Digital Communications Associates
Rochester, NY
Responsibilities
General Purpose:
Serves as a lead writer and content creator for the URMC Communications Content Hub, a framework that houses staff responsible for developing and publishing content and communications programs for internal and external audiences aimed at supporting the goals of URMC’s strategic plan. Assists and collaborates to develop and implement integrated communications programs that collectively support the goals of URMC’s strategic plan.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Under direction and policy guidance and with considerable latitude for exercise of independent judgment:
Communications Strategy Support and Content Development (25%)
Serves as a creative contributor and assists supervisor in serving as a communications “consultant” for assigned projects. Consultative elements include, but are not limited to: developing basic communication plans based on departmental templates, identifying target audiences and matching to appropriate channels, outlining and/or implementing strategies and tactics, drafting key messages and content for routine projects—such as a faculty chair announcement, faculty or department recognition, or minor change to existing administrative procedure. Plans are reviewed and approved by a supervisor.
Gathers information to develop content by attending meetings, interviewing members of the faculty and staff, reading published articles and other background materials. Works collaboratively with team members to determine newsworthiness and usefulness for external and internal channels, assures deadlines are met, and routes some work through supervisor for editing and clearance.
Content Creation and Execution (25%)
Develops and writes a variety of content aimed at internal and external audiences including, but not limited to, online news and feature stories, social media posts, newsletter articles, website copy, news releases, video scripts, email memos, infographics, and PowerPoint presentations. Proposes assignments, or receives from a supervisor or senior team member, as needed. Some work is subject to review by a supervisor or team member.
Serves as editor of print or online newsletters as needed, assuring content is well-targeted to readership, well-written and engaging, and that newsletter is consistently delivered at pre-determined intervals. Work includes, but is not limited to: creating and publishing print or online newsletters as assigned; maintaining editorial planning calendars; producing editorial guidelines and/or policies for approval, with approved policies posted in PolicyStat; interviewing patients or staff members; drafting newsletter articles, story summaries, and headlines; copy-editing articles drafted by others.
Publicity Support (20%)
- Coordinates placement of moderately complex news stories in print or broadcast media, such as a new clinical program or research grant, clinical outcome involving multiple departments, response to media questions that require input from multiple internal or external sources, as needed. Under supervision, work includes, but is not limited to: interviewing patients or staff members; drafting media pitch letters, suggested talking points, news releases or media statements; interacting with news reporters via email and live conversation; coordinating media interviews; and reporting on results.
Integrated Marketing Program Support (15%)
- Collaborates with team members to develop and execute promotional and/or integrated marketing programs. Produces with supervision pamphlets, brochures, bulletins, fliers and other materials that support programs or other one-off programs (i.e., award nominations).
Administration Support (10%)
Provides monthly reports on e-newsletter performance and/or publicity results that analyze opens, click rates and other factors, making recommendations and conducting tests to improve performance. Work is often reviewed for final editing and alignment with institutional strategy.
Works with team members and supervisor to understand daily, weekly and monthly priorities of Content Hub, and directs work to align with these priorities.
Participates in department and/or other meetings as assigned.
Other duties as assigned (5%)
Supervision / Direction:
- This position reports to the Senior Manager, Communications.
Requirements:
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or related field that includes some writing experience required; 3 years of experience required; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated proficiency in writing and editing moderately complex content based on target audience, with ability to provide context and/or reshape material as needed in a fast-paced, high-demand environment
Knowledge of and/or experience in contributing to social media platforms
Knowledge of HIPAA privacy rules and ability to manage HIPAA consent authorization process for stories involving a patient’s personal health information.
HTML and content management system experience preferred
Experience with data analysis and metrics presentation preferred
Power Point and basic photo editing/graphic design experience skills a plus
Interest in emerging Web technologies a plus
Strong organization and project management skills
Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communications skills; comfortable talking to all levels of faculty/staff, and in front of groups
Ability to work independently and within a collaborative team
Position is expected to be available on a rotating basis for proactive monitoring of URMC/UR Medicine Social Media accounts during nights and weekends. On-call shifts are roughly one out of every six weeks with much scheduling flexibility.
The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the University’s mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. This commitment extends to the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations.
How To Apply
All applicants must apply online.
EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled
Location: Health Sciences
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Opening: Full Time 40 hours Grade 052 Public Relations & Comns MC
Schedule: 8 AM-4:30 PM