Science Journalist Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Science News Media Group seeks an innovative Social Media Producer to help build new audiences for our award-winning science journalism that we have produced for over a century. This role includes working with colleagues to develop a social media strategy and executing it by developing social content based on Science News Media Group coverage. The role will manage posts throughout the day on: Facebook; Twitter/X; Instagram; Threads; Bluesky; Reddit; YouTube and TikTok. The Social Media Producer will also play a key role in advancing other digital news initiatives, such as our weekly newsletters.
Position Overview
The Social Media Producer will create daily social media content and collaborate with other members of the digital team, the newsroom and the design team to define our social strategy. The ideal candidate will have a broad understanding of the larger ecosystem of social media, including new and upcoming platforms, and will identify opportunities for us to innovate and grow our social media presence and audiences.
Science News Media Group is an editorially independent nonprofit news organization that has been covering news of science, medicine and technology for the general public since 1921. The magazine has a circulation of more than 120,000, and we draw 10 million unique visitors a year to . Science News consistently ranks as the most reliable and least biased science news organization in Ad Fontes Media's biannual analysis. We also publish Science News Explores, a website and print magazine that connects younger people and educators with science.
Our parent nonprofit Society for Science is dedicated to expanding scientific literacy, access to STEM education and public understanding of scientific research. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership organization, the Society promotes the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement: to inform, educate, and inspire. Beyond journalism, the Society is best known for its world class science research competitions and outreach and equity STEM Programs founded to make sure that every young person can strive to become an engineer or scientist.
You'll be joining a group of creative, inquisitive people who come to science journalism from a diversity of backgrounds, education and experiences, and who are passionate about our work as independent nonprofit journalists.
Job Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the News Team to create accurate social media copy and curate original content produced by writers for social media channels to ensure it matches both the Science News voice and the style of each platform to help us expand the audience for our stories
• Schedule content throughout the day using platforms such as Hootsuite
• Collaborate with the Design Team to ensure that visuals promote the Science News brand and enhance visual storytelling
• Monitor and engage with SNMG readers on a variety of social platforms and outlets
• Use SNMG's reach to develop lasting relationships with followers, and develop strategies to increase engagement
• Collaborate with the Design Team members to imagine and enact new strategies for both entrenched and emerging social platforms
• Manage and produce newsletters
• Develop, test and execute new products
• Identify trending stories that are generating excitement and conversation on various social platforms that could have a science lens
• Use social media metrics such as CTR and impressions to contribute an informed perspective to conversations about our social media strategy
• Use social listening tools to contribute to the story pitch process
• Serve as backup producer of images, video and graphics for social media platforms
• Lead experiments to grow our social media audience
• Convey best practices for social media curation for our journalists on their personal profiles
• Other responsibilities that may emerge in the constantly changing digital landscape

Qualifications

• Expertise in copy-writing for and producing social media
• Strong work ethic and time management skills
• Knowledge of the ethics and standards of a news organization
• Organization and experience prioritizing across multiple projects
• Exceptional communications skills
• Ability to develop rapport with colleagues, vendors and clients
• Experience in Adobe Suite products; Photoshop and Illustrator preferred
• Experience in Canva and other graphic design software preferred
• Interest in and familiarity with recent developments in science

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• Experience managing social media feeds
• Excellent copy-writing/editing skills, with an emphasis on social media writing
• Knowledge of Wordpress

Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee usually works in an office setting. Our office is located in Washington, D.C. near the Dupont Circle and Farragut North Metro stations. The Society is operating on a hybrid work schedule. Employees have the option of working remotely for up to 6 weeks a year.
Position Type and Expected Hours
This is a full-time, exempt position with a 37.5-hour work week. Normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern, with core hours of 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Eastern. Note that this position is part of the Science News Media Guild bargaining unit.
Salary
The salary range is $60,000 - $66,000.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to operate a computer and other office equipment.
How to Apply
To be considered for this position please upload a professional resume and cover letter. Please apply through Applicant Pro.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
Society for Science has mandated the COVID-19 vaccine for employees, as applicable. Exceptions to the vaccine requirement may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover every duty, responsibility and activity that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
EEO Statement
Society is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
The Society is committed to equal employment opportunity. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, the Society does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis, including but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identify or expression, ancestry, national origin, disability, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, age and/or any other categories protected by the laws of the United States or the District of Columbia.