Want to join a growing non-profit organization dedicated to the science and technology of decision making? INFORMS is looking for a PR Specialist  to join our team with a passion for storytelling and a drive to spotlight the incredible work and expertise of our members. INFORMS is a 50-person staff team located in Catonsville, MD. INFORMS is a hybrid working environment with two days in our Catonsville office.

 The Public Affairs Specialist supports INFORMS’ advocacy and public relations efforts by coordinating media outreach, developing high-impact content, and increasing visibility for the organization and its members. Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, this role collaborates across departments, with member volunteers, and with external consultants to shape public messaging, amplify INFORMS’ expertise, and maintain consistency and credibility across platforms.

The position includes both proactive and responsive communication responsibilities, with a focus on strategic storytelling, media engagement, and elevating public understanding of operations research and analytics.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Draft and edit high-quality communications including press releases, op-eds, fact sheets, advisories, talking points, and other materials that reflect INFORMS’ mission and priorities.
• Pitch stories and coordinate outreach to journalists and media outlets to promote INFORMS’ thought leadership, advocacy initiatives, and subject matter experts.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with reporters, editors, and media influencers. Monitor coverage and identify new opportunities for engagement.
• Promote impactful content published in INFORMS journals by drafting media releases, identifying newsworthy findings, and working with authors and editors to translate technical research into accessible narratives.
• Collaborate with internal teams and key volunteers to identify compelling storylines and ensure alignment with overall messaging.
• Maintain and regularly update a database of INFORMS member thought leaders and experts on policy and non-policy topics; support these members with consistent messaging and briefing materials.
• Develop and maintain metrics that capture the outcomes and effectiveness of public affairs activities; provide regular updates and insights to staff and volunteer leaders.
• Coordinate with the Chief Strategy Officer and external consultants on narrative framing, message development, and issue monitoring related to public policy and media trends.
• Work closely with the Chief Strategy Officer to coordinate and support the Advocacy Governance Committee and other volunteer groups involved in public affairs, ensuring effective collaboration, aligned messaging, and strategic execution of advocacy priorities.
• Work with the marketing team to update and manage the INFORMS newsroom and relevant website content.
• Support social media messaging and cross-channel coordination in collaboration with the Communications team.
• Proofread all content for clarity, accuracy, AP style, and plain language.
• Participate in special projects, awards media support, and other duties as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Affairs, or a related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3–5 years of experience in public relations, media relations, or public affairs.
• Travel: Flexibility to travel 2-3 times per year.
• Association Experience: Experience working with professional associations and volunteer management is a plus.
• A proactive and positive attitude, with a commitment to high-quality work and collegial engagement.
• Demonstrated commitment to INFORMS’ core values in all aspects of work and professional conduct.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Excellent writing and editorial skills; strong attention to detail and narrative clarity.
• Experience with scientific, technical, or policy-oriented content preferred.
• Familiarity with media relations tools and best practices.
• Demonstrated a positive and professional attitude, especially when engaging with members, external consultants, staff, and team members.
• Proficiency in digital communications and social media coordination.
• Strong project management and time management capabilities.
• Strong networking and partnership skills combined with robust influencing abilities.
• Ability to deliver compelling results under tight deadlines, and to effectively collaborate with a wide range of management styles and competing priorities.

About INFORMS

The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) is an international scientific society dedicated to improving operational processes, decision-making, and management through the application of methods from science and mathematics. It is the largest society in the world for operations researchers, management scientists, and those working in related fields within engineering and the information, decision, mathematical, and social sciences.

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