Job Summary
We are seeking a full-time Communications Specialist to implement activities related to communication and outreach for several large, multi-site, international research projects focused on the connections between climate change and urban health. The Communications Specialist will work closely with study Project Managers, community and policy engagement cores, and other project leadership and communications staff from institutional partners throughout the United States and several countries in Latin America.
The Communications Specialist will be responsible for co-developing and leading implementation of a communications strategy and work plan that will include day-to-day management of project communications and online presence, effective dissemination of complex research findings, and support for engagement and capacity strengthening activities targeting academic, policy, and community audiences across the US and Latin America.
Essential Functions
Strategic planning, collaboration, and monitoring:
• Work closely with project leadership to develop a communications strategy and work plans for two large, multi-site, multi-lingual international research projects.
• Lead rebranding and project launch efforts across project websites and social media channels.
• Establish and maintain active collaborations with communications staff at the UHC, Drexel, partners, and other institutions to coordinate and support additional dissemination efforts.
• Develop and maintain updated communications guidelines and other shared files.
• Define and monitor KPIs to assess projects’ reach and visibility, regularly record indicators using shared tracking system, and suggest adjustments to strategy to improve metrics.
Day-to-day project communications and online content management:
• Manage all social media and website content for SALURBAL-Climate and Drexel CCUH projects, working to grow following and connect with strategic partners.
• Develop, coordinate, and update content across digital platforms including University website and other platforms (such as the SALURBAL data portal).
• Work closely with communications staff at the Drexel UHC, elsewhere at Drexel, and with institutional partners to promote project activities and products, and act as point person for activities related to communications and dissemination of project findings and activities.
• Develop appropriate social media content for the dissemination of complex research findings.
• Develop promotional materials for online and in-person events, including registration pages, flyers, and social media content.
• Work with project leadership and team members to develop and promote additional content, including blog posts, briefs, news articles, press releases, and project summaries.
• Compile and deliver a regular external newsletter featuring project activities and products.
• Support production and dissemination of specific communications and capacity building materials (e.g., short videos, policy and data briefs, interactive web applications).
• Manage project YouTube channel(s).
Media Outreach:
• Maintain an active list of media contacts throughout the Americas.
• Coordinate and distribute press releases for high profile project findings, and coordinate interview and other media engagement for project researchers.
• Align and coordinate media outreach with UHC and University communications staff as needed.
• Track projects’ local and international media coverage, including follow up with multi-country partners.
- Other communications duties related to climate changes and/or urban health as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- A bachelor's degree or Equivalent
- Three or more years of communications experience in public health, public policy, climate change, environmental science, or related field.
- Experience managing institutional social media account(s), website, and other online content.
- Experience communicating research findings and technical content through clear writing for lay audiences.
- Experience collaborating with multiple institutions to develop and promote communications materials for a variety of communications channels (print, online, and multi-media).
Preferred Qualifications
- Oral and written proficiency in Spanish highly desirable, proficiency in Portuguese would be a plus.
- Experience in work related to Latin America, public health, and/or climate change highly desirable.
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite, HTML and/or web content management, and social media management platforms and techniques.
- Proficiency in design and relevant software (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva). Experience developing infographics would be a plus.
- Prior experience with research and international research collaboration would be a plus.
- Strong written and oral communication skills and organization.
- Ability to convey complex ideas and information to lay audiences across a multitude of platforms.
- Master's degree in communications, public health, environmental or climate science, or related field would be a plus.
Physical Demands
- Typically sitting at a desk/table
Location
- University City – Philadelphia, PA
Additional Information
This position is classified as exempt grade J Compensation for this grade ranges from $47,490.00 - $71,230.00 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.
We encourage you to explore Drexel's Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on our compensation framework.
You can also find valuable information about our benefits in the Benefits Brochure.
Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.
Review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.
