Portfolio Manager of Innovative Science Communications

Position Summary:

Working under the general direction of the Vice President of Science Communications, the Portfolio Manager will lead the Innovations Unit to design, implement, and scale novel ways of doing science communications.

A core part of their charge will be to empower scientists and ACS staff to communicate the powerful roles science plays in societies around the world with credibility, clarity, and confidence across various audiences, strengthening ACS' global influence and leadership in the science enterprise.

The incumbent will lead the following areas:

• Lead initiatives that cultivate inclusion and belonging by identifying barriers that disengage communities from science and developing effective, audience-centered engagement strategies.

• Develop and deliver programs that empower scientists to view communication with non-scientist audiences as both a professional responsibility and a public service.
• Drive experimentation in training development, delivery and distribution, leveraging emerging technologies, and staying ahead of global trends and issues facing science and society.

Position Responsibilities:

• Apply in-depth analysis and systems-level thinking to develop scalable solutions that address trust, credibility, and misinformation in science communications, resulting in deployable frameworks, toolkits, or programs adopted across ACS or by external partners

• Build and sustain long-term relationships with key science influencers, creators, industry groups, media partners, and scientific societies around the world who can elevate ACS' voice and relevance.

• Collaborate across ACS divisions to align content priorities, ensure coherence, and amplify enterprise-wide storytelling. Spearhead development and implementation of complex projects that impact cross-functional areas or organizational objectives, such as training programs, outreach endeavors, and best practice frameworks, with clear timelines and success metrics.

• Leverage data, analytics, and audience insights to assess performance, refine strategy, and demonstrate impact of programs and resources.

• Stay abreast of new and changing concepts, themes, platforms, and trends in science communications to inform innovation, strategic direction and investment plans.
• Work closely with the Vice President to align on strategic directions related to advocacy, reputation management, and science communications priorities.
• Assist in managing the annual budget and resource planning for the Innovations Unit, including forecasting, allocation, and cost monitoring.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication skills on digital and in-person platforms.
• Demonstrated strength in project and time management, with the ability to multitask, respond to emerging issues, and exercise sound executive judgment. Provide expert-level consultation on complex initiatives. Able to achieve outcomes through influence rather than authority.
• Ability to develop and execute creative solutions to complex communications problems.
• Ability to make data-informed strategic and operational decisions.
• Able to understand, plan, and manage budgets; take action to monitor costs.
• In-depth knowledge of, and experience with, science communications concepts, practices, and procedures. Ability to apply this expertise strategically and creatively to tactical execution

Required Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in physical science disciplines, or related disciplines or equivalent experience in science.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in science communications, including program and initiative development; broad knowledge of several scientific disciplines; and ability to engage effectively with multigenerational audiences
• 5+ years of volunteer or professional experience with a science association, nonprofit organization, or government agency
• 5+ years of experience leading projects and managing teams in complex or matrixed environments.

Compensation & Benefits

This position is based in our Washington, D.C. office and a reasonable rate of compensation for this position is between $110,000-$135,000 per year.


ACS currently provides the following benefits for this position: paid vacation leave, paid sick leave, paid holidays, health insurance, flexible spending account or health care savings account, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, retirement benefits, short- and long-term disability, and 4-week work from anywhere; each benefit is subject to the terms of the applicable program. Additional benefits may apply based on skills, experience, and location.


Any actual offer of employment, reflecting the total compensation package and benefits, will be made in the sole discretion of ACS. ACS reserves the right to amend or modify its employment benefits and compensation structure at any time.


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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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