Scientific Communications Manager

Salk Main Campus, 10010 N Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA

The Manager, Scientific Communications researches, writes, edits, and records multimedia content to communicate the research and mission of the Salk Institute with our internal community, donors, media, members of the general public, and other stakeholders. The individual manages two direct reports, a Science Communication Specialist and Senior Science Illustrator, as well as freelance contract writers and other vendors.

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values all members of our scientific community. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces perspectives across discipline, professional acumen, and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community has many talented individuals from varied backgrounds, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

• Develop a range of public-facing content for the Institute, including but not limited to:
  Institute magazine pieces, press releases, Salk.edu pages, lab websites, podcast interviews, brochures, video scripts, social media posts, promotional materials, media advisories, tip sheets, biographies, leadership messages, talking points, donor-related collateral, and other science-related collateral.
• Serve as a primary editor and copy editor, overseeing the proofing and editing of all content, with an emphasis on donor and leadership-focused materials and those with urgent deadlines, to ensure adherence to Salk style and branding.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with faculty and leadership to collect information and apply science communications best practices and expertise to translate research for a wide variety of lay audience materials. Ensure that final drafts are approved by scientists and other stakeholders.
• Work closely with faculty members and other scientists to develop lay-friendly presentations for donor audiences.
• Maintain relationships with scientific journals and publishers to best serve the Institute. This includes setting embargoes and publication dates that will increase reporter engagement when possible. Collaborate with other external organizations, foundations, universities, and institutions to write, edit, and promote Salk’s science communication content.
• Work in conjunction with the digital communications team to facilitate processes for timely publication of content on websites and through email marketing.
• Work with Media Relations Manager to ensure accuracy and timeliness of scientific content in press releases and media pitches.
• Independently identify appropriate photography, science images, and graphics for newsletters, press releases, Inside Salk magazine, and the web to couple with completed articles.
• In conjunction with video and AV staff, script, edit, and produce scientific video shoots, animation videos, and podcasts. Conduct interviews with scientists for video shoots and podcasts to ensure the best and most powerful sound bites are captured accurately.
• Research and experiment with new AI-based and other multimedia tools for content production, dissemination, and workflow.
• Assist with special event support and media relations as needed and as other priorities allow.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

• Directly supervise two employees within the Communications team, the Science Writer and Science Illustrator, to provide oversight, strategy, and guidance.
• Oversee freelance…