Date Posted:
May 26, 2026
Position Title:
Portfolio Manager of Innovative Science Communications
Office/Company:
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Party:
N/A
Office Code:
Job Number:
HC-07184
Reports To:
Location:
Washington, DC
Contact:
Salary:
$110,000–$135,000 per year
Primary Role
Secondary Role:
Job Type:
Full Time
Description:
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.– **Inclusion and belonging initiatives** — Identify barriers that disengage communities from science and develop effective, audience-centered engagement strategies. – **Programs for scientist empowerment** — Develop and deliver programs that help scientists view communication with non-scientist audiences as both a professional responsibility and a public service. – **Training experimentation** — Drive experimentation in training development, delivery, and distribution, leveraging emerging technologies and staying ahead of global trends and issues facing science and society.– 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.
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.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in physical science disciplines, 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.
Instructions:
Email <ddress>
Other:
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the **Know Your Rights** notice from the Department of Labor.
