Manager, External and Strategic Communications

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  Manages communications-related strategic projects aligned with institutional priorities, including timelines, deliverables, and progress tracking.
  
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  Supports execution of selected strategic plan initiatives through structured project management and communications support.
  
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  Partners with executive leadership to operationalize priority initiatives through coordinated messaging and external engagement.
  
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  Leads special projects as assigned that advance research visibility, partnerships, or reputation.
  

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  Leads external communications strategy and execution and brand management, including press releases, thought leadership, newsletters, and feature content.
  
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  Translates complex research and data initiatives into accessible narratives for non-technical audiences.
  

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  Pilots AI-enabled workflows for ideation, drafting, editing, and analytics, to enable increased engagement among investigators/researchers.
  

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  Collaborates with Centers and Units to promote research impact, platforms (e.g., Research Data Services, Health Data Standards/LOINC, Office of Strategic Innovation) and partnerships.
  

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  Serves as a primary point of contact for media inquiries in coordination with leadership.
  
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  Develops media pitches, talking points, and briefing materials.
  
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  Identifies interview, speaking, and visibility opportunities for investigators and leaders.
  
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  Supports crisis communications planning and execution as needed related to media, press coverage, press releases, etc.
  

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  Develops and manages a storytelling-driven social media approach with clear goals and platform focus.
  
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  Oversees content planning, posting, and performance monitoring for external channels (e.g., LinkedIn, Facebook).
  
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  Uses analytics to refine messaging and engagement.
  

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  Oversees updates to institutional website content related to research, news, and impact stories.
  
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  Coordinates photography, video, and graphic assets to support external storytelling.
  
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  Ensures content aligns with established brand standards and messaging frameworks.
  

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  Develops messaging and materials for policymakers and external stakeholders in coordination with leadership.
  
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  Supports researchers and executives with briefing documents, testimony preparation, and external presentations.
  
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  Coordinates communications-related aspects of government and public affairs activities (does not independently lead lobbying or policy strategy).
  

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  Supports leadership communications related to major announcements, research milestones, and strategic initiatives.
  
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  Coordinates messaging for town halls or leadership updates tied to external-facing priorities.
  
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  Does not own day-to-day internal communications operations but supports the communication of strategic priorities to internal teams.
  

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  Manages and develops PR/Communications staff, providing direction, feedback, and performance coaching.
  
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  Assigns and prioritizes work aligned with external communications goals and strategic projects.
  
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  Encourages collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
  
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  Manages vendor relationships
  

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  Requires a bachelor's degree in communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, English, or a closely related field. Advanced degree in Communications, Public Health, Health Policy, Journalism, or a related discipline preferred. Extensive experience may be considered in place of degree.
  

• Requires at least three (3) years of progressive experience in external communications and/or strategic communications.
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  Experience in a nonprofit, healthcare, academic, research, public health, scientific journalism, reporting, or similarly mission-driven environment strongly preferred.
  
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  Requires demonstrated media relations and media management experience, including building relationships with reporters, pitching stories, preparing media materials, and managing interviews.
  
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  Proven experience managing communications projects from strategy through execution, including campaign development, content planning, and performance evaluation.
  
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  Requires prior experience supervising staff and/or managing vendors, consultants, or agencies required.
  
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  Experience collaborating with executive leadership and working effectively with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders, including researchers, clinicians, funders, community partners, and media representatives.
  
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  Experience partnering with organizations operating in real-world data, healthcare, artificial intelligence (AI), data science, health technology, biomedical research, or related innovation-focused sectors preferred.
  

• Requires strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate complex scientific, healthcare, or technical information into clear, compelling narratives for varied audiences.
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  Requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, including media materials, executive messaging, thought leadership pieces, and digital content.
  
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  Requires demonstrated ability to develop and execute external communication strategies aligned with organizational goals.
  
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  Proven media pitching, media training, and crisis communications support capabilities.
  
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  Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously.
  
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  Experience overseeing external vendors (e.g., PR firms, designers, videographers, digital agencies) and managing associated budgets.
  
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  Ability to work effectively across diverse teams and build trusted relationships at all levels of an organization.
  
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  Proficiency in digital communication tools, content management systems, and analytics platforms.
  
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  Sound judgment, professionalism, and the ability to handle sensitive or confidential information with discretion.
  
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  Commitment to inclusive communications practices and cultural competence in messaging.
  

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  This position requires the physical ability to work 40 hours per week, including the flexibility to work extended hours as necessary to meet organizational needs.
  
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  This position requires the ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time.
  
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  This position requires manual dexterity to operate a keyboard and pointing device.
  
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  This position requires the ability to travel to outside meetings as necessary.
  
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  This position requires the ability to perform focused work with close attention to detail.
  
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  This position requires excellent speaking, writing, and listening skills.
  

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  This work takes place primarily in an office environment.
  
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  This work is fast-paced and deadline-oriented and requires a flexible work schedule.
  
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  Use of a computer, business office equipment, and other machinery is necessary.
  
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  This position requires working as a team member and also independently.
  

Please note:

• Preferred hybrid schedule is in office several days per week, although fully remote candidates will be considered.
• Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
• Sponsorship is not available for this person.