(Hybrid) Communications Specialist - WV Clinical & Translational Science Institute

The West Virginia Clinical & Translational Science Institute (WVCTSI) at West Virginia University Research Corporation is currently accepting applications for a (Hybrid) Communications Specialist.

About the Opportunity

As a (Hybrid) Communications Specialist, you will be responsible for the implementation of West Virginia Clinical & Translational Science Institute (WVCTSI) communication and marketing efforts directed toward researchers, West Virginia communities, policy leaders, funding agencies and other internal and external audiences. Incumbent will be responsible for developing strategic communication policies and procedures for the Institute, website content generation, social media updates, print projects, public relations projects, multimedia projects, and video to communicate and promote the activities and accomplishments of the WVCTSI. You will collaborate with WVCTSI leadership, the WVCTSI communications team and others to ensure that the goals and activities of the WVCTSI and clinical and translational research are being accurately disseminated. You will work alongside the WVCTSI Strategic Communications Manager to provide communications and marketing support to the newly developed IDeA States Consortium for Clinical Research Resource Center (ISCORE-RC).

At WVU Research Corporation, we strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU Research Corporation offers a comprehensive benefits package with a variety of options to suit your needs:

• 13 paid holidays ()
• PTO
• 403(b) retirement savings with a fully vested 3% employee contribution match, (Employees have the option of contributing an additional 1-3% of their earnings to the plan, which is also matched by the WVURC)
• A range of
• Dependent Education Scholarship
• WVU Perks
• And More!!

What you'll do:

STRATEGY: Work with WVCTSI leadership to develop strategies that integrate and promote the organization in ways that benefit the overall strategy and performance of the Institute. Be attentive to user feedback and continuously change and update event and messaging plans to be fresh and intentional. Identify and develop key partnerships to leverage communication, outreach and engagement.

• Manage WVCTSI content calendar.
• Lead social media strategy and stays abreast of social media trends and platforms. Guide managers of other WVCTSI program social media platforms on best practices.
• Develop relationships and partnerships with media, professional organization, and institutional contacts across the state.
• Work with institutional communications teams to coordinate story releases and other external media.
• Evaluate efforts to determine reach and effectiveness, contributing to routine WVCTSI reporting cycles.
• Meet routinely with communications team leadership to review, update and discuss communications goals and strategies.
• Work with ISCORE-RC communications team to launch, promote, disseminate, and grow the newly created program. Serves as primary content development contact.

CREATIVITY: Track trends, produces new ideas for messaging and storytelling, events, programs and collaborations. Develop and deliver ideas and initiatives that demonstrate the impact of WVCTSI's work and market to potential members who would benefit from offered services and resources. Engage key audiences across the state of West Virginia and beyond while creating positive impressions on behalf of WVCTSI.

• Identify external events and activities in which WVCTSI should have a presence; coordinate presence and evaluate return on investment.
• Research and implement new approaches for sharing stories of WVCTSI impact.
• Design visual pieces including but not limited to brochures, flyers, annual reports, web graphics, signage.
• Adapt design and content based on unique audiences.

MESSAGING and STORYTELLING: Identify meaningful stories from WVCTSI research and align best platforms and outlets for dissemination to key audiences. Engage with WVCTSI supported investigators, leadership and staff to capture their voices and perspectives in written and/or audio-visual pieces.

• Research and write feature stories on WVCTSI research endeavors to be disseminated through various media channels.
• Repackage messages for a variety of audiences and internal/external platforms.
• Work in collaboration with Strategic Communications Manager to coordinate management and update of WVCTSI and ISCORE-RC website content.
• Photograph people, events, and activities for use in multimedia projects.
• Edit/proofread marketing communications to ensure clarity and accuracy.

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, English, journalism, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in marketing, communications, or public relations.
• Maintains skills in, or knowledge of, professional principles, legal and/or reporting requirements pertaining to strategic communications.
• Knowledge of general social media standard practices and etiquette for businesses/organizations.
• Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
• Excellent organizational skills for recordkeeping of project documents and files and reporting deadlines.
• Ability to communicate with people outside the organization, represent the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources.
• Flexibility in working with diverse personalities
• Exceptional communication skills including a high proficiency in English grammar, composition, and verbal communication.
• High proficiency with computer software including MS Office suite and Adobe suite.
• Ability to organize and implement multiple, complex, projects and events.
• Ability to think creatively and employ creative techniques in design and writing.
• Ability to photograph events and activities and edit photos for usage internally and externally.
• Ability to keep projects and events on schedule and within budget to meet deadlines.
• Ability to plan work activities and independently maintain progress.
• Ability to understand contracts and ascertain whether or not they meet project/event objectives.
• Ability to negotiate best rates with facilities and vendors to achieve goals and objectives of WVCTSI promotional projects and events.
• Ability to write topical articles, project summaries, executive summaries, abstracts, press releases, case histories, newsletters, and information briefs.
• Ability to interface with University staff, advisory committee members, and outside vendors on project tasks, budgets, and schedules.
• Proactive outreach skills for contacting potential speakers, trainers, and moderators for events.
• Ability to work independently with minimal managerial oversight.
• Ability to think strategically and independently, use good judgment to make good decisions, and find creative solutions to problems.
• Ability to travel independently via car, air, or public transportation to scheduled events.
• Knowledge and understanding of general human resources principals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in biomedical science communications, philanthropic communications, and/or community outreach communications.
  

The WVURC was created as a not-for-profit corporation in 1985 to support research (R1) at West Virginia University. We provide evaluation, development, patenting, management, and marketing services for inventions of the faculty, staff and students of the University.

The WVURC receives and administers funds awarded by external agencies for research and other activities and is responsible for helping protect intellectual property through patents, copyrights and licensing agreements for start-up companies based on University research.

Creating an inclusive, engaged, and dynamic environment is core to WVURC's mission. We welcome candidates who can contribute a range of ideas, approaches and experiences.

West Virginia University Research Corporation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We value diversity among its employees and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.