Communications Specialist

We have an exciting opportunity for a Communications Specialist at UL Research Institutes.

The Communications Specialist will develop and publish content, contribute content and editorial support as a member of the Research Amplification team supporting the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), a UL Research Institute (ULRI).  The Communications Specialist works closely with the communications team and researchers to support communication of research topics, goals and outcomes that advance FSRI’s communications strategy.  

Underwriters Laboratories

At UL Research Institutes, we wake up every day with a common purpose: to make the world a safer, more secure and sustainable place. Science is in our DNA; we are endlessly curious and passionate about seeking and speaking the truth. We take delight in knowing that our work makes a meaningful contribution to society, and we are proud that our culture is centered on integrity, collaboration, inclusion and excellence. UL stands at the forefront of technological advancement, and we are continually challenged to find new ways to foster innovation and positive change. Satisfying? Yes. Exciting? Absolutely!

Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI)

UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) advances fire safety knowledge to address the world’s unresolved fire safety risks and emerging dangers. As part of UL Research Institutes, we are committed to sharing our fire safety insights with everyone to advance UL’s public safety mission of providing safe living and working environments for people everywhere. Through advanced fire science, rigorous research, extensive outreach and education in collaboration with our international network of partners, we impart stakeholders with the information, tools and resources that enable them to make better, more fire-safe decisions that ultimately save lives and property. To learn more, visit FSRI.org.

As the Senior Communications Specialist, you will play a key role in the rapid growth of UL as you:

• Delivers on writing and editorial production efforts. Experienced writer and storyteller. 
• Translate technical concepts into compelling stories to technical and non-technical audiences. 
• Develop content across all media, social media, events, print, press releases, articles, and presentations.
• Contribute to the performance of the organization’s brand identity and voice.
• Brainstorm creative approaches to present information and drive demand through content.
• Review and critique content.
• Plan, write, edit, proof, test, and improve copy, campaigns, and assets.
• Select photography, video, drawings sketches, diagrams and charts to illustrate messaging.
• Proofread and edit for accuracy and consistency.
• Perform other duties as directed.

While no one candidate will embody every quality, the successful candidate will bring many of the following professional competencies and personal attributes:

• Proven track record of producing high-quality creative and unique content across multiple types, platforms, and applications, including, copywriting for various audiences, image selection, video selection, infographic development, etc.
• Mastery of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent proofreading skills, organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Understanding of the planning, development, and distribution of content — in written form or in other media.
• Ability to understand technical and scientific issues and to tailor/translate complex information into meaningful content for multiple audiences.
• Substantial verbal communication, listening, and interviewing skills.
• Skilled in managing projects, multitasking, meeting deadlines, and working independently.
• Hands-on experience with content and asset management systems.

 Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications or related field.
• Minimum two years’ experience in related field.
• Experience supporting a non-profit, scientific or research organization, or a purpose marketing role is a plus. 

UL has COVID-19 protocols and policies in place to ensure the safety of our employees, customers and clients. Effective November 1, 2021, the company mandates that employees are vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment (except where prohibited by law), subject to reasonable accommodation as required by law.

• Mission: For UL, corporate and social responsibility isn’t new. Making the world a safer, more secure and sustainable place has been our business model for the last 128 years and is deeply ingrained in everything we do.
• People: Ask any UL employee what they love most about working here, and you’ll almost always hear, “the people.” Going beyond what is possible is the standard at UL. We’re able to deliver the best because we employ the best.
• Interesting work: Every day is different for us here as we eagerly anticipate the next innovation that our customers’ create. We’re inspired to take on the challenge that will transform how people live, work and play. And as a global company, in many roles, you will get international experience working with colleagues around the world.
• Grow & achieve: We learn, work and grow together with targeted development, reward and recognition programs as well as our very own UL University that offers extensive training programs for employees at all stages, including a technical training track for applicable roles.
• Total Rewards: All employees at UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagementare eligible for bonus compensation. We offer comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans. a generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay. Additionally, we invest an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment. Depending on your role, you can work with your manager on flexible working arrangements. We also provide employees with paid time off including vacation, holiday, sick and volunteer time off.

About UL Research Institutes

UL Research Institutes is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing safety science research through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge. We conduct rigorous independent research and analyze safety data, convene experts worldwide to address risks, share knowledge through safety education and public outreach initiatives, and develop standards to guide safe commercialization of evolving technologies. We foster communities of safety, from grassroots initiatives for neighborhoods to summits of world leaders. Our organization employs collaborative and scientific approaches with partners and stakeholders to drive innovation and progress toward improving safety, security, and sustainability, ultimately enhancing societal well-being.

Our wholly owned subsidiary, UL Solutions, advances our shared public safety mission. We fund our work through grants, the licensing of standards documents and the business activities of UL Solutions, which conducts testing, verification and certification, and provides training and advisory services, along with data-driven reporting and decision-making tools for customers around the world.

To learn more, visit our websites UL.org