Media Relations Specialist III

JPL/NASA•Pasadena, CA

1d•$112,528 - $136,760

About The Position

JPL’s Media and Mission Communications Group operates as a fast-paced digital newsroom and engages with global news media and digital platforms. The Media Relations Specialist III will respond to growing interest in JPL’s missions, projects, and discoveries, concentrating primarily on planetary sciences. The role works closely with scientists and engineers to translate complex material into clear, compelling news releases, features, blog posts, press kits, and potentially video scripts for audiences around the world. The position involves proactive story development, planning communications campaigns and events with NASA and JPL colleagues, handling media inquiries, and navigating review and approval workflows across JPL, NASA Headquarters, and external partners. It also supports crisis and issues communications through proactive messaging, reactive Q&As, and rapid-response plans.

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, manage breaking news, and balance input from numerous stakeholders.
Strong news judgment and diplomatic skills, with a record of building trust with scientists, engineers, and external journalists.
Intellectual agility to shift 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 stories about JPL’s work for NASA and the nation.
Help develop and execute end-to-end communication plans and messaging frameworks for major mission announcements.
Prepare press kits and support virtual and in-person news conferences.
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 for crisis and issues management.