Media Relations Specialist

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Communications and Community Engagement Directorate at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a media relations professional whose talent and experience will help position the Lab among the world's premier research institutions. The successful candidate will support the Media Relations Group to share compelling stories about ORNL science and technology to reach curated, targeted audiences through channels including news releases, feature stories, and earned media in external publications, broadcasts, and strategic campaigns.

Requirements

BS/BA degree in journalism, mass media communications, public relations, advertising, marketing, or a science-related field, plus a minimum of two years relevant experience.
Proven proficiency in applying Associated Press (AP) style guidelines.
Experience using workflow and project/task management platforms such as Smartsheet.
Demonstrated ability to manager multiple deadlines and perform effectively in high-pressure situations.
Ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.
Ability to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
Must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

Nice To Haves

Self-motivated, self-directed, results-focused, and committed to achieving goals.
Creativity and attention to detail are essential, as is knowledge of planning, coordinating, and implementing effective public information activities.
Excellent written and interpersonal skills, familiarity with word-processing and presentation software, and working knowledge of social media and content management systems.
Familiarity with layout and photography, web content management systems, and web analytics is a plus, as well as writing samples on scientific or technical topics for both technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

Assist the editing and review process of external news stories and content by managing the workflow of news content via Smartsheet.
Distribute news content through the Lab’s internal and external news platforms.
Develop reports and metrics that demonstrate the visibility of Lab news and the value of earned media to leadership and other stakeholders.
Inform local, national, and international audiences about noteworthy ORNL accomplishments, highlighting the Laboratory’s outstanding staff and its leadership in diverse fields of science.
Participate in preparing staff members to communicate effectively with media and other external audiences.
Help develop and implement plans to promote the Laboratory’s research, activities, services, programs, and events. Assist with creating publicity campaigns, developing targeted media lists, and devising strategies to amplify news content.
Find ways to cultivate relationships with local, trade and national media outlets and identify opportunities to pitch stories about ORNL activities. As directed, respond to media inquiries, facilitate interviews with Lab experts and manage media visits.
Assist with coordinating activities with digital media staff and others to support multiplatform storytelling.
Serve as part of the Lab’s emergency response team performing communications or related support.
Provide other writing and event support to the Communications and Community Engagement Directorate.
Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.