The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a directorate of the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, is an Office of Science User Facility operated for the U.S. Department of Energy by Stanford University. SSRL provides synchrotron radiation—a name given to x-rays or light produced by electrons circulating in a storage ring at nearly the speed of light—that can be used to study our world at the atomic and molecular level, leading to major advances in energy production, nanotechnology, new materials and medicine.
Scientists from academia, industry, government agencies and research institutions worldwide compete for access by submitting proposals for beam time that are peer reviewed on the basis of scientific merit and potential impact. Annually, more than 1500 scientists conduct their research at SSRL, revealing scientific insight that may not be obtained through other methods.
SLAC is seeking a Communications Manager to lead a number of initiatives on behalf of SSRL. Reporting to the Director of SSRL, with a dotted line to the SLAC Director of Communications, the Communications Manager is responsible for both creating and implementing a strategy for communicating with funders, scientists who currently conduct experiments at SSRL, and potential new users.
Specific Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):
Direct messaging toward and create relationships with the DOE Office of Basic Energy Sciences to include: defined explanations of SSRL's strategic direction, engaging stories about specific research projects that support SSRL's mission, and updates on increased capabilities and new scientific advancements.
Work closely with the SLAC Director of Communications to ensure consistent messaging to all levels of the DOE
Advise SSRL management on best methods for outreach to new industrial and academic research groups and communities
Build relationships with scientists conducting research at SSRL
Highlight scientific advances made at SSRL by both employees and visiting scientists
Obtain and present statistics about SSRL and the scientists who conduct research there
Work with SLAC’s Office of Communications to identify and disseminate important research findings from SSRL to the news media
Work with key personnel at other synchrotron facilities in the United States to communicate the benefits of these facilities in advancing science
Provide support to the SSRL Director on internal communications matters within the directorate
Provide other communications support as needed to the SSRL Director
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in science, communications, journalism or a related field.
At least ten years experience in communications, preferably more than five years in a scientific setting
Previous experience in crafting and implementing a communications strategy
Excellent written and verbal communications skills at many different levels of technicality
Ability to exercise experienced business judgment and discretion to implement strategies that directly impact SSRL as well as public perception of the user facility
Ability to travel as needed (~ 20%)
Desired Skills:
Advanced degree preferred.
Stanford Linear Accelerator Center - 13 months ago
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