Application Guide

How to Apply for Head of Communications

at Plos

🏢 About Plos

PLOS is a pioneering nonprofit open access publisher that has been transforming scholarly communication since 2003. They're unique for their commitment to making scientific research immediately available without barriers, which has democratized access to knowledge globally. Working at PLOS means contributing to a mission-driven organization that challenges traditional publishing models and advocates for transparency in science.

About This Role

As Head of Communications at PLOS, you'll lead the development and execution of a comprehensive communication strategy that amplifies their open science mission across scholarly publishing. This role is pivotal for shaping PLOS's public voice, managing all social media channels and media relations, and implementing governance frameworks that maintain brand consistency while driving organizational growth through measurable communications.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing social media analytics across PLOS's channels, meeting with journal teams to align communications with upcoming research publications, developing content strategies that translate complex scientific findings into accessible communications, and mentoring communications team members on brand governance and measurement frameworks. You'd balance strategic planning with hands-on oversight of media relations and channel management.

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🎯 Who Plos Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years of senior communications experience specifically within academic publishing, scholarly journals, or open access organizations
  • Demonstrates proven success managing social media strategy for Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube in a scientific or academic context
  • Possesses both scientific literacy (through education or experience) and exceptional writing skills for translating complex research concepts to diverse audiences
  • Has experience building and mentoring communications teams while implementing measurement frameworks that tie communications to organizational objectives

📝 Tips for Applying to Plos

1

Highlight specific experience with open access publishing or scholarly communications in your resume - PLOS wants someone who understands their niche

2

Include metrics from past roles showing how your communications strategies increased media share of voice or social media engagement in academic contexts

3

Demonstrate your understanding of PLOS's mission by referencing specific PLOS journals or initiatives in your application materials

4

Showcase experience implementing brand governance frameworks across multiple channels, not just social media management

5

Provide writing samples that demonstrate your ability to communicate scientific concepts clearly to both academic and general audiences

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your specific experience with open access publishing or academic communications and how it prepares you for PLOS's unique mission", "Examples of successful communications strategies you've developed that increased organizational visibility in scholarly or scientific spaces", 'Your approach to building and mentoring teams while implementing measurement frameworks that demonstrate communications ROI', "How you would balance PLOS's need for scientific credibility with engaging communication across diverse channels"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → PLOS's current social media presence across all platforms - analyze their tone, content mix, and engagement patterns
  • → Recent PLOS initiatives like PLOS Climate, PLOS Water, or their equity initiatives to understand their strategic direction
  • → The competitive landscape of open access publishing and how PLOS differentiates itself from organizations like eLife or Frontiers
  • → PLOS's organizational structure and recent leadership communications to understand their current messaging priorities

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop a communications strategy that advances PLOS's mission while also driving measurable growth aligned with organizational objectives?
2 Describe your experience managing social media for scientific organizations - how would you approach PLOS's Twitter and LinkedIn specifically?
3 How would you implement a governance framework to ensure brand consistency across all PLOS communications channels?
4 What metrics would you track to demonstrate the impact of communications on PLOS's strategic goals?
5 How would you handle communicating about controversial topics in open science or scholarly publishing?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with only corporate or consumer brand experience without demonstrating understanding of academic/scientific communications
  • Focusing solely on social media management without addressing the strategic leadership and governance aspects of the role
  • Failing to demonstrate knowledge of open access publishing or PLOS's specific mission and values in application materials

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Plos!

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