University Job Title: Communications, Officer
Bargaining Unit: None - Not included in the union (Yale Union Group)
Time Type: Full time
Duration Type: Regular
Compensation Grade: Administration & Operations
Compensation Grade Profile: Supervisor; Senior Associate (P5)
Work Location: Medical School Campus
Worksite Address: 789 Howard Avenue New Haven, CT 06519
Work Week: Standard (M-F equal number of hours per day)
Searchable Job Family: Communications/Editing/Teaching
Total # of hours to be worked:37.5

Position Focus:

Develops, coordinates and implements a communications strategy for the Department of Neurosurgery. Develops and writes a variety of communications for both external and internal audiences to enhance the department’s visibility and reputation and to foster positive faculty, staff, and trainee relations. Must be a proficient writer/editor, capable of producing high-quality content for websites, newsletters, announcements, brochures and other media for a variety of audiences.

Essential Duties

1. Manages relationships with external media sources. Pursues media coverage creatively and aggressively. Responds to inquiries from national and international news media, student media, the University community and the general public. 2. Enhances the overall quality of media relations for key stakeholders by preparing them for media interviews. Manages relationships with key campus stakeholders with a high degree of professionalism, judgment and understanding of stakeholder goals. 3. Creates compelling story ideas and narratives; produces content for both external and internal channels; writes copy and social media posts and manages content. 4. Plans social media strategies for key University communications and programs. Monitors University social media assets for negative comments or misinformation. 5. Supports short- and long-term communication planning with insights into audiences, channels and culture; coordinates with other communications professionals to achieve institutional goals; leads the communications process within developed standards and protocols. 6. Supports effective response strategies, often in crisis situations requiring 24/7 attention and intense media/public scrutiny, and articulates the University’s position via personal interviews or written responses. 7. Produces multimedia content and manages the work of graphic and web designers, student interns, printers, video producers and photographers. 8. Manages communication plans for all stakeholders by understanding the significance of campus initiatives and/or academic work; creates compelling stories and messages to translate the significance through language that is clear and accessible for public awareness. 9. Develops and maintains regular contact with media representatives in multiple disciplines. 10. Maintains the Yale brand and graphic identity standards; supports and maintains standard operating procedures; contributes to digital asset management. 11. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications or related field and five years of experience in public relations, journalism, television, corporate communications or agency work or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated experience in developing communications for a range of media and working with creative professionals in design, photography or video.

Required Skill/Ability 1:

Experience developing, disseminating, and maintaining web content.  Proficiency with web content management systems and HTML editing tools, social media platforms, survey building tools, and Microsoft Office Suite. Familiarity with desktop publishing and layout programs such as Adobe's Creative Suite and ability to identify and learn new technology.

Required Skill/Ability 2:

Experience writing for publications in medicine/health care.  Outstanding interviewing, editing, and writing skills and ability to develop interesting content suitable for web and non-web based distribution. Please Note: Three writing samples should be submitted.

Required Skill/Ability 3:

Experience with Social Media platforms.  Ability to develop relationships with faculty and other stakeholders of the department in order to develop content for distribution

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:

Experience writing for publications in medicine/health care; Experience with social media in a Medical/Academic setting with multiple stakeholders; At least 2 year's experience in a prior communications related job.

Drug Screen: No
Health Screening: No

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. Please visit www.yale.edu/hronline/careers/screening/faqs.html for additional information on the background check requirements and process.

Posting Disclaimer

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.

Affirmative Action Statement:

Yale University considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of, an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status as a veteran, or national or ethnic origin; nor does Yale discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects people from sex discrimination in educational programs and activities at institutions that receive federal financial assistance. Questions regarding Title IX may be referred to the University’s Title IX Coordinator, at TitleIX@yale.edu, or to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 8th Floor, Five Post Office Square, Boston MA 02109-3921. Telephone: 617.289.0111, Fax: 617.289.0150, TDD: 800.877.8339, or Email: ocr.boston@ed.gov.