Communications Officer

MIT•Cambridge, MA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Communications Officer will serve as a strategist and leader for the full range of departmental communications, both internal and external, to promote Chemistry research and academic programs. This position will report directly to the Department Head. The primary responsibilities include leading the department's news program by providing editorial oversight and content for its website, newsletters, and scientific writing, and by conceptualizing and writing science reports for lay readers, including news and feature articles, proposals, presentations, videos, and other promotional materials. The role also involves providing direction, coordination, and support for communication and public relations efforts across the department, managing the department’s presence and message across print and digital news channels, including traditional and social media, while ensuring cohesive branding, style, and voice across all content and communications. The officer will attend MIT events and science conferences, staying up-to-date with the most recent scientific findings and current research activities. Additionally, they will update and maintain department website content and work with external developers on periodic upgrades/redesigns. Finally, the role requires working closely with the Senior Development Officer to create tailored communications strategies and collateral to engage prospects and donors.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in communications or a related field.
A minimum of five years in a professional communications role.
Solid experience with project management, communication technologies, social media, and public relations.
Strong interpersonal, writing, editorial, and presentation skills.
Ability to describe science concepts to scientific and lay audiences.
Experience with graphics/imaging tools.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a scientific and/or academic setting.
Excellent relationship management.
Demonstrated experience in or capacity for developing creative and entrepreneurial approaches to marketing and communications.
Ability to collaborate and work successfully across organizational boundaries.
Demonstrated success managing competing priorities and deadlines.
Ability to be flexible, adapt, and learn quickly.

Responsibilities

Serve as strategist and leader for departmental communications, internal and external.
Promote Chemistry research and academic programs.
Lead the department's news program.
Provide editorial oversight and content for website, newsletters, and scientific writing.
Conceptualize and write science reports for lay readers, including news and feature articles, proposals, presentations, videos, and other promotional materials.
Provide direction, coordination, and support for communication and public relations efforts.
Manage the department’s presence and message across print and digital news channels, including traditional and social media.
Ensure cohesive branding, style, and voice across all content and communications.
Attend MIT events and science conferences and stay up-to-date with scientific findings and research activities.
Update and maintain department website content and work with external developers on upgrades/redesigns.
Work closely with the Senior Development Officer to create tailored communications strategies and collateral to engage prospects and donors.