Internal Communications Specialist

Description

Do you have a passion for connecting with the heart of an organization through employee communications?

Are you excited by finding fresh ways to write compelling stories about complex technical topics, operational concepts or the interesting people behind the work?

Are you an organized individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and on a variety of communications-oriented work?

If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team as an Internal Communications Specialist directly supporting one of APL's sectors or departments.

As an Internal Communications Specialist ...

• Produce employee communications aimed at engaging APL staff members in the organization's strategic vision, mission and values.
• Work closely with the sector or department's Communications Strategist, Communications Project Manager, and webmaster.
• Collaborate with sector leaders and staff members, committees, employee resource groups and others to understand their communications requests and needs.
• Manage an editorial calendar and develop content for a biweekly email newsletter on technical and non-technical topics, along with other programmatic announcements, sector-wide events, and personnel changes and appointments.
• Partner with a team to create and manage the sector or department's internal digital signage displays.
• Manage and monitor the sector or department's internal digital channels, including the biweekly staff newsletter, calendar, displays, messaging platforms and intranet webpage.
• Assist with content development for other internal communications products, such as awards submissions, internal presentations and fact sheets.
• Craft listening mechanisms, such as pulse surveys, to collect staff feedback and monitor engagement using digital dashboards.
• Work closely with the Laboratory's enterprise internal and external communications team to understand the broad picture within which your work fits and what can be shared with those wider audiences.
• Follow and uphold editorial guidelines.
• Support strategic communications planning and rollouts for APL-wide and organization-specific initiatives.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• A bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English or a related technical discipline
• 3+ years of relevant experience with similar writing efforts
• Experience writing and editing communications for various audiences that display a strong grasp of organization, grammar and clarity
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with superior command of the English language
• A proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with an eye for prioritization
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• An ability to work in a dynamic environment as an agile member of a team, revising or rewriting content on tight timelines because of shifting priorities or urgent requests
• Ability to work on deadline, set priorities, and work independently
• Exposure to or a general understanding of metrics for digital newsletters and websites
• Ability to obtain a Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information.

Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• A master's degree in communications, journalism, public relations or related field
• Experience writing and editing formal publications and technical documents for an organization, grammar, usage, and clarity
• Experience working with or a general understanding of content management systems, including SharePoint
• Experience testing multiple content options, reporting accurate results, and using results to justify and inform future content
• Strong verbal communication skills with an ability to present ideas coherently and persuasively
• A proficiency in AP style
• Used Asana or similar project management tools
• Worked optimally across multiple levels of an organization
• An active Secret clearance

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges.

While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture.

We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work / life balance.

APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http : / / www.jhuapl.edu / careers .

About Us

APL is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas.

In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.

edu. Only by ensuring that everyone's voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.