Head of Communications

PLOS is a non-profit organization on a mission to drive open science forward with measurable, meaningful change in research publishing, policy, and practice. We believe in a better future where science is open to all, for all.

*This position is fully remote/home based. Applications will be accepted from candidates based in the UK.

As a Senior Leader in our Marketing & Communications department, the Head of Communications plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing a comprehensive communication strategy that delivers on PLOS’s mission to drive meaningful change in Open Science across the scholarly publishing landscape. A seasoned professional with the ability to independently oversee a complex communications program, this role actively collaborates with PLOS leadership to develop and implement an organizational communication and market brand strategy, ensuring visibility and impact for our mission.

With a deep understanding of thought leadership programs this role is responsible for driving influence across our extensive network and communities. Leading our social media, brand management and media functions, this role has full accountability for the effectiveness of our communications channels.

Reporting to the Executive Director Marketing & Communications, this role is critical in defining the long-term communication strategies at PLOS.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Define the team objectives and oversees the delivery of the plan annually.
• Leads the team by example in relation to PLOS behaviours and values.
• Manage the budgetary expense, hiring and performance for the Communications function.
• Lead others in the department to align communication around key offerings and services, mentoring team members as they develop in their roles

Responsibilities

Strategy & Planning

• As part of the Marketing & Communications Senior Leadership team, build and deliver on all Marketing & Communications department strategies and goals and ensure an empowered collaborative department aligns on achieving organizational goals.
• Build a comprehensive communications strategy that ensures we deliver on PLOS’ mission and strategic goals.
• Provide strategic leadership for PLOS communications team to ensure communications strategies are robust, well resource and coordinated
• Lead PLOS’ social media channels, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn activities and YouTube channels.
• Lead PLOS’ Media office ensuring high-level media share of voice in relevant areas
• Lead on reputation management issues across the organization collaborating with all relevant internal teams
• Lead and manage communications team ensuring the right skills and opportunities are in place to empower professional development for team members.
• Stay current on communication strategy and thought leadership development.

Operations

• Implement a comprehensive communications strategy that ensures we deliver on PLOS’ mission and strategic goals.
• Implement a robust governance framework across all organizational channels to ensure alignment with PLOS brand values and tone of voice
• Ensure industry standard outreach tools across social media and media channels. e social listening tools to conduct sentiment analysis and define trends across all PLOS social media activity

Collaboration & Management

• Work collaboratively with stakeholders across the organization to develop and implement Communication strategy, plans and deliverables. Focus on further strengthening collaboration across MarComms, leveraging expertise effectively to ensure high-quality output and efficiency.
• Collaborate with Marketing team to ensure alignment across all external communications
• Maintain high-level media contacts, pitch reporters and arrange interviews and stories.
• Stay well-versed in emerging strategies and trends across the communications and open science landscape.
• Assist in strategy development across the organization, as required.

Reporting & Analytics

• Build reporting and measurement framework across all communications activity (via data & analytics) to drive growth strategies aligned with organizational objectives

Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrated working experience as a Senior Communications professional or relevant experience for academic journals, ideally including Open Access products
• Superb writing and editing skills
• Superior communication skills and attention to detail with a proven ability to manage complex, high impact projects.
• Strong people manager with proven experience building and developing teams.
• Highly self-directed, with ability to develop MarComms communication strategies and integrated, cross-channel content and deliverables with limited guidance.
• Strong collaboration skills. maturity and tact
• Ability to work at a fast pace and adapt quickly and proactively to change.
• Excellent communication skills under time pressure; ability to partner, influence and collaborate to create strong relationships, gain commitment and accomplish shared goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications and/or a scientific discipline is preferable

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Prolonged periods stationary at a desk and working on a computer.
• Some national and international travel may be required.
• Some flexibility to work across time zones.

The base salary range we’ve established for these positions is £75,000 - £105,000.  PLOS also offers a comprehensive benefits package summarized below.

BENEFITS:

UK:

• Private medical insurance

• Life assurance

• Income protection 

• Personal accident insurance

• Pension with up to 10% employer match

• 25 days holidays, market competitive Maternity and Paternity leave

• Birthday and three winter holidays days off

• 2 days paid time off for volunteering per year

• Fully remote work environment with stipend on joining for home office 

About PLOS 

Building on a strong legacy of pioneering innovation, PLOS continues to be a catalyst in  open science, reimagining models to meet open science principles, removing barriers and promoting inclusion in knowledge creation and sharing, and publishing research outputs that enable everyone to learn from, reuse and build upon scientific knowledge. Our work is supported by a highly skilled global in-house team, partnerships with local  scholarly organizations, and the valued contributions of a diverse, international community of scientific researchers.

We’re committed to equal opportunity

We’re working to create a more equitable system of scientific knowledge and understanding. Removing barriers to inclusion and facilitating broad participation of voices is core to our success, inside and out.  Beyond accepting distinct perspectives, we seek and support divergent backgrounds among our colleagues because we know differences strengthen our teams, our work, and our communities. We strongly encourage applicants of all identities to join us as we work towards a future where science is open to all, for all. 

Visit plos.org/careers to learn more.