Communications Specialist

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine value diversity in our members, volunteers, and staff and strive for a culture of inclusion in our workplace and activities. Convening a diverse community to exchange ideas and perspectives enhances the quality of our work and increases our relevance as advisers to the nation about the most complex issues facing the nation and the world.

Keck Center

National Academies of Sciences Engineering Medicine

<br /><br />The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine provide independent, objective advice to inform policy with evidence, spark progress and innovation, and confront challenging issues for the benefit of society. We marshal knowledge and expertise across disciplines to study complex and sometimes contentious issues, reach consensus based on the evidence, and identify the best path forward. https://www.nationalacademies.org/

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Full time

$70,880 - $88,600

Overview: Requisition Number: R0002364<br /> <br /> The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (the National Academies) is the nation’s leading independent voice on many crucial issues facing society, including global pandemics, climate change, education, science policy, and diversity, equity and inclusion. The National Academies gives government leaders and the nation the highest quality advice on a growing range of pressing scientific, engineering and health care issues. Over 1,000 professionals help lead the work of over 5,000 volunteers to coalesce the best thinking of the American scientific community.<br /><br />As part of an increasing emphasis on strategic integrated communications, The Office of the Chief Communications Officer (OCCO) is recruiting for a communications specialist to support The Health and Medicine Division (HMD). HMD is one of seven program units of the National Academies. From proposing research agendas for debilitating diseases to identifying critical policy levers to eliminate inequities in health care, 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. While the main focus of your work will be in HMD, you may have the opportunity for special projects in any of the other 6 National Academies program units. https://www.nationalacademies.org/about/organization.<br />Under general guidance and direction, this position is responsible for public dissemination of National Academies’ products (e.g., consensus study reports) as well as planning and promotion of National Academies’ activities (i.e. expert workshops). Additionally, this position will develop original content and oversee the production of various print, digital, and video media deliverables; advise staff on innovative communications strategies and best practices; and execute detailed engagement plans to extend the National Academies’ brand, reach, and product awareness.<br /><br />The ability to perform complex writing assignments and project management tasks and work independently is essential. The position may be responsible for supervision of nonexempt junior staff, but typically is not responsible for managing a unit’s communications group. This is a professional role, reporting to a senior communications position and working as part of a larger team with the division.<br /><br />
Responsibilities: <ol> <li>Independently writes and/or edits one pagers, policy briefs, PowerPoint presentations, e-newsletters, infographics, video scripts, FAQs, emails, social media posts, and other deliverables relating to complex scientific and medical topics. May also contribute to content for other social and digital media.</li> <li>Provides assigned Boards, project teams, and individual staff members with advice and technical assistance while spearheading all communications needs. Assists staff with determining the best use of communications resources. Facilitates communications brainstorming sessions as needed and develops robust timelines to guide work. Track and manage project communications budgets.</li> <li>Explores and pursues new ideas for disseminating products, promoting activities, and expanding HMD audiences. Keeps abreast of science policy and relevant science news stories.</li> <li>Collaborates with staff, committees, and consultants to develop products and identify appropriate vehicles for reaching target audiences.</li> <li>Regularly creates and maintains custom online content for project web pages and social media channels working with a suite of designers and web experts. Provides technical and strategic expertise to staff in the use of online technologies, including video.</li> <li>Manages the promotion of workshops, public meetings, and other programs and activities via email, social media, the National Academies website, and marketing toolkits. Helps to coordinate the communications calendar.</li> <li>Contributes to internal communications through regular project updates and reports. Compiles analytics for staff and makes recommendations accordingly.</li> <li>Trains and mentors&rsquo; staff on communications tools and techniques. May assign and review the work of junior staff. Offers technical training to program staff on communications initiatives and tools (e.g. project templates).</li> <li>Produces creative briefs and guides design team in production of all print and digital materials. Facilitates paid digital advertising campaigns.</li> <li>Coordinates with relevant staff at the National Academies, such as National Academies Press (NAP), the Office of News and Public Information (ONPI), and the Office of Congressional and Government Affairs (OCGA), to ensure the timely implementation of communications activities.</li> </ol> <strong>NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES</strong><br />Related duties and special projects as assigned.<br />
Requirements: <p><strong>Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: </strong>Ability to solve problems of significant 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 considerable 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 and extreme attention to detail. Ability to develop effective working relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies departments through effective communication and professional dialog. Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees. Familiarity with best practices in social media and email marketing. Demonstrated writing ability.</p> <p><strong>Minimum Education/Training Requirements:</strong> Bachelor&rsquo;s degree in Communications, Journalism, or related field, or equivalent experience.</p> <p><strong>Minimum Experience: </strong>Three years of related professional experience. 5+ years&rsquo; experience in professional communications preferred. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Technical Capabilities: </strong>Ability to navigate Microsoft Teams, Asana (or similar project management software, MailChimp (or similar email platform); and all major social media platforms (include paid content) required; some knowledge of video production processes and analytics operations strongly encouraged.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Physical Capabilities:</strong> Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.</p> <p><strong>Required Licenses, Certification or Registration:</strong> None.<br /><strong><br />Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: </strong>Reports to Manager/Director. General direction is provided.</p> <p><strong>Compensation Range: </strong>The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine support equity, fairness, and transparency in our compensation programs. An estimated compensation range for this position is $70,880 - $88,600. Compensation offered to the selected candidate will be based on the candidate&rsquo;s relevant knowledge, skills, and work experience, commensurate with compensation of current employees in comparable positions with similar knowledge, skills, and work experience, and subject to budget parameters. Note it is not typical for a candidate to be hired at the higher end of the range.&nbsp;<br /><br />This position is a benefits-eligible position. Our Benefits Plan offers competitive and comprehensive benefit options, including medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement and savings benefits, leave benefits such as paid holidays and paid personal leave, transportation subsidies, and education assistance. </p> <p><strong>Work Environment: </strong>Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage 40%. with occasional travel between National Academies&rsquo; facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.</p> <p><strong>The National Academies&rsquo; Statement on Diversity and Inclusion:<br /></strong>We, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (the National Academies), value diversity among our staff, members, volunteers, partners, vendors, and audiences. We recognize that talent is broadly distributed in society and that many perspectives enhance the quality of our work and drive innovation and impact.</p> <p>We pledge to cultivate a workplace culture and climate that promotes inclusion, belonging, accessibility, and anti-racism; upholds equity; and values the participation of all who are engaged in advancing our mission. By embracing the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our programs, institutional policies and practices, and products, we will be able to better advise the nation on the most complex issues facing society and the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Equal Opportunity Employer:<br /></strong>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&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; 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.</p>