Communications Specialist
Job Description Summary
The Office of the Chief Communications Officer (OCCO) is hiring a communications specialist for the Health and Medicine Division (HMD). Under general guidance and direction from the Director of Communications for HMD and in collaboration with staff across OCCO, this strategic communications professional plans, develops, and coordinates internal and external communications projects, programs, events, outreach, and dissemination activities. This includes various media such as print, electronic, video, and web-based products. Advises staff on communication and dissemination strategies and develops strategies for public engagement for the broad range of consensus, convening, and other activities at the National Academies. Negotiates, plans, and implements communication strategies in coordination with OCCO colleagues and Office of Congressional Affairs (OCGA) staff, among others. Expands the National Academies’ presence and enhances our reputation through communication efforts across a variety of media.
Job Description
The Health and Medicine Division (HMD) is one of seven program units of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (the National Academies). From alerting the public to the widespread problem of medical errors to drawing the blueprint for the future of nursing to setting the agenda for fighting the opioid epidemic, HMD aims to advise the nation and improve health. Our advice is steeped in science and led by evidence. For millions of people across the United States and around the globe, improving health is a matter of daily survival and well-being. In all we do to improve health policy and decision making, we are mindful of the impact of our work on the lives and health of individuals, families, communities, and nations.
Job Duties
- Independently writes message platforms, briefs, and other communications collateral relating to complex scientific and engineering topics.
- Creates content for web sites and digital platforms in concert with OCCO social media and digital marketing staff.
- Provides technical and strategic expertise in the use of online communications.
- Contributes to content strategy and management (across channels – web, social media, traditional media (press releases and advisories), email marketing, print and video.
- Explores and develops new ways to communicate activities and to disseminate reports and information. Keeps abreast of science policy and relevant science news stories.
- Coordinates study release schedules with applicable units, including OCCO and OCGA. Collaborates with appropriate units and staff to maintain and expand effective internal communications.
- Develops and maintains a network of stakeholder and interested public contacts (e.g., nongovernmental organizations), outside experts and service providers. Maintains an ongoing dialogue with outside audiences.
- Organizes, publicizes, and conducts both in-person and webinar events as needed.
- Offers technical training to program staff on communications initiatives and tools (e.g. e-mail marketing platforms).
- Other duties and special projects as assigned, working with OCCO, across the National Academies divisions and the OCCO Director of Division Communications.
Job Specifications
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Experience in managing successful communications programs for complex organizations, leveraging thought leadership and expert knowledge to build engagement and reputation. Ability to solve problems of appreciable variety and complexity. Ability to serve as a resource to others in the resolution of complex problems and issues. Ability to operate independently, and exercise appreciable latitude for independent judgment, discretion, and action. Ability to work successfully in a team environment and to form and maintain effective teams. Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness. Ability to develop effective working relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies’ departments through effective communication. Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees. Experience in a communications agency, think tank, or with content marketing programs valued.
Minimum Education/Training Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent knowledge.
Minimum Experience: Three years of related professional experience. Agency experience preferred.
Physical Capabilities: Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.
Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: None.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: Reports to HMD Director of Communications. General direction is provided.
Work Environment: Office environment with occasional travel between National Academies’ facilities and to off-site locations.
Any qualification to be considered equivalent, in lieu of stated minimum, requires the prior approval of the Office of Human Resources.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Some functions in this description may be specific to a particular unit of the National Academies and not applicable to other units.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
It is the policy of the National Academies to recruit, hire, transfer, compensate, and promote people in all job categories and to administer all other personnel actions, terms and conditions of employment in a manner that is consistent with equal employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, medical condition for which a person has been rehabilitated or cured, marital status, family responsibilities, genetic information, political affiliation, personal appearance, matriculation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. It is also the institution's policy to recruit, hire, promote, and provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and covered veterans who are otherwise qualified.