Administrative

Social Content and Media Relations Manager

East Boothbay, ME
Work Type: Full Time
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Overview

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences is searching for a talented social content and media relations manager who will own the strategy, content creation and execution of our social media and also support our public relations and media outreach efforts.

This person will produce compelling social media content, manage the deployment of this content, and track the impact of that content across all our digital channels. They will also help increase and track media coverage by supporting our PR efforts and contributing to press outreach.  

Your work would play a critical role at Bigelow Laboratory — a nonprofit research institute that uses innovative approaches at the frontiers of science to study the foundation of global ocean health and unlock its potential to improve the future for all life on our planet. Most of the organisms we study are microscopic in size, but their influence and potential are unmatched. In addition to creating half of the oxygen we breathe they sustain all life in the sea. No plankton = no whales!
 
This is a hybrid position, and candidates will ideally be located (or be willing to relocate) within driving distance of Bigelow Laboratory’s beautiful, state-of-the-art campus in East Boothbay, Maine.
 
This is a full-time role that offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience and a full benefits package. Local travel may occasionally be required. Hours are typically regular and constitute a 37.5-hour workweek, but some additional, evening, and weekend work may be required due to events, deadlines, or other timely reasons. The salary band for this position is $72,000 - $82,000.


Key responsibilities include:

 •    Produce engaging social media content aligned with our communications strategy.  
•    Find opportunities (and gather relevant assets) to celebrate our laboratory’s science, culture, and community engagement through posts across each of our social channels.
•    Track and leverage data across social channels to better reach specific audiences.
•    Help manage our institution’s digital assets, including imagery and video libraries as well as collateral.
•    Capture and edit photo/audio/video content and post it to our website, social, and YouTube channels.
•    Help our institution's PR and media efforts by spotting opportunities, nurturing media relationships, and leveraging PR tools to promote efficiency and reach.
•    Be the on-site liaison for visiting media and journalists when they visit the lab and help coordinate their visits and interview requests.
•    Help draft engaging and impactful content for media outreach, including talking points for key stakeholders, press releases, pitches, and newsletter stories).
•    Assist in the training and preparation of our scientists and key personnel for engagement with the media.
•    Execute basic graphic design tasks that meet a high professional standard, including marketing emails and other promotional materials.
•    Help maintain a content calendar shared among the team, which includes a director of communications, a lead science writer/public relations manager, and digital communications manager
•    Consistently apply Bigelow Laboratory’s brand voice and visuals to diverse communications and help ensure that others do the same
•    Edit and proofread to ensure the highest quality and accuracy standards are met



To be qualified for this opportunity, you must have:

5+ of running the social strategy and execution, preferably at a science or research-based institution
Ability to translate complex science in order to craft, and contribute to, compelling content, including social media posts, press releases, and website copy
Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, journalism, science writing or other relevant field
Proficiency with social media posting services, like Hootsuite
Demonstrated ability in building and maintaining media relationships
Success generating earned media and familiarity with PR management tools preferred
Seasoned news judgment and solid understanding of how journalists work
Familiarity with project management applications, like Asana is a plus
Experience in Adobe suite of products
Design background a plus
Photo/video/audio editing capabilities
Experience running data and analytics for social media, website usage, and ads.
Knowledge of biology and ocean research is particularly valued.
Communications experience with nonprofit or other mission-driven organization is highly preferred
Passion for science and its ability to help us understand, sustainably use, and care for the ocean


Apply

If your experience aligns with the responsibilities and requirements outlined above, we strongly encourage you to apply online for this exciting opportunity on our team. To do so, please upload your cover letter, resume, and the five marketing communications samples that best illustrate your fit for this role. For each work sample, please briefly explain your specific contributions and the roles of any others involved. You’re also welcome to include a link to your portfolio site in addition to the five examples provided.


For full consideration, the application should be received by February 10, 2026. Review of applicants will begin immediately thereafter.

Individuals seeking more information about this position or needing to request an accommodation, please contact [email protected] or (207) 315-2567, ext. 119.

Working at Bigelow Laboratory
Bigelow Laboratory is an inclusive community of scientists from around the world that welcomes and supports diverse opinions and cultures. Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences strives to maintain an environment that allows our employees to flourish through respectful, inclusive, and equitable treatment of others. We believe there is power in embracing the full diversity of humanity to advance science and are committed to supporting each other as individuals worthy of respect. Bigelow Laboratory is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Submit Your Application

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Applicants should submit the following documents in a single, assembled PDF file:

  • A one-page cover letter describing interest in the position
  • A detailed curriculum vitae or resume specifically highlighting experience in the stated requirements
  • Contact information for three references
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