Clear communication is critical to how organizations explain complex work, build alignment, and support decision-making. It takes more than strong writing or design skills to do this well. It requires a combination of curiosity, context, and precision.
Across industries – from health care and biotech to defense and emerging technology – organizations are placing greater value on communicators who can bridge that gap. As the work becomes more complex, so does the need to explain it clearly to a broad range of audiences.
For example, a communicator supporting a technical team may need to take highly specialized input and shape it into messaging that works for both subject matter experts and executive leadership.
The challenge is not a lack of talent. It is identifying what actually makes someone effective in these roles.
Understanding the role
Science and technology communication roles often sit at the intersection of multiple disciplines. They depend on the ability to bridge technical expertise and audience understanding. These roles typically involve:
- Working closely with subject matter experts
- Translating complex or technical information for different audiences
- Balancing accuracy with clarity and accessibility
- Adapting quickly as projects, priorities, or technologies evolve
Because of this, traditional hiring signals, such as degrees, titles, or years of experience, do not always reflect how well someone can understand and translate complex subject matter.
Rethinking common assumptions
In some cases, organizations may overestimate or underestimate what a role requires.
At times, roles may be scoped with advanced degree requirements when the work itself is more focused on coordination, execution, or translation. In other cases, general communications experience may not fully prepare someone for working with highly technical subject matter.
The goal is not to eliminate these signals, but to put them in proper context. A more effective approach considers how candidates apply their skills in real-world scenarios. Without a clear understanding of how these roles function in practice, it can be difficult for recruiters to consistently identify the right fit.
What strong candidates have in common
While backgrounds may vary, successful science and technology communicators often share a core set of capabilities. These qualities allow them to move between technical detail and clear communication without losing either.
- Curiosity and adaptability
- Clear thinking and structure
- Confidence working with subject matter experts
- Love of the subject matter
- Awareness of audience and tone
- Attention to detail
Together, these traits enable communicators to get up to speed quickly, ask the right questions, and deliver work that is both accurate and easy to understand.
The role of specialization
Not all technical experience translates in the same way across industries.
This is especially true when comparing work in a structured research environment to supporting client-facing communications in areas like digital health, cybersecurity, or advanced engineering. Each setting brings its own pace, expectations, and level of complexity.
For certain roles, such as scientific illustration or highly specialized design, formal training or certifications may also play a more significant role, particularly when accuracy and domain knowledge are essential.
Evaluating candidates in practice
Once you know what to look for, the next step is understanding how to evaluate it. Because these roles rely on how candidates think and communicate, practical assessment methods can be especially valuable.
Common approaches include:
- Writing or editing exercises based on realistic scenarios
- Asking candidates to explain a complex concept in simple terms
- Reviewing how they ask questions and approach unfamiliar topics
- Observing how they incorporate feedback
For creative roles, this may also include assessing how candidates research and interpret information to inform visual outputs, not just how they execute.
Building teams that can translate complexity
As organizations continue to navigate increasingly technical environments, the ability to communicate clearly becomes a key differentiator.
Teams that prioritize this skill set are better positioned to:
- Connect with both technical and non-technical audiences
- Maintain consistency and accuracy across materials
- Support informed decision making
A more intentional approach
Recruiting science and technology communicators is less about finding a single type of candidate and more about identifying the right mix of skills, mindset, and adaptability.
At Spire, we have seen how communicators who are both curious and clear can help teams operate more effectively across a wide range of industries and subject areas. Taking a thoughtful approach to hiring helps ensure those capabilities are in place from the start and positions teams to communicate complex work with clarity and confidence.
Looking to strengthen your team’s ability to communicate complex or technical work? Spire can help. Contact us to get started.
