Senior Public Relations Specialist

We are looking for a highly skilled Senior Public Relations Specialist to join our team and enhance the public voice and image of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. The ideal candidate will craft compelling, accurate content that translates complex scientific concepts for diverse audiences across online, print, and social media platforms. This role also involves managing media relations and developing strategic PR campaigns, including overseeing social media content.

This position requires close collaboration and communication with scientists and content experts to communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences. The ideal candidate is passionate about science communication, skilled in storytelling, and has experience translating technical information into accessible, audience-friendly language. The position requires the ability to leverage the latest communications industry technologies and digital tools. This position contributes to a highly interactive team environment. Science interest and/or background is highly preferred.

Content Creation & Writing:
* Collaborate with internal clients, scientists and subject-matter experts to translate complex scientific topics into understandable and relatable messages for general and specialized audiences.
* Write and edit clear, compelling, and on-brand content for press materials, social media posts, blog articles, newsletters, and website content.
* Ensure all content is consistent with the brand's voice and messaging, maintaining a professional and engaging tone across all channels.
* Collaborate with internal teams to develop content that supports marketing, corporate communications, and crisis management efforts.
* Create content for the CSHL monthly newsletter
o Assist with the monthly publishing of the electronic Newsletter as directed. Collect info and write first drafts (CSHL uses Salesforce to create and distribute the newsletter)

Media Relations
* Create and build relationships with key journalists, editors, and influencers across various media outlets.
* Draft and distribute media advisories, news releases, stories and various forms of creative content.
* Proactively identify media opportunities and secure coverage in print, digital, and broadcast outlets.
* Manage electronic distribution tools and media and contact lists for various products (CSHL uses Cision, Salesforce and PR Newswire).
* Coordinate special projects: film crews, photoshoots, media interviews.
* Respond to media inquiries and act as a media liaison.
* Monitor media coverage, track public sentiment, and provide media analysis and reports.

Social Media Management:
* Develop and execute a social media strategy that aligns with organizational goals and enhances brand presence.
* Manage daily social media activities across multiple platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, BlueSky, YouTube), including content creation, scheduling, and community engagement.
* Create and curate high-quality content (graphics, blog posts, etc.) that engages audiences and drives traffic.
* Monitor social media trends, conversations and identify opportunities for brand positioning, and participate in relevant conversations.
* Analyze social media performance and adjust strategies to improve engagement; provide reports/guidance to leadership

Strategy Development
* Work closely with the Community Engagement Manager and others on the Communications and Development teams to identify new opportunities to promote CSHL across Long Island and the NY Metro area.
* Propose strategic initiatives to leverage CSHL Communications programs and products in building public awareness for CSHL
* Support departmental and institutional initiatives with publicity strategies and tactics
* Identify opportunities for increased CSHL visibility in the NY metro area and digital communities related to organizations with mutual interests.
* Analyze program performance data to make informed decisions about future strategies

EDUCATION:
* Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations program or related area (Degree in science with proven expertise in communications will be considered)

EXPERIENCE:
* +7 years of public relations experience required
* Science interest and/or background is highly preferred.

SKILLS:
* Superior writing, editing and proofreading skills essential
* Experience with the following digital tools: Macintosh desktop publishing (Microsoft Office Products), Cision and PRNews wire, social media platforms and monitoring
* Familiarity with Salesforce is preferred
* Ability to prioritize tasks and work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
* Ability to work independently and contribute to team
* Organized and fast learner
* Ability to execute and measure multifaceted campaigns and day-to-day communications initiatives

How to Apply:
For immediate consideration, candidates should create an account and apply to the position found here:
Senior Public Relations Specialist | Job Details tab | Career Pages

Position ID: 01455

The anticipated start date for this role is 5/19/2025.

Environment

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is a world-renowned biomedical research institution in New York. It has shaped contemporary biomedical research and is the home of eight Nobel Prize laureates. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory provides a highly dynamic and interactive research environment and also a unique opportunity of timely exposure to advances in various biomedical research fields and of interaction with a broad range of researchers from all over the world through its renowned Meetings and Courses program. We believe that science is for everyone and our researchers have a wide variety of backgrounds.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our CSHL Benefitssites to learn more. The salary range for this role is $75,000- $85,000. The salary range and/or hourly rate listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation that may be offered to a successful applicant for this position at the time of this job advertisement and may be modified in the future. When determining a base salary and/or rate, several factors may be considered as applicable (e.g., years of relevant experience, education, credentials, and internal equity).

CSHL is an EO Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or protected veteran status. VEVRAA Federal Contractor