Public Relations Specialist

Position Description

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is seeking a talented and enthusiastic Public Relations Specialist to join our team. In this role, you will create compelling and accurate content that effectively communicates complex scientific discoveries to diverse audiences through CSHL’s online, print, and multimedia platforms, as well as media outreach. This position involves close collaboration with our world-renowned scientists and subject matter experts to transform technical information into accessible, engaging content. The ideal candidate is passionate about science communication, skilled in storytelling, and experienced in translating intricate concepts into clear, concise language.

Position Responsibilities

Beyond content creation, this role involves proactively identifying story opportunities and collaborating with the PR and marketing team to cultivate relationships with key journalists, influencers, and community leaders.

Content Creation & Writing:

• Partner with internal clients, scientists, and subject-matter experts to translate complex scientific topics into clear and relatable messages tailored for general and specialized audiences.
• Create and edit high-quality, on-brand content for press releases, videos, podcasts, magazines, blogs, newsletters, and Web pages.
• Develop content for social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and BlueSky and work with Marketing team on distribution of content.
• Collaborate with internal teams to provide support in marketing campaigns, donor outreach, and various other organizational initiatives.
• Maintain a consistent, professional, and engaging tone across all communication channels, aligning with the organization’s brand voice.
• 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

Media Relations:

• Establish and nurture strong relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers across media platforms.
• Proactively identify media opportunities and secure coverage in print, digital, and broadcast outlets.
• Draft and distribute media advisories, respond to inquiries, and coordinate interviews and photo shoots.
• Monitor media coverage, track public sentiment, and provide media analysis and reports.
• Work closely with the Editorial Content Manager, 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.

Position Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, writing, journalism, marketing, or a related field. A science degree with demonstrated expertise in communications will also be considered.

Experience:

• 3+ years in public relations, marketing, communications, public affairs, or journalism role.
• Strong interest or background in science is highly preferred.

Skills:

• Exceptional writing abilities with passion for translating technical information into clear, concise language.
• Ability to identify the best audience(s) for a particular story and tailor messaging accordingly.
• Proven success in media outreach or other public relations.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, media contacts, colleagues, and stakeholders. Existing media relationships are a plus but not required.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to prioritize and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with tools such as Cision, PRNewswire, EurekAlert, and Microsoft 365 is desirable.
• Creativity, initiative, and a proactive mindset.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply:
Please submit an online application here:
Public Relations Specialist | Job Details tab | Career Pages
Position ID: 01456

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 Benefits sites to learn more. The salary range for this role is $68,000-78,000. 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

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $68,000.00 - $78,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person