Director of Content Strategy

CIRM • South San Francisco, CA

18h • $168,683 - $234,948 • Hybrid

About The Position

CIRM was created by the people of California to fund stem cell and gene therapy research with the goal of accelerating treatments for patients with unmet medical needs. With $8.5 billion in funding allocated through both Proposition 71 in 2004 and Proposition 14 in 2020, CIRM supports stem cell and gene therapy discoveries from inception through clinical trials, trains a workforce in California to fill jobs in the state’s thriving biotech and biomedical research industry, and creates infrastructure to make clinical trials accessible for people throughout California. All of CIRM’s research, workforce development, and infrastructure programs are designed to benefit the people of California, whose vision created the agency.

CIRM is seeking a Director of Content Strategy. Under the general direction of the Senior Director, Communications, the Director of Content Strategy will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of a content strategy that engages and informs the California public, California scientific community, and patients about scientific progress in cell and gene therapies, and the people who benefit from the agency’s work.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological or health science field, communications, journalism, or a related field. Additional relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a 4-year degree.
• 10+ years in communications, journalism, or public relations, including work in the science or healthcare industry.
• 3+ years experience in a management role
• Ability to motivate, train, and grow staff.
• Proven writing and editing skills, including managing and editing in-house and freelance writers.
• Ability to develop and oversee an integrated strategy, including getting buy-in from internal and external stakeholders and collaborators.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to use data to drive decision-making.
• Deep familiarity with content creation and production practices across formats, applications, and mediums, including project management.
• Ability to translate complex scientific concepts into memorable and emotionally resonant content.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage teams with multiple priorities and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee a comprehensive, integrated content strategy aligned with the Communications Strategy.
• Set the direction for all written, video, social, and digital marketing channels, driving execution through a mix of internal staff, freelancers, and external vendors while providing targeted hands-on support to ensure quality and team capacity.
• Collaborate with CIRM leadership and teams to Integrate CIRM messaging across all communication channels, including in content produced by freelancers and contractors.
• Support the Senior Director of Communications and leadership in developing messaging for new initiatives.
• Serve as lead editor for CIRM communications including press releases, blog entries, science and patient stories, and social media content, including assigning content and occasionally writing, ensuring that all content adheres to CIRM messaging and resonates with stakeholder audiences.
• Serve as a principal thought partner to the Senior Director of Communications on both long-term and fast turnaround responses to media inquiries, including interview preparation and developing talking points.
• Supervise digital marketing efforts, including email marketing campaigns and social media, ensuring content is of the highest quality and reflects new and evolving best practices.
• Ensure content across all channels generates excitement for CIRM’s accomplishments and hope for the future of cell and gene therapies in the state.
• Manage all aspects of the CIRM website, including managing the vendor, leading new projects for reaching CIRM stakeholders, ensuring content on audience-specific pages is accurate and engaging, and ensuring the site remains in compliance with all legal requirements.
• Lead brand strategy and oversight for CIRM branded materials, including flyers, brochures, fact sheets, posters, business cards, etc. and manages brand consistency across all platforms.
• Lead development and distribution of CIRM’s Annual Report.
• Oversee management of all CIRM’s digital assets, including photos of scientific research for use on the website, in stories, on social media, and to provide to journalists etc.
• Partner with the Senior Director of Communications in safeguarding CIRM's reputation, navigating sensitive issues through the development of messaging, content creation, digital campaigns, or other needs.
• Collaborate with grantee media and communications teams to ensure CIRM is represented accurately in their media materials, including proactive communication around CIRM announcements and other needs.
• Supervise all aspects of tracking metrics across all content channels, developing a regular reporting schedule to leadership and adjusting strategy based on metrics to reach the broadest California audience.
• Manage and mentor a team of communication professionals, ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and collaboration.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• https://benefits.calhr.ca.gov/state-employees/

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager