Policy Reporter (hybrid)

The American Institute of Physics (AIP) is hiring a Science Policy Reporter to write for FYI, an authoritative and respected source of federal science policy news and analysis. Published by AIP since 1989, FYI is trusted by policymakers and prominent figures in the scientific community nationwide. At FYI, we seek to clarify policy activity and deliver nuanced insight into its impacts on the scientific community.

As a Science Policy Reporter, you will apply your knowledge of policy to write informative news articles for our influential readership of congressional staff, top federal officials, and leading researchers. We are seeking a strong writer with a keen news sense, experience cultivating sources and conducting interviews, and the ability to clarify complex policy information.
 

How You’ll Make an Impact

You will help expand our reporting capacity at a historic time for science policy, covering the implementation of landmark legislation such as the CHIPS and Science Act and debates over follow-on measures. By reporting on key policy changes that affect the physical sciences, your work will inform national decision makers and scientists on the ground, empowering them to better navigate the policy landscape. Your specific responsibilities will include:

• Writing news and analysis articles (~750-1500 words) about legislative activity and science agency initiatives with a focus on physical science programs across DOE, NSF, NASA, DOD, NOAA, NIST, NIH, and USGS.
• Distilling takeaways from congressional hearings, federal advisory committee meetings, and other policy events.
• Developing relationships with sources in the science policy community and conducting interviews.
• Analyzing science budget proposals and outcomes.
• Identifying emerging policy topics to take our reporting in new directions.

Work Environment, Salary, and Benefits

• AIP embraces a flexible hybrid work environment to balance in-person collaborative work with remote work. At present, the FYI team has weekly in-office editorial meetings at our College Park, MD, location and remote work is permitted for the remainder of the week. Employees are required to reside in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC.
• The budgeted salary range for this position is $58K – $70K with a comprehensive benefits package, including 25 days of PTO, medical/dental/vision coverage, an annual retirement contribution of 10% of base pay, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, and more.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree is required with two or more years of experience in policy reporting or policy analysis, preferably in a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to write content on tight deadlines.
• Experience cultivating sources and conducting interviews.
• Strong understanding of how federal agencies and Congress develop policies.
• Familiarity with multiple science agencies is preferred.

About Us

The American Institute of Physics is a 501(c)(3) membership corporation of scientific societies. Our mission is to advance, promote, and serve the physical sciences for the benefit of humanity. We operate as a center of excellence using policy analysis, social science, and historical research to promote future progress in the physical sciences.

To Apply

We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position description; we will consider people from a variety of backgrounds and career experiences.

Simply email your resume to Lilly Khan at resumes@staffingadvisors.com with “AIP – Policy Reporter #2023-2781 CW” as the subject of the email.

Staffing Advisors is committed to reducing bias in every aspect of the hiring process. We have long recommended a competency-driven approach to hiring. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Internally this position title is Science Policy Reporter