Communications Specialist, 20 Hrs/Week

The Center for Surgery and Public Health (CSPH) has been at the forefront of public health research of surgical care delivery within and throughout our nation's healthcare system. Utilizing innovative research methodologies grounded in clinical reality, we have developed surgical safety checklists, created a national agenda for surgical disparities research, and launched the pioneering work of rising stars in surgical health services research. We are advancing the science of surgical care delivery by studying effectiveness, quality, equity, and value at the population level and training the most gifted of a new generation of physician-scientists. Together, our efforts are making surgery safer, more patient-centered, and more accessible in the U.S. and around the world.

GENERAL SUMMARY: 

The Communications Specialist manages the activities related to the Center for Surgery and Public Health strategic communications. The Communications Specialist will work directly with the CSPH leadership team, DOS (Department of Surgery) Communications, BWH (Brigham and Women's Hospital), Strategic Communications, and Office of Public Affairs to develop and implement a communication and marketing plan designed to improve communication within the division, department, and an external audience.

The Communications Specialist ensures quality, consistency, and appropriateness of content and design for all CSPH internal and external communications. The role works with faculty, fellows, and staff within CSPH, across DOS and BWH, to stay informed and develop appropriate communications content.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The Communications Specialist performs the following essential functions:

• Acquires and maintains a detailed knowledge of the CSPH's mission, principles, and strategies, and keeps current with relevant developments.
• Oversees the CSPH communication plan by developing and editing content, scheduling activities, managing design, ensuring branding and compliance, and creating and analyzing metrics to assess effectiveness and return on investment.
• Responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the CSPH communications strategy by researching, writing, and updating overall web content.
• Acts as the primary contact for division-wide communications; formulating communications goals, objectives, target audiences, key messages, tactics, timeline, and evaluation.
• Creates and consults on communication materials related to CSPH. This work includes but is not limited to content development for communications, including email, direct mail, marketing collateral, press releases, visual abstracts, and website content directed toward multiple internal and external audiences.
• Research and write press releases and content for the CSPH website, infographics, Twitter, blogs, and newsletters.
• Research new web features, social media, marketing tools, and trends and, as appropriate, make recommendations for their use.
• Write talking points for Center leadership's speaking engagements for various events and conferences. 
• Develop strategies and assist with fundraising communications and outreach for CSPH. 
• Conduct event planning and coordination for CSPH workshops and symposiums.
• Supports special projects as assigned by the Administrative Director and Kessler Director.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The Communications Specialist must satisfy the following minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required in marketing, English, journalism, or another related field.
• Master's preferred, preferably in healthcare communications, marketing/public relations, journalism, or a related field. 
• A minimum of 2 years of prior communication experience is required. 
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, WordPress, HootSuite, Instagram, Twitter (X), Facebook and MailChimp. 

MINIMUM SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS: 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including creating original materials of the highest quality and editing for tone, grammar, etc. 
• An advanced understanding of social media platforms and how to use them. 
• The ability to translate complex medical and/or scientific information into clear, jargon-free language that appeals to a lay audience. 
• Ability to work independently and work collaboratively with individuals at all levels of the organization. 
• Works well under pressure and meets tight deadlines.
• Content writing experience for all media platforms.
• Strategic and creative mindset.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Experience in digital advertising and social media preferred.
• Experience with fundraising is preferred.