and other educational institutions to achieve broad adoption in classrooms.
Interact with senior internal and external stakeholders to develop educational outreach activities towards the promotion of bioenergy, biotech and STEM education.
Collaborate with JBEI & ESE relevant personnel to manage and update JBEI web content and coordinate with outside vendors for periodic upgrades to external websites. Maintain relevant news stories on JBEI’s externally facing website. Create and maintain a public-facing JBEI Outreach and Public Affairs web page to allow for access to information and materials related to JBEI’s activities and programs.
Work with LBNL’s Creative Services Offices to draft and maintain collaterals for JBEI’s outreach and public affairs for distribution to visitors, tour attendees, and at community, scientific, and educational events.
Contribute materials related to outreach and communications efforts to management for internal and external presentations of JBEI and BSE achievements.
Additional Responsibilities as needed:
Provide photography and video support at JBEI, BSE, and ESE functions, workshops and events.
Assist with special projects and assignments as needed
Perform other duties as assigned
What is Required:
Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience. An undergraduate degree or its equivalent in education and experience preferred.
Experience writing and editing journalistic style articles, press releases, web content and other related documents.
Submission of a professional portfolio or other work samples is required
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, the Google equivalents of Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, and WordPress.
Demonstrated experience utilizing a variety of media sources to effectively communicate with different audiences including print media, newsletters, networking sites, social media, and YouTube.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact with a variety of scientific, administrative and technical staff.
Additional Desired Qualifications:
Some knowledge of scientific theories and concepts related to genomics, molecular biology, biotechnology, bioenergy, carbon cycling and biogeochemistry.
Some experience with photography and video production desired.
The posting shall remain open until the position is filled.
Notes:
This is a full-time career appointment.
Full-time, M-F, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
Salary is commensurate with experience.
This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
Work will be primarily performed at Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) — Bldg. 978, 5885 Hollis St., 4th floor, Emeryville, CA.
Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 13 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.
Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. Berkeley Lab is in compliance with the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4. Click here to view the poster and supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law."