The Senior Director of Corporate Communications, in partnership with the Chief Science & Technology Officer, oversees the development and implementation of the corporate communications strategy for Optica.

They will directly manage communications activities that promote, enhance, and protect the organization's reputation.

The individual will build relationships with the media, stakeholders across the globe, and with members of the Senior Team to ensure consistent messaging. The goal is to advance the organization's position and visibility with relevant constituents and drive broader media awareness and the impact of optical sciences.

The Senior Director of Corporate Communications will oversee various communication products and services, including press releases, speeches, presentations, and other online communications media.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Communications Strategy, Vision, and Leadership
2.          Manage, monitor, and evaluate Optica's Corporate Communications activities focused on public and media relations to support Optica's mission and enhance Optica's external reputation.
3. Develop and implement an integrated strategic communications plan to broaden awareness of Optica's programs and priorities and increase the visibility of its programs across key stakeholder audiences.
4. Identify communication-related opportunities within the optical sciences and meeting industries.
5. Partner with the Chief Science and Technology Officer, the Executive Team, staff, and volunteers to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and solutions and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them.
6. Media, Social Media, and Public Relations

1. Ensure effective development, implementation, and evaluation of public relations plans for individual programs.
2. Work with individual Optica units to support public relations and social media needs.
3. Draft materials for the CEO and Optica Officers as needed, including speeches, messages, columns, presentations, and introductions.
4. Oversee organizations' communications on Optica Awards, Nobels, and other industry-related recognitions.
5. Oversight and sign-off on all Optica press releases
6. Primary team lead to Optica Industry Associates and Governance

3. Manages Corporate Communications scientific-related interviews - Optica blog, video and social media interviews
4. Employee communications support to HR

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Oversee special projects/initiatives as requested
2. Effectively manage the Corporate Communications team
3. Anticipate operational needs and plan accordingly for appropriate staffing, costs, and efficient operations
4. Establish policies and procedures for communications and ensure the development of operational guidelines as needed
5. Initiate the use of best practices at all times
6. Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies

 EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

1. Bachelor's degree required; candidates with relevant higher-level degrees/honors will be given priority
2. Five to ten years of digital and social media experience
3. Five to ten years of professional work experience in progressively more responsible roles in communications and public relations, including at least three years of professional work experience in project management and proven supervisory experience
4. Experience working with a volunteer, governance-driven organization (i.e., professional & individual membership); priority will be given to candidates who have worked in scientific/engineering nonprofit organizations and scientific/engineering societies
5. Experience with a fast-paced office environment and shifting priorities
6. Strong track record of high integrity, good judgment, confidentiality, and discretion

 SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to operate diplomatically, effectively, and collegially with volunteers, members, customers, colleagues, and staff
2. Outstanding leadership and oral and communication skills
3. Ability to lead by example, develop and challenge staff, develop effective teams, and be decisive
4. Innovative and resourceful problem-solving ability, focus, and initiative
5. Ability to see the "big picture," think strategically, synthesize data, information, and draw appropriate conclusions
6. Excellent planning and project management skills, with keen attention to prioritization, execution, deadlines, and efficiency
7. Solid financial skills, from developing and managing budgets, to analyzing return on investment, explaining variances, writing budget narratives, and making projections
8. Ability to travel domestically and internationally
9. Solid computer skills (Zoom, Net Forum, PowerPoint, Excel, Microsoft Word, Outlook)
10. Enjoys the excitement of scientific discovery and its applications to help improve/solve global challenges

Join us in making a difference:

Optica offers competitive salaries and great benefits, including performance bonuses, health, vision, dental, life insurance, flexible spending, short- and long-term disability, wellness benefits, 403(b) retirement plans with 10% employer contribution, pet benefits, PTO, paid holidays, and paid year-end break between 25 December through 1 January.

Our office is conveniently located across from Dupont Circle metro station. We offer a hybrid work schedule and remote work for certain positions. To learn more about Optica and the open positions visit us at: https://www.optica.org/about/

optics (äp-tiks) noun. The branch of physics concerned with the behavior and property of light, including interactions of light with matter and the construction of instruments that use or detect light.

photonics (f-tä-niks) noun. The engineering and technology of generating and controlling light. Photonics underpins the technologies of daily life, from smartphones to laptops, medical instruments, light technology, and even the Internet. The 21st century will depend as much on photonics as the 20^th century depended on electronics.

Apply now and help transform the future through optics and photonics.

Send resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to resumes@optica.org.

About Optica

Optica (formerly OSA) is dedicated to promoting the generation, application, archiving, and dissemination of knowledge in optics and photonics worldwide. Founded in 1916, it is the leading organization for scientists, engineers, business professionals, students, and others interested in the science of light. Optica’s renowned publications, meetings, online resources, and in-person activities fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate scientific, technical, and educational achievement.

Connections working at Optica