Bioenergy Career Map: Communications Manager

• Advanced knowledge of written and oral communication principles, techniques, analytical methods, and interpersonal relations practices
• Broad experience in writing editing, and reviewing talking points and other written or spoken materials concerning items to communicate technical information to non-technical audiences
• Ability to develop policies and plans for strategic communications to external and internal stakeholder audiences
• Experience in supervising others in the communication to broad audiences.

The bioenergy sector needs communicators to convey the facts about research and development being conducted in the bioenergy sector. Since bioenergy is an emerging field, it is especially important to have individuals that are able to convey the breakthroughs and possibilities of bioenergy in a general way to educate the public.
 
Individuals in communications develop high-quality strategies and communications plans that can explain bioenergy science and technology in a more general way to the public. They also establish and maintain effective working relationships with media representatives in disseminating information or answering inquiries about the science and technology. Communications specialists also prepare and edit scientific and technical reports and documents that summarize their research on a broader scale, and implement amplification strategies for social and traditional media campaigns to publicize research in the bioenergy field.

At the senior level, communications managers lead the overall development, implementation, and execution of communication strategies and activities with internal and external stakeholder audiences. Communications managers supervise the writing, editing, and review processes of technical and non-technical publications and products, campaigns, and external speaking engagements for leadership members. A master’s degree in Communications or English is required. Significant experience in the field and/or related training may substitute for additional education.