Writer (Science Writer)

Writer (Science Writer)
Who we are:

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

Position Summary:

The American Physical Society seeks a skilled and experienced writer to join its strategic communications team. Reporting to the Science Communications Manager, the Writer will support APS’s mission to advance and diffuse the knowledge of physics by creating compelling and accessible short- and long-form content that connects APS with diverse audiences, including journalists, scientists, the public, and more. This position primarily contributes to press outreach around research published in the Physical Review journals or presented at APS’s meetings. However, it also supports social media, APS News, internal communications, and other communications activities as needed.

APS has a “remote first” concept that promotes equal treatment and equal access, independent of physical work location, with a majority of staff working primarily from remote work locations. This position could require in-office work and travel to attend various events and meetings as instructed by a supervisor. APS values diversity and welcomes candidates from a variety of backgrounds. APS offers a dynamic work environment with an outstanding total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, exceptional benefits, and excellent paid time off.

Content Creation:

• Produce high-quality communication materials: press releases and other press materials, social media content, long-form stories, feature articles, internal blog posts, and more.
• Source or create multimedia assets to accompany written content.
• Review and edit written materials for accuracy, clarity, and style guide adherence to APSs style guide.

Content Strategy & Promotion:

• Identify newsworthy or compelling content for earned and owned media promotion. 
• Assist with communications planning and event logistics for APS meetings' press programs.

Media Monitoring & Reporting:

• Monitor the media landscape to stay up to date on news trends.
• Help track and report on news coverage of APS.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Serve on the APS Style Guide Task Force.

Education: 

• Bachelor's degree in science writing, journalism, or a related scientific field is required.

Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Minimum of three years experience as a Science Writer for a news outlet, research organization, scientific publisher, or relevant scientific industry.
• Advanced writing, editing, and interviewing skills.
• Ability to distill complex scientific concepts into clear, concise, and compelling prose.
• Thorough knowledge of journalistic standards and ethics.
• Exceptional understanding of news values and the scientific process.
• Strategic thinker with strong organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and relationship-building capabilities.
• Experience using social media to promote scientific communication.
• Proficient in relevant software (EurekAlert!, Muck Rack, Altmetric, Sprout Social).
• Fluent in AP style.
• Background in physics (a plus).

Travel:  This position requires up to 25% travel to attend events and meetings, including travel to APS offices in Long Island, NY; Washington DC; and College Park, MD, as well as other off-site locations for periodic meetings and training sessions. Additional travel may be required as assigned by the supervisor.

Salary:
The salary range for this position takes into account various factors influencing compensation decisions, such as skill sets, experience, training, and other business and organizational requirements. The salary listed within the specified ranges considers relevant experience. Our compensation philosophy at APS aims to maintain salaries at the midpoint of the market. As a result, we typically hire within the target starting range. Exceptional, rare cases may merit reviews above target starting range for specialized or niche skills aligned with strategic operational goals.

Hiring Range: $55,552/year - $78,414/year (USD)

Target Starting Range: $55,552/year - $64,026/year (USD)