Posted On: April 30, 2013

Journalism Job

Media Organization: American Geophysical Union

Company Description

This is an exciting time to be working at the American Geophysical Union (AGU). We are an international scientific association whose core strength is our 63,000 scientist members from over 144 countries. Our members work on some of the most pressing issues facing humanity: climate change, renewable clean energy, and meeting the challenges of natural hazards.

Nearly a century after our inception, AGU continues to grow, and remains strong, stable and resolute. We are financially solid and many of our 115 staff have been with AGU for more than 10 years. We were recently recognized by The Washington Business Journal as one of the 20 most profitable associations.

AGU is also experiencing some significant and important changes: science is actively regaining the forefront in government funding and policymaking, bringing immediate and increased attention to the work of our members; our membership is growing with a noticeable shift in our overall demographics (including younger members and an increasing trend in international members); and, we are making changes of our own too, transitioning to new executive leadership.

Our headquarters are conveniently located just three blocks north of Washington’s Dupont Circle, on the Metro’s red line.

Job Description

Are you a skillful, accurate, and experienced science writer who can quickly create engaging press releases and blog posts? Are you excited by the prospect of recruiting, editing, and guiding science-writing interns in finding and reporting on newsworthy scientific research? Would you enjoy and excel at being part of a close-knit team working under tight deadlines to organize and conduct press conferences as well as activities to help scientists become more effective communicators? Can you picture yourself blogging from an international scientific meeting as well as leading an on-site workshop for scientists to bolster their communication skills?

If so, we want you to join our team at the largest scientific organization that promotes discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity. This is an exciting time to be working at the American Geophysical Union (AGU). Our members and staff work hard to disseminate new research findings in our disciplines and to make society aware and informed about scientific advances to help ensure a sustainable future.

We are currently seeking a Public Information Specialist-Writer who will have key responsibility for finding and publicizing the most newsworthy scientific papers coming out in AGU journals and at AGU meetings. You will recruit and work closely with interns who will help you find and write up new scientific findings and who will look to you for assignments and guidance. You will monitor and report on media coverage of AGU science to fellow AGU staff and to AGU’s membership. You will be responsible for distribution/posting of, on average, two press releases/blog entries per week.

As a vital member of AGU’s public information team, you will collaborate on media relations and on press conferences and other events/activities at AGU meetings. At our large annual meeting, you will also organize and oversee blogging by AGU staff and guest contributors. You will be a key player in a variety of other public information programs and activities, as needed, including special projects and ad hoc assignments.

Why should you join us? We are the world’s largest Earth and space science society with a commitment to generating high-impact science news and promoting effective science communication. We offer an extensive benefit package to all full-time employees and the opportunity to work with member scientists who focus on global issues to ensure a sustainable future. You will work in a collaborative environment with dedicated professionals who are interested in making a difference.

To Apply

AGU is metro-accessible and offers a competitive salary and exceptional benefits package. Qualified candidates should apply online at our website, located at: https://www11.ultirecruit.com/AME1056/JobBoard/JobDetails.aspx?__ID=*6D45CF81BD9BD231
•Cover Letter
•Resume
•Links to your current or past professional online Web presence (web pages, blogs, Twitter feeds, Facebook pages, etc.)
•In addition, please e-mail your application to resumes@agu.org. Include three clips (samples of science writing/reporting), demonstrating a variety of writing formats and styles, such as press releases, news stories, blog posts, news tips, feature stories, profiles, etc.

If you have additional clips that include story-telling in other forms of media beyond text (e.g. audio, video, slide-shows, or other multimedia), please also provide one multimedia clip.