The Biochemical Society - Job Description for:
Job Title
Communications Officer
Reports to
Community and Press Editor
Department
Publishing
Location
Charles Darwin House, Roger Street, London
Overview
An exciting position for an effective communicator who can help raise the Biochemical
Society/Portland Press’ profile with a wide variety of stakeholders and partners through a range of
external and internal communications. The ideal candidate will have experience of working in a
communications or journalism role and a keen interest in molecular bioscience. Working with the
Community and Press Editor you will be expected to produce and edit a wide range of written
material for the Society and its wholly-owned trading subsidiary Portland Press including press
releases, news, e-newsletters, blog pieces and social media contributions for a number of different
audiences. You will need to be able to work efficiently under pressure and be able to manage a
number of projects simultaneously. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are an
essential requirement, as are enthusiasm, flexibility and an eye for detail.
Key accountabilities












Strategy and planning
Assist the Community and Press Editor in implementing a organization-wide communications
strategy to achieve the business’s objectives across the entire spectrum of communications
including: media and public relations, internal communications, membership communication
tools and social media
Work with the Community and Press Editor and other colleagues to formulate an annual plan of
key messages for the year ahead. Help track and analyse the results
Work closely with the Community and Press Editor, Head of Sales and Marketing and Designer &
Brand Guardian to maintain appropriate and consistent language and terminology across all
media and communications and to assist other members of staff in this task
Work with the Community and Press Editor to enhance internal communication within the
organization
Develop an understanding of the organization’s work across all departments and help to
promote its collaborative agenda working closely with sister societies
Community network
Produce Society communications as required, including the monthly Members’ News emails
Actively participate in social media activities carried out within the Biochemical Society/ Portland
Press including maintenance of the Society’s blog
Work with the Community and Press Editor to increase the Biochemical Society/Portland Press’s
profile across media and with influencers and organizations
Contribute to growing and maintaining the international profile and reputation of Biochemical
Society/Portland Press across the organization’s audiences
Work collaboratively to ensure that the Society’s website is maintained and improved in line
with the organizational communications strategy
 Assist the Community and Press Editor with new initiatives to increase online engagement
from members and the scientific community in general, including helping to develop a new
website for The Biochemist, the Society’s magazine
 Contribute news and longer pieces to The Biochemist and assist the Community and Press
Editor with general editorial work for both online and print versions of the magazine







Press
Scan the media in anticipation of emerging press opportunities and challenges for the
organization
Identify and respond to relevant science news stories working within the Press Policy
Working collaboratively with the Community and Press Editor, ensure effective press and PR
activity is carried out across the Biochemical Society/Portland Press, including writing press
releases, articles and statements
Develop relationships with target journalists and media outlets
Develop effective internal and external stakeholder relationships
Represent Biochemical Society/Portland Press as required, including taking an active part in the
Society’s external events by writing reports, representing the Society’s opinion and generating
social media coverage
Key knowledge and skills
Essential:











Previous experience working in science communication, journalism or a related field
Proven excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
Experience using social media in a professional setting
Good attention to detail and some experience of editing written work
A keen interest in molecular bioscience and willingness to learn more about the area
Ability to deal confidently with internal and external contacts at all levels of seniority
Good organizational and project management skills
Proactive approach to problem-solving
Embraces change with a positive attitude
Proven track record of delivering measurable results
Strong interpersonal skills
Desirable:
 Experience of using content management systems and some knowledge of website design
 Experience of multimedia forms of communication e.g. film or audio production and/or
editing
 A background in biological or chemical science, ideally focusing on molecular biology or
biochemistry
 Experience of working in publishing, for other learned societies or a not for profit
organization
 Experience of internal communications
 Understanding of current communications concepts, strategy and best practice
Competencies to be evidenced in this role are:
Communication
Writes and speaks effectively, using conventions proper to the situation; states own opinions clearly
and concisely; demonstrates openness and honesty; listens well during meetings and feedback
sessions; explains reasoning behind own opinions; asks others for their opinions and feedback; asks
questions to ensure understanding; exercises a professional approach with others using all
appropriate tools of communication; uses consideration and tact when offering opinions.
Cooperation/Teamwork
Works harmoniously with others to get a job done; responds positively to instructions and
procedures; able to work well with staff, Committees, media contacts, co-workers, peers and
managers; shares relevant critical information with everyone involved in a project; works effectively
on projects that cross functional lines; helps to set a tone of cooperation within the work group and
across groups; coordinates own work with others; seeks opinions; values working relationships;
when appropriate facilitates discussion before decision-making process is complete.
Reliability
Personally responsible; completes work in a timely, consistent manner; works hours necessary to
complete assigned work; is regularly present and punctual; arrives prepared for work; is committed
to doing the best job possible; keeps commitments.
Problem Solving
Anticipates problems; sees how a problem and its solution will affect other units; gathers
information before making decisions; weighs alternatives against objectives and arrives at
reasonable decisions; adapts well to changing priorities, deadlines and directions; works to eliminate
all processes which do not add value; is willing to take action, even under pressure, criticism or tight
deadlines; takes informed risks; recognizes and accurately evaluates the signs of a problem; analyses
current procedures for possible improvements; notifies supervisor of problems in a timely manner.
Attention to Detail
Is alert in a high-risk environment; follows detailed procedures and ensures accuracy in
documentation and data; carefully monitors gauges, instruments or processes; concentrates on
routine work details; organizes and maintains a system of records.
Flexibility
Remains open-minded and changes opinions on the basis of new information; performs a wide
variety of tasks and changes focus quickly as demands change; manages transitions from task to task
effectively; adapts to varying customer needs.
Organisation
Able to manage multiple projects; able to determine project urgency in a practical way; uses goals to
guide actions; creates detailed action plans; organizes and schedules people and tasks effectively.
Support of Diversity
Treats all people with respect; values diverse perspectives; participates in diversity training
opportunities; provides a supportive work environment for the multicultural workforce; applies the
philosophy of equal employment opportunity; shows sensitivity to individual differences; treats
others fairly without regard to race, sex, colour, religion, or sexual orientation; recognizes
differences as opportunities; values and encourages unique skills and talents; seeks and considers
diverse perspectives and ideas.