Strategic Communications Specialist

Job Title: Strategic Communications Specialist

Organization: American Nuclear Society (ANS)

Department: Department of Communications (external) and Department of Public Policy

Reports To: Director of Communications

Location: Washington, D.C.

Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (1-2 days/wk in office)

Overview:

The American Nuclear Society is seeking a motivated self-starter with excellent interpersonal skills to assist a dynamic four-person Washington, D.C.-based team in supporting public affairs related initiatives aimed at advancing the beneficial uses of nuclear science and technology.

Reporting directly to the Director of Communications, but working as part of a larger team that includes the Society’s CEO and Director of Public Policy, this position will focus on providing substantive and administrative support to for the Society’s external outreach efforts. Related responsibilities include managing media relations and social media, including tasks such as writing press releases and securing earned media placements, multi-media content production, and maintaining social media channels, from LinkedIn to TikTok, as well as organizing events, and managing Society-led projects.

The position will also assist the ANS CEO and the Director of Public Policy in the development, coordination, and implementation of ANS’ public outreach and policy engagement initiatives and events. These activities include but are not limited to, legislation tracking, development of advocacy and outreach materials, and the planning, outreach, coordination, and implementation of policy-related obligations associated with grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy, and other tasks as may be necessary

Prior experience in a policy or media-related communications job is required. Knowledge of nuclear science and technology and/or energy and environmental issues and/or video production and editing is a plus.

Qualified candidates must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to learn new skills in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:

Media Relations and Communications (30%):

• Write press releases, media statements, briefings, talking points, fact sheets, and media invites that raise the profile of ANS, secure earned media placements of subject matter experts, and empower the nuclear professional community in communicating the benefits of nuclear science and technology.
• Manage contact info databases of media outlets and journalists for targeted media relations; maintain organized resources for subject matter experts and public information officers;
• Develop third-party contacts for stakeholder engagement and public outreach efforts.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with journalists, subject matter experts, community leaders, and third-party stakeholders.
• Proactively develop and pitch nuclear science and technology stories to journalists and outlets, featuring ANS and ANS subject matter experts.
• Proactively promote ANS conferences, speakers, events and webinars to journalists; and oversee the distribution of complementary event passes to registered media.
• Prepare and manage communication plans and handle stakeholder communication as directed.
• Support colleagues in managing the implementation of strategies and plans for effective external communications, including assisting the Director of Communications in the training of subject matter experts at media training workshops.
• Assist the Director of Communications in managing the work of contractors, including OpEds and videos.
• Manage day-to-day social media on various platforms, including LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
• Respond to inquiries on social media, answering or forwarding them to staff when appropriate.
• Brainstorm and produce digital content for social media, including videos and shareable infographics.
• Collaborate with the ANS team to enhance the Society’s public profile through social media, media relations, marketing campaigns, digital content, stakeholder engagements, and DOE awards.

Public Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement (30%):

• Assist in the development, coordination, and execution of stakeholder engagement efforts and educational public outreach initiatives and events associated with grant programs awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
• Organize, lead, and maintain meaningful, inclusive community-level and stakeholder engagement relationships and processes as related to nuclear science and technology, specifically the management and transportation of spent nuclear fuel and waste.
• Supervise teams involved in visual/multimedia-heavy marketing campaigns and community engagements.
• Coordinate with partners on advocacy and education initiatives.
• Attend hearings, meetings, and events on behalf of ANS.
• Elicit and map public values, interests, and goals for effective collaboration.
• Conduct in-depth interviews and gather inputs from stakeholders and communities.
• Organize and execute event planning in support of ANS education and public outreach initiatives.
• Monitor, track, and analyze community activities to determine possible intersections with decision-making policies, programs, and laws related to nuclear science and technology.
• Build regional coalitions for information and resource sharing on nuclear science and technology issues, including the management and siting of nuclear materials.
• Develop, implement, and report outcomes and strategies that support mutual learning among stakeholders, communities, and experts on nuclear-related topics.

Public Policy (20%):

• Assist with public policy-related write-ups for ANS news publications.
• Assist with mission-relevant federal legislation tracking.
• Assist in the coordination of internal volunteer committee meetings
• Assist in the development, coordination, and execution of stakeholder engagement events.

Leadership Assistance (20%):

• Work directly with ANS CEO to support public appearances, promote Society initiatives, and other support as may be needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public policy, or related field.
• 2-4 years of relevant experience in public policy (federal or state) related communications, public relations, journalism, or issue advocacy.
• Experience on Capitol Hill or in a policy-focused firm or NGO is a plus.
• Experience in journalism, public relations or media relations is a plus.
• Knowledge of nuclear science, technology, energy, or environmental issues is advantageous.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with writing press releases, news stories or media statements.
• Experience in organizing a press conference or event is a plus.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently in a high-pressure environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to deal professionally with persons inside and outside of the organization from a variety of backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently with attention to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a high-pressure environment, often under tight deadlines, while maintaining keen attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat. Familiarity with scheduling and CRM software.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Audio/video editing experience is advantageous.
• Bilingual speaking skills are a plus, specifically Spanish.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and writing samples to hr@ans.org. The deadline for applications is May 15, 2024.