Communications Manager, HVTN and CoVPN
Cures Start Here. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (Fred Hutch), home of three Nobel laureates, is an independent, nonprofit research institution dedicated to the development and advancement of biomedical research to eliminate cancer and other potentially fatal diseases. Recognized internationally for its pioneering work in bone-marrow transplantation, the Center’s five scientific divisions collaborate to form a unique environment for conducting basic and applied science. The Center, in collaboration with its clinical and research partners, the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in the Pacific Northwest. Careers Start Here.
The HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) is the world’s largest publicly funded multi-disciplinary international collaboration facilitating the development of vaccines to prevent HIV/AIDS. Most recently, the COVID-19 Prevention Network (CoVPN) was formed by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the US National Institutes of Health to respond to the global pandemic. Using the infectious disease expertise of their existing research networks and global partners, NIAID has directed the HVTN to utilize their experience and expertise to address the pressing need for vaccines and antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The mission of CoVPN is to conduct Phase 3 Efficacy Trials to prevent infection and COVID-19 disease. CoVPN will work to develop and conduct studies to ensure rapid and thorough evaluation of United States government-sponsored COVID-19 vaccines and antibodies for the prevention of COVID-19 disease.
At Fred Hutch, we believe that the innovation, collaboration, and rigor that result from diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission of eliminating cancer and related diseases. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems. Fred Hutch is in pursuit of becoming an antiracist organization. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates hired share our commitment to diversity, antiracism, and inclusion.
The Communications Manager will report to the HVTN/COVPN Director of External Relations and closely collaborate with the Sr. Director of Marketing. The Communications Manager will also work closely with the Fred Hutch Communications team to ensure consistency of messaging across the networks and the Center. The Communications Manager will have previous experience in supporting external communications including media relations, partner communications, crisis communications and content development with an understanding of the current and emerging media landscape. They will support and interface, under the direction of the Director of External Relations, with external partner organizations, plan and prepare for media events, and identify optimal media placements for network and study-related news. The Communications Manager also will work closely with the Fred Hutch content team and with our social media experts to maximize reach and influence.
Responsibilities
Perform some or all of the following responsibilities:
- Under the supervision of the Director(s) of External Relations and Marketing, define channels and manage content and message development for news and announcements across earned, paid, share and owned channels
- Provide support to the clinical research sites for issues management and crisis communication
- Triage incoming media inquiries: coordinate and manage the production of press releases, messaging materials, talking points, and pitches in collaboration with supervisor(s) and Fred Hutch Communications
- Monitor all media mentions and disseminate results on a weekly and quarterly basis
- Project manage high-visibility, multi-team communications initiatives under the direction of the Directors of External Relations, including the redevelopment of the HVTN website and the networks presence at conferences
- Provide content and editorial support to the HVTN Community Compass publication process
- Prepare researcher media toolkits for the networks including significant milestones and announcements
- Organize conference calls, e-mail communications, and regular coordinating meetings with sponsors and external partners as part of the communications strategy. Tasks to include polling call participants, distributing call announcements, agenda, meeting materials and minutes
- Participate in working groups, special projects, workshops, and trainings as needed; attend regular group and network meetings
- Perform other administrative tasks such as posting materials to internal/external web pages, updating templates and documents, and maintaining checklists, arranging logistics for meetings, and distributing materials as appropriate
- Perform other responsibilities as required
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism or equivalent experience
- 5+ years in a media relations/corporate communications role; experience in the non-profit research space is a plus
- Background in HIV/AIDS prevention or working with populations at risk for HIV infection preferred
- Ability to translate complex ideas and scientific findings using written and spoken language accessible by general non-scientific audiences
- Ability to manage multiple projects with concurrent and/or competing deadlines efficiently, and communicate effectively with professional, clinical, and general audiences
- Excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills
- Rapid responder to media and center customers outside of traditional business hours, and across time zones
- Broad understanding and experience producing for and leveraging digital channels and social media, including websites, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube
Please attach a cover letter AND a statement of diversity with your resume. A statement describing your commitment and contributions toward greater diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in your career or that will be made through work at Fred Hutch is requested of all applicants. Applicants without a cover letter and a statement of diversity will not be considered.
Our Commitment to Diversity
We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We are an Affirmative Action employer. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply and desire priority referrals of protected veterans. If due to a disability you need assistance/and or a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to our Employee Services Center at hrops@fredhutch.org or by calling 206-667-4700.