Public Relations Specialist

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 online, print, and social media platforms, as well as manage media outreach. This position involves close collaboration with our world-renowned scientists and subject matter experts to transform technical information into accessible, audience-friendly content. The ideal candidate is passionate about science communication, skilled in storytelling, and experienced in translating intricate scientific concepts into clear, engaging language.

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.

• 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, social media posts, blog articles, newsletters, and website pages.
• Maintain a consistent, professional, and engaging tone across all communication channels, aligning with the organization's brand voice.
• Collaborate with internal teams to produce content that supports marketing campaigns, corporate communications, and crisis management initiatives.

• Establish and nurture strong relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers across diverse media platforms.
• Support the PR team by pitching science-related stories to media outlets and securing coverage in print, digital, and broadcast formats.
• Identify and capitalize on media opportunities to enhance visibility and outreach.
• Assist the senior public relations specialist in managing daily activities on social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, BlueSky, and YouTube.

• Edit and proofread content to ensure it meets standards of accuracy, clarity, and style while adhering to scientific guidelines.
• Partner with design teams to create visual assets such as videos, infographics, and illustrations that complement scientific content.
• Work closely with writers and stakeholders to ensure all content aligns with broader PR strategies and communication objectives.

Education:

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

Experience:

• 5-7 years of public relations, marketing/communications, public affairs, or journalism experience.
• Strong interest or background in science is highly preferred.

Skills:

• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading abilities with strong attention to detail.
• Proven success in media outreach, press release writing, and securing media coverage.
• Proficiency in digital tools, including Macintosh desktop publishing (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).
• Familiarity with tools such as Cision, PRNewswire, EurekAlert, Salesforce, Google Docs, and Adobe Acrobat is desirable.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, media contacts, colleagues, and stakeholders. Existing media relationships are a plus.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Creativity, initiative, and a proactive problem-solving mindset.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Capable of planning, executing, and measuring multifaceted campaigns and day-to-day communication initiatives.

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

The start date for this role is May 17th, 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. We have had researchers with a variety of backgrounds and believe in the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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/AA 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