Communications Coordinator

Department: MED-Impact Institute
Salary/Grade: EXS/5

Job Summary:

The Communications Coordinator provides leadership for communications initiatives (e.g., digital, print, audiovisual, and social media projects) for the Third Coast Center for AIDS Research (CFAR). Manages specific communications activities across the center, with a focus on promoting CFAR resources and opportunities locally, as well as disseminatingthe scientific accomplishments of CFAR faculty members. Ensures that activities advance center goals and requirements. Serves as the center's communications editor, developing and executing a communications content strategy that supports the CFAR brand position.

Project Description: The Third Coast CFAR is a multidisciplinary, city-wide center that strives to end the HIV epidemic through high-impact, NIH-funded research. It is led by Northwestern University in partnership with the University of Chicago, Rush University, and the University of Illinois at Chicago. Key activities include a robust program of internal funding opportunities, career mentorship, provision of core services from experts across the translational spectrum, and engaging platforms to create new connections and disseminate research. Third Coast CFAR administration is housed in Northwestern's Impact Institute and manages activity across multiple units and departments at all four universities. The Third Coast CFAR is one of 20 grantees in the NIH network of Centers for AIDS Research.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Manage communications initiatives for CFAR, ranging from web communications, content development, newsletters and announcements, audiovisual creation, publication management, branded templates, and social media.
• Lead and advise Center on the development of effective communications strategies; manage and execute projects as assigned.
• Organize, structure, and design tools that convey and simplify complex information for diverse audiences such researchers, public health departments, community-based organizations, etc.
• Research, compile, and disseminate external events and media related to Chicago-area HIV research.
• Produce, test, and deploy specific communications tactics, such as email newsletters.
• Create communications and educational activities, training videos, infographics, events, presentations, marketing, etc., that build partner relationships and encourage collaboration.
• Coordinate the development and dissemination of collateral materials such as videos, programs, posters, invitations, etc.
• Promote the Center by using broadcast email, websites, social media, advertising, etc.
• Analyze information and recommend metrics to determine success of communications initiatives.
• Create associated reports to meet NIH and institutional requirements.
• Serve as the primary communications editor for the Center, determining communications content strategy. Assess that communication meets visual and content brand requirements.
• Collaborate with program staff to develop events and meetings that disseminate research and provide operational support as needed.
• Serve as liaison to communications staff members in affiliated programs and departments at Northwestern and partner sites.
• Support Impact Institute communications as needed, such as marketing events and writing web stories.

Other duties

• May oversee consultants or interns as needed.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as communications/marketing, social sciences, journalism, healthcare, public health, or related field; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.

• Minimum two years of experience developing digital content in an academic, public health, or corporate environment, including experience with content planning, creation, dissemination, and maintenance.

• Prior experience as a health or science communications practitioner implementing digital strategies or content strategies.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Excellent writing and communications skills

• Demonstrated strategic communications/marketing skills

• Demonstrated communications/marketing execution skills

• Demonstrated experience in content marketing, including broadcast email and social media

• Demonstrated experience in event marketing

• Demonstrated experience in basic video editing and graphic design

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in communications, marketing, or social sciences

• 1-2 years of work experience developing multimedia marketing plans inclusive of offline media, digital, content, and events

• Experience working in biomedical, behavioral, or implementation research, public health, or health care.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Interest or experience in working in HIV research or services

• Interest of experience working on multi-institution initiatives

Target hiring range for this position will be between $51,346 - $64,600 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

#LI-GY1