Science Writer

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research•Boulder, CO

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Science Writer supports the missions of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) and the U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF | NCAR) by translating our work into compelling stories that showcase the value of our research to the nation and the world for a wide variety of audiences. Under the direction of the Manager of Science Communications, the Science Writer is responsible for cultivating relationships with scientists and staff across the organization, identifying research and other work that have strong story hooks, and translating that work into communications products that resonate with our key audiences, which include the general public, media, policymakers, potential funders, end users, community managers, and others. The Science Writer collaborates with other members of the Communications Office to extend the way we tell our story, expanding our storytelling efforts beyond traditional news releases and web stories to possibly include video, audio, or other formats.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field; six years of writing and/or editing experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Considerable writing and editing skills
Understanding of, and enthusiasm for, Earth system science and the ability to explain its importance and value to society
Excellent skill at interviewing scientific and technical professionals
Ability to identify, gather, understand, assimilate, and coordinate complex scientific and technical information and to articulate it clearly and accurately for multiple audiences across multiple platforms
Ability to identify and articulate what research is newsworthy and can help us tell our story in support of our mission
Highly developed interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong relationships with scientists and staff across the organization
High level of organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to balance multiple tasks under tight deadlines
Ability to interface and collaborate with peers at sister institutions, professional societies, and federal agencies, and to work internally with a variety of staff at all levels
Experience telling science stories in non-traditional formats, which could include video, graphics, audio, or other forms.

Responsibilities

Stays informed about recent research directions, findings, and breakthroughs by building strong relationships with scientists, leadership, and other staff across the organization.
Identifies research, projects, and other work that is well suited for coverage by the Communications Office in support of the organization’s strategic goals.
Works to understand the fundamentals of Earth system science so that research findings can be put into the appropriate context and so that progress can be communicated accurately and with as much impact as possible.
Translates technical research into compelling stories that are aimed at specific audiences to meet clear goals.
Produces a wide variety of communications products, including news releases, leadership talking points, web content, brochures, one-pagers, newsletters, and more.
Thinks beyond the traditional news release and web story to find creative ways to communicate the value of our science. This could include videos, podcasts, infographics, or other new media platforms.
Edits other stories and materials produced by both the Communications Office and by other groups across NSF NCAR and UCAR.
Consults and collaborates with other externally facing groups — including Government Relations, External Engagement, Business Relations, and others — to identify goals and to tailor effective messages for specific audiences.
Helps implement a variety of formal and informal trainings that help scientists better communicate their own work, including how to create effective talking points, tailor their message, implement best practices for presentations, and work with the news media.
Backs up a number of other roles in the Communications Office as needs arise.