Communications Officer

Yale University•New Haven, CT

45d•$68,000 - $120,500•Hybrid

About The Position

The Communications Officer will work with the leadership team across the Department of Anesthesiology to develop and produce strategic content promoting their research, education, and clinical programs and services to internal and external audiences. Reporting to Administrative Operations Manager, this individual will play an integral role in increasing the visibility of Yale's nationally ranked and top-rated Anesthesiology program and in fostering positive faculty, staff, and trainee relations. More specifically, the role will help develop, coordinate, and implement a communications strategy for the Department of Anesthesiology. Duties include but are not limited to maintaining the Anesthesiology website and digital and social media platforms with new content; preparing articles and images for the content management system; copy editing and proofreading; and writing short articles and announcements.

Requirements

Independent self-starter with outstanding written (editing/writing), verbal, and organizational skills and ability to develop interesting content suitable for web and non-web-based distribution, including annual reports.
Proficiency with web/intranet content management systems and HTML editing tools, social media platforms (including Brandwatch), Salesforce, survey building tools, Microsoft Office Suite, Canva (or other image creating/editing software), and electronic mailing list software applications (Listserv). Familiarity with desktop publishing and layout programs such as Adobe's Creative Suite and ability to identify and learn new technology, including Yale School of Medicine's content management platform, Beatrix.
Knowledge in developing, disseminating, and maintaining web content, and in gathering and extracting from analytics to inform content decisions.
Ability to develop relationships with faculty and other departmental stakeholders to develop content for distribution and manage the department's website and social media platforms.
Significant experience with, or very strong interest in science and medicine content.
Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications or related field and five years of experience in public relations, journalism, television, corporate communications or agency work or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated experience in developing communications for a range of media and working with creative professionals in design, photography or video.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of public safety protocols in a higher education setting and familiarity with higher education culture.
Experience in content creation, marketing strategy, branding, and public relations in alumni relations and development.
Strong knowledge of international affairs and demonstrated experience leading communications/marketing plans.

Responsibilities

Manages relationships with external media sources. Pursues media coverage creatively and aggressively. Responds to inquiries from national and international news media, student media, the University community and the general public.
Enhances the overall quality of media relations for key stakeholders by preparing them for media interviews. Manages relationships with key campus stakeholders with a high degree of professionalism, judgment and understanding of stakeholder goals.
Creates compelling story ideas and narratives; produces content for both external and internal channels; writes copy and social media posts and manages content.
Plans social media strategies for key University communications and programs. Monitors University social media assets for negative comments or misinformation.
Supports short- and long-term communication planning with insights into audiences, channels and culture; coordinates with other communications professionals to achieve institutional goals; leads the communications process within developed standards and protocols.
Supports effective response strategies, often in crisis situations requiring 24/7 attention and intense media/public scrutiny, and articulates the University's position via personal interviews or written responses.
Produces multimedia content and manages the work of graphic and web designers, student interns, printers, video producers and photographers.
Manages communication plans for all stakeholders by understanding the significance of campus initiatives and/or academic work; creates compelling stories and messages to translate the significance through language that is clear and accessible for public awareness.
Develops and maintains regular contact with media representatives in multiple disciplines.
Maintains the Yale brand and graphic identity standards; supports and maintains standard operating procedures; contributes to digital asset management.
May perform other duties as assigned.