Communications Media Specialist

Job Description Summary:

**Cover Letter Required**

The Office of the Chief Communications Officer (OCCO) is hiring a communications specialist for 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.