Head of Media Relations
Overview
SRI International has a rich history supporting government and industry. Our innovations have created new industries, billions of dollars in market value and lasting benefits to society. We are organized around broad disciplines and capabilities, with research in such areas as the biosciences, AI and machine learning, innovation and strategy, quantum sensing and networking, robotics, and K-12 education. We excel at identifying new opportunities, developing products and creating custom solutions. We are driven by impact: We deliver unique solutions for the world's important challenges and transform ideas into reality for clients and partners.
We are looking for a Head of Media Relations to join our Communications and Marketing team.
A new position on the SRI team, will drive visibility for SRI International and our priorities and to elevate our global brand by developing and implementing media relations strategies and proactive media campaigns on a local, national, and global scale.
The person in this position will also manage inbound media queries and provide thought leadership for crisis and external executive communications. The Head of Media Relations will report to the Vice President of Communications and will work in close collaboration with communications colleagues and researchers throughout the institute.
The ideal candidate will have strong organization and communication skills, excellent judgment, topnotch writing ability, and the sophistication to understand and work alongside complex and varied constituent perspectives.
This person will have significant interest in and knowledge of current issues and trends in science, engineering, technology and K-12 education; demonstrated experience working with local, national and international media; and the ability to act as a thought-partner with colleagues within the Communications and Marketing group, as well as with leaders and researchers throughout the organization.
This position can be based in our Menlo Park, Washington D.C., or Princeton locations and can be either hybrid or fully on-site.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute on a proactive media relations strategy, and leverage incoming media opportunities, to drive favorable coverage for SRI and elevate the institute’s reputation.
- Design and implement effective media relations programs with outreach to local and national news organizations, and establish and leverage relationships with key reporters and editors at leading publications.
- Rapidly respond to incoming media issues to mitigate potential negative impact, and support and respond to day-to-day media inquiries.
- Create processes that support both proactive and reactive media relations efforts, including media-contact lists, media statements, spokesperson briefing materials, proactive pitches, and the data and monitoring tools required to evaluate success, increase earned media, assess message pull-through, and stay abreast of current and potential issues in science, technology, education and the broader research environment.
- Provide strategic counsel on issues that could impact the institute’s reputation and prepare for crisis communications response and be able to direct response and serve as the institute spokesperson if needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field, or in one of the subject-matter areas in which SRI researchers engage, or related field, with an emphasis on science communications or PR.
- At least twelve (12) years of relevant experience in media or public relations and science communications within a non- or for-profit research-based organization.
- Demonstrated experience in media relations and PR and the ability to represent SRI and its researchers to reporters, editors and other media representatives at leading publications and news outlets.
- Ability to develop strong, positive and constructive relationships with researchers and other internal partners to promote complex scientific ideas, concepts and research to external audiences via media outlets .
- Experience navigating a cross-functional, matrix environment.
- Passion for communication and writing that inspires audiences.
- An innovative spirit, a strategic outlook, and appreciation for the power and importance of building a brand, and a sincere desire to work alongside others to accomplish our business objectives.
The salary range is: $139,000 - $176,000. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/
Background Check Candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment will be subject to a background check.
EOE/AA SRI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
DEI Statement At SRI we value different identities, perspectives and experiences. A diverse, equitable and inclusive working environment strengthens our ability to create world-changing solutions that make people safer, healthier and more productive.