Communications Associate II (School of Medicine - Office of the Dean/CEO)

About the role

We are seeking a Communications Associate II to support strategic communications for the School of Medicine (SOM) research mission, focusing on basic science, translational research, and clinical trials activity.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the internal communications lead for a division, department or center.
• Develop an internal communications plan for the designated area’s strategic plan including relevant reports, events, memos, and websites.
• Plan, create, oversee, and edit internal communications strategies to keep faculty, staff, and students informed about important initiatives, goals, and events.
• Ensure the efficiency and efficacy of communications between school leadership and faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders.
• Follow established university branding standards in all communications.
• Liaise with members of related communication teams.
• Write clear and effective content for audiences.
• Pivot writing styles based on the format, message, audience, and purpose.
• Lead the development of a cohesive internal communications strategy that builds community and positions the designated area as a vital part of the university.
• Develop and maintain an internal communications calendar, ensuring efficient coordination of communications activities.
• Manage print and digital collateral.
• Curate content from websites, social media, and news media to amplify the strategic plan across multiple platforms.
• Advise and work with the communications team to write remarks and messages for leadership.
• Plan and create templates for internal crisis communications announcements, e.g. building closures and other emergencies.
• Edit content and manage editors for internal websites and SharePoint sites.
• Contract and manage external vendors as needed.
• Interact with communications experts across the university on various issues and best practices.
• Execute strategies for cross-divisional communications efforts with other communications offices.
• Ensure consistent use of university brand standards across all projects.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Develop and execute communications that support the SOM research mission, with a focus on basic science, translational research, and clinical trials activity.
• Translate complex scientific and research language into accessible content for internal and institutional audiences, including leadership messages, presentations, newsletters, briefing materials, and related communications.
• Build strong working relationships with research leaders, faculty, and dotted-line communicators across the School of Medicine.
• Identify and develop research stories that clearly communicate the value, progress, and impact of the School of Medicine research enterprise.
• Participate in research-related planning and communications meetings to anticipate needs, shape proactive messaging, and support timely communications tied to major initiatives and developments.
• Occasional evening or early morning availability to support leadership communications, research-related announcements, or other time-sensitive institutional needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
• Five years of related experience.
• Demonstrated experience as an excellent writer and storyteller.
• Experience distilling complex and/or technical information into accessible language that clearly conveys impact to a targeted audience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience writing about science, medicine, academic research, or clinical trials.
• Experience working with faculty and researchers in a complex academic environment.