We are seeking a Communications Associate II to support strategic communications for the School of Medicine (SOM) research mission, with a focus on basic science, translational research, and clinical trials activity. The ideal candidate will maintain ongoing collaboration with SOM communications leadership, research leaders, and key stakeholders across the institution. This role will focus on translating complex scientific and research content into clear, compelling communications that support strategic priorities and help position the school’s research enterprise for internal audiences, leadership, and philanthropy-related storytelling.

The Communications Associate II will design and lead communication efforts for a designated division, department, or center and oversee communications and marketing strategies and tactics to support strategic goals. The Communications Associate II will develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy to support the designated area's strategic priorities.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as the internal communications lead for a division, department or center.
• Develop an internal communications plan for the designated area’s strategic plan including relevant reports, events, memos, and websites.
• Plan, create, oversee, and edit internal communications strategies to keep faculty, staff, and students informed about important initiatives, goals, and events.
• Ensure the efficiency and efficacy of communications between school leadership and faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders.
• Follow established university branding standards in all communications.
• Liaise with members of related communication teams.
• Write clear and effective content for audiences.
• Pivot writing styles based on the format, message, audience, and purpose.
• Lead the development of a cohesive internal communications strategy that builds community and positions the designated area as a vital part of the university.
• Develop and maintain an internal communications calendar, ensuring efficient coordination of communications activities
• Manage print and digital collateral.
• Curate content from websites, social media, and news media to amplify the strategic plan across multiple platforms.
• Advise and work with the communications team to write remarks and messages for leadership.
• Plan and create templates for internal crisis communications announcements, e.g. building closures and other emergencies.
• Edit content and manage editors for internal websites and SharePoint sites.
• Contract and manage external vendors as needed.
• Interact with communications experts across the university on various issues and best practices.
• Execute strategies for cross-divisional communications efforts with other communications offices.
• Ensure consistent use of university brand standards across all projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

In addition to the duties described above

• Develop and execute communications that support the SOM research mission, with a focus on basic science, translational research, and clinical trials activity.
• Translate complex scientific and research language into accessible content for internal and institutional audiences, including leadership messages, presentations, newsletters, briefing materials, and related communications.
• Build strong working relationships with research leaders, faculty, and dotted-line communicators across the School of Medicine.
• Identify and develop research stories that clearly communicate the value, progress, and impact of the School of Medicine research enterprise.
• Participate in research-related planning and communications meetings to anticipate needs, shape proactive messaging, and support timely communications tied to major initiatives and developments.
• Occasional evening or early morning availability to support leadership communications, research-related announcements, or other time-sensitive institutional needs.

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field.

• Five years of related experience.
• Demonstrated experience as an excellent writer and storyteller.
• Experience distilling complex and/or technical information into accessible language that clearly conveys impact to a targeted audience.

• Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

• Experience writing about science, medicine, academic research, or clinical trials.
• Experience working with faculty and researchers in a complex academic environment.

Technical Qualifications or Specialized Certifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft applications such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, and SharePoint.

Technical Skills & Expected Level of Proficiency

• Communications Planning - Intermediate
• Content Marketing - Advanced
• Crisis Communications - Intermediate
• Digital Communications - Advanced
• Editing - Advanced
• Event Planning - Advanced
• Media Monitoring and Analysis - Intermediate
• Project Management - Intermediate
• Vendor Relationship Management - Intermediate
• Writing - Advanced

The core technical skills listed are most essential; additional technical skills may be required based on specific division or department needs.

Classified Title: Communications Associate II
Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PE
Starting Salary Range: $73,300 - $128,300 Annually ($100.800 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5.00pm
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Hybrid/School of Medicine Campus
Department name: SOM Admin Exec Off Gen Administration
Personnel area: School of Medicine