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Requisition ID:  116347

Communications Associate

The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute – within the Johns Hopkins University Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Bloomberg School of Public Health – is the hub for a community of multidisciplinary researchers dedicated to treat, control and eradicate this deadly disease. The Institute comprises 16 full-time faculty that pursue biomedical research on different aspects of malaria, and three administrative support staff. The JHMRI is directed by Jane Carlton and a team of four deputy directors, and the JHMRI's activities are reviewed annually by a Scientific Advisory Board comprised of world-class scientists. JHMRI runs three annual symposia widely recognized as premier events that inform and inspire the malaria research community.

We are seeking a Communications Associate who will focuses on leading the strategic communications for the Institute. The position reports to and takes directions from the Institute’s Director. The Communications Associate will set and guide the strategy for all communications, the JHMRI website, the monthly Malaria Minute podcast, and public relations messages to consistently articulate the Institute’s priorities and progress to media, key stakeholders, and the interested public. S/He will lead the strategy for brand management, online and direct marketing, media relations and community engagement and will work closely with a senior peer group in the Institute as the communications partner on a variety of strategic initiatives. The Communications Associate will work closely with donors and external media firms in developing the Institute’s message and disseminating it and work closely with the school’s central communications and marketing teams to facilitate JHMRI adherence to JHSPH and JHU Communications and Public Relations Policy. The Communications Associate will also provide regular reports and updates to donors as needed.


Major Responsibilities and Outcomes

  • Translate the research-based work of the institute for distribution across channels including but not limited to press releases, articles, events, social media, podcasts, print materials, websites and other appropriate communications outlets. Responsible for promoting the Institute’s work and conferences across all communication venues.
  • Implement the media and public relations strategies developed to promote the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute across media channels. Shapes and advances the Institutes’ communications strategy, message and brand across national and international communications.
  • Implement and continue to develop the stakeholder communications strategy to share the Institute’s work with key stakeholders including but not limited to funders, school leadership, industry partners and policymakers.


Specific Duties & Responsibilities


Strategy

  • Plan, design, implement and manage communications and public affairs activities with the goal of elevating visibility and building positive awareness of the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute research, practice and educational activities.
  • Manage and further develop the communications and public affairs strategic plan for JHMRI.
  • Provide consultation and recommendations related to the development of communication media for major publications, significant initiatives and programs.
  • Lead a comprehensive social media strategy for the Institute in close collaboration with the social media team within the School.
  • Develop benchmark criteria to track and evaluate the effectiveness of the communications strategies on a regular basis for reporting.


Content Development

  • Create content to promote the Institute's research, practice and educational initiatives across a wide variety of platforms including local, regional, national and international print and electronic media outlets, and social media.
  • Proactively work with faculty, students and staff on updating, writing and designing content for the web and social media including text, audio and video.
  • Write and produce a wide variety of communications content, including marketing and promotion materials and publications in coordination with School and University branding and style guidelines.
  • Develop Institute’s web content and maintain Institute web site.
  • Promote the Institute's faculty, programs and students through a variety of approaches via both web and print and internal and external communications.
  • Work closely with the JHMRI faculty and leadership to write press releases and other news content to disseminate important findings from research studies conducted within the Institute.


Outreach

  • Conduct outreach, fostering and maintaining relationships with local, regional, national and international media outlets in collaboration with the School’s Director of Media and Public Relations.
  • Engage with key media outlets, both proactively and reactively.
  • Manage communications for events, including three annual meetings.
  • Work with coordinators in the department on event communications to leverage outreach
  • Identify strategic communication opportunities with internal and external partners.


Additional

  • Other duties and responsibilities as assigned
  • Opportunities for participating in educational initiatives are possible, depending on the successful applicant’s experience and interest.


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in related field.
  • Four years related experience.
  • Additional education may substitute for required experience, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in communications, public affairs, journalism or other related fields.
  • Ideally, the candidate will have four-to-eight years related work experience.
  • A strong understanding of development and maintenance of best practices in web and social media standards is required.
  • Excellent written, verbal, web-based and social media skills.
  • Proven experience in professional communications position.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Keen attention to detail.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to translate complex research or scientific data into materials for lay audiences.
  • Knowledge of and experience with web- based content management systems.
  • Writing samples are requested as part of the application process and a writing test will be included in the interview process.

 

 

Classified Title: Communications Associate 
Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PD  
Starting Salary Range: $62,900 - $110,100 Annually ($90,000 targeted; Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm 
Exempt Status: Exempt 
Location: Hybrid/School of Public Health 
Department name: ​​​​​​​W Harry Feinstone Dpt Molec Mblgy Imlgy  
Personnel area: School of Public Health 

 

 

Total Rewards
The referenced base salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University’s salary range for this position. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education/training and other qualifications. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.

Education and Experience Equivalency
Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines: JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.

Applicants Completing Studies
Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.

Background Checks
The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.

Diversity and Inclusion
The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.

Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

EEO is the Law
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

Accommodation Information
If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit https://accessibility.jhu.edu/.

Vaccine Requirements
Johns Hopkins University strongly encourages, but no longer requires, at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. We still require all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. This change does not apply to the School of Medicine (SOM). SOM hires must be fully vaccinated with an FDA COVID-19 vaccination and provide proof of vaccination status. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/ and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/.

The following additional provisions may apply, depending upon campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.
The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.
Hybrid: On-site 3-4 days a week

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