Media Relations Specialist III

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

3d • $112,528 - $136,760 • Onsite

About The Position

JPL’s Media and Mission Communications Group, within the Communication, Legislative Affairs, and Academic Engagement Division, operates as a fast-paced digital newsroom and engages with global news media and digital platforms. The Media Relations Specialist III will help address growing demand for information about JPL’s missions, projects, and discoveries, concentrating primarily on planetary sciences. The specialist works closely with scientists and engineers to turn complex material into clear, compelling news releases, features, blog posts, press kits, and potentially video scripts for audiences worldwide.

The role includes translating planetary science, geology, and engineering for public audiences and science journalists; developing stories with subject matter experts; supporting communication campaigns and events; managing media relations and inquiries; navigating JPL, NASA, and partner review processes; and preparing communications for crises and emerging issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, science writing, or a related discipline and at least 6 years of related work experience; or a master’s degree in a similar discipline and at least 4 years of related work experience; or a Ph.D. in a similar discipline and at least 2 years of related work experience.
• Advanced expertise in science and technical writing, short- and long-form news writing, and/or digital storytelling across varied media platforms.
• Excellent creative storytelling skills and strong organizational capabilities.
• Ability to adhere to AP Style, meet deadlines, and stay within word counts.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines, stay ahead of the news cycle, and manage breaking news while balancing input from numerous stakeholders.
• Strong news judgment and diplomatic skills, with a track record of building trust with scientists, engineers, and external journalists.
• Intellectual agility to shift areas of focus and rapidly build domain expertise as mission portfolios evolve.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of or a passionate interest in science and/or technology.
• Established relationships with national and international science, technology, and mainstream journalists.
• Hands-on experience developing video storyboards or scripting short-form digital visual media.
• Experience working in a matrixed environment.

Responsibilities

• Translate complex planetary science, geology, and engineering into concise, compelling materials for the public and science journalists.
• Build relationships with subject matter experts across JPL to identify developing projects, scientific milestones, and story angles about JPL’s work for NASA and the nation.
• Help develop and execute end-to-end communication plans and messaging frameworks with NASA and JPL colleagues.
• Prepare press kits and support virtual and in-person news conferences for major mission announcements.
• Respond to media inquiries under tight deadlines and pitch stories to media outlets.
• Build relationships with journalists and prepare subject matter experts for broadcast and print interviews.
• Navigate review and approval workflows involving JPL, NASA Headquarters, and external partners.
• Develop proactive messaging, reactive Q&As, and rapid-response communication plans as needed.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans.
• Paid time off.
• Learning opportunities.
• Rideshare benefits.
• Childcare.
• Flexible schedule.
• Parental leave.
• Additional traditional and unique benefits and perks.
• Benefits for eligible positions are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior