Media Relations Specialist

WHY JOIN AGU

Our employees are our most valuable assets! You will feel welcomed and supported from the moment you join our team, and you will take part in strengthening and evolving our workplace culture.

We offer work-life balance and innovative benefits.

• Work-life balance: remote-first organization, flexible work hours, unlimited PTO, Summer Fridays off, paid holidays, military leave.
• Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life Insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, wellness, tuition reimbursement, 403(b) plan, FSA, HSA, theft protection, physical wellness and fitness, pet care, personal and professional development, office related expenses, Work Pal, Parental leave and much more.

Who We Are

The American Geophysical Union (AGU) supports a global community of more than half a million professionals and advocates in the Earth and space sciences.

Through broad and inclusive partnerships, AGU aims to advance discovery and solution science that accelerates knowledge and creates solutions that are ethical, unbiased, and respectful of communities and their values. Our programs include serving as a scholarly publisher, convening virtual and in-person events, and providing career support. We live our values in everything we do, such as our net-zero energy renovated building in Washington, D.C., and our Ethics and Equity Center, which fosters a diverse and inclusive geoscience community to ensure responsible conduct.

This is an exciting time to work at AGU. Every day we approach our work with a sense of purpose, and we look for others who share that passion and desire for a career with impact.

Who You Are

AGU media relations strengthens AGU’s reputation as an authoritative voice for the Earth and space sciences by engaging the news media and the public in AGU science, programs, and strategic goals. As the Media Relations Specialist, you will forward this mission by producing timely, clear, and accurate writing and multimedia. You are responsive to media inquiries and support AGU members’ and authors’ public outreach. By contributing to the overall media relations program, you will help elevate AGU science, ensuring AGU is perceived as a reliable, valuable source of information while also increasing awareness and appreciation of the Earth and space sciences and their implications for society.

You will report to the Media Relations Manager and will be part of the Strategic Communications and Marketing (SCM) team.

What You Will Do

• Write press releases, research spotlights, news highlights, and other publicity materials as assigned by the Media Relations Manager.
• Assist with editing materials produced by interns, freelancers, and members of the media relations team.
• Create and post engaging social media content.
• Pitch newsworthy science stories from AGU journals and conferences.
• Participate in planning and preparation for press operations at AGU meetings, organizing press events, and communication with partner press offices.
• Maintain project and contact databases.
• Track progress of open projects and communicate with journal production and peer review managers, author, and external press officers to coordinate media outreach with the journal publication pipeline.
• Manage AGU’s Journalism Awards program, including liaising with AGU’s Honors team, recruiting committee members, organizing submissions, and scheduling and facilitating meetings.
• Assist with monitoring departmental email and respond to requests.
• Assist the media relations and broader SCM team with projects as needed.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned that are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification.

What You Will Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or related discipline OR a natural science degree with training and experience in journalism or communications.
• 2-3 years of work experience in a communications role, ideally in a scientific field.Ability to produce content for a variety of communications channels, including press releases, press conferences, news briefs, newsletters, and social media.
• Experience in interviewing experts and translating complex science concepts and results in an engaging, accurate way for general audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple projects.
• Participation in live events such as press conferences, webinars, meetings, tours, or town halls with the ability to speak at such events.
• Experience in research, writing, editing, and communication with knowledge of AP style.
• Ability to assess and pitch the newsworthiness of scientific findings.
• Professional communication skills.
• Adept at quickly establishing relationships with members of the press and staff at partner organizations and institutions.
• Organized and comfortable working on a deadline while managing complex logistics.
• Ability to work both independently and in teams.
• Proficient with Microsoft tools, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Familiar with prominent social media platforms. Multimedia production skills desired.
• Creative and curious, to learn new things.
• Enthusiastic about science and news media.
• Available to travel.

Agu Essential Values

• Accountability: Own it.
• Excellence: Give your all.
• Member & Customer Service: Members & Customers first.
• Teamwork: Together everyone achieves more.
• Respect-Earn it and give it.
• Integrity- Do the right thing.

HIRING SPECIFICS

• We understand that it is unrealistic for candidates to fulfill 100% of the criteria listed in a job posting. However, we encourage you to apply if you meet many of the requirements because we know that skills evolve. If you are willing to learn and evolve alongside us, join our team!
• The salary range for this position starts at $55,600, the midpoint is $69,800, and the Maximum is $84,000. We typically pay in the middle of our range, depending on experience.
• This is a full-time, exempt, and remote position in several US states. (We are NOT hiring in WA, OR, and CA for now)
• Work Authorization: We will not sponsor applicants for work visas in the US.
• We care deeply about fairness so you can be assured that your application will never be judged based on religious belief, age, color, race, creed, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation, ethnic origin, or disability.
• AGU will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
• Veterans and people with disability are encouraged to apply.