Public Relations Specialist (Research and Science)

Summary:

The public relations specialist for biomedical research and science supports managing the reputation of and elevating national awareness for Virginia Commonwealth University and its affiliated health system. The position is located on Richmond’s MCV Campus and specifically works with VCU’s four health sciences schools and one college (School of Medicine, School of Dentistry, School of Nursing, School of Pharmacy and College of Health Professions).

VCU University Relations and VCU School of Medicine are co-funding this position. While the public relations specialist will officially be a member of University Relations’ Public Affairs department, they will regularly support the medical school with science content writing needs and matrix to the SOM Communications and Web Services team.
With an emphasis on biomedical research and science topics, the public relations specialist leads external communications about research conducted by VCU faculty, students and VCU Health providers to raise the institution’s national reputation as a place where important research is taking place. This position also supports VCU Health’s academic medical center by telling stories that promote VCU as a top public research institution that offers ongoing clinical trials and research as part of its exceptional health care offerings.

Identifying, writing and pitching stories to traditional, digital and trade media outlets are key functions of this role.
The specialist identifies and tells stories of strategic relevance to the VCU enterprise on owned channels and through media outreach and develops strategic communications plans. The position also contributes to VCU School of Medicine’s strategic communications about research and discovery.

The public relations specialist establishes and maintains communication partnerships with senior leadership, researchers and the communication directors at each health sciences school or college and VCU’s Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation. As their main point of contact to the university’s central public affairs department, the role provides strategic communications counsel and identifies research news most likely to advance the institution’s national visibility for its research excellence.

As VCU’s integrated communications and marketing office, the Division of University Relations is energized by diversity and inclusion and thrives on collaboration and innovation. We reflect the culture of the university and health system community in our work. We leverage the power of our institutional knowledge to deliver results, foster an equitable and supportive work environment to empower our talent and work hard to tell impactful stories about VCU and VCU Health.

Public Relations Specialist (Research and Science) responsibilities:

· Writes stories for VCU and VCU Health news centers about research and science activities

· Leads media outreach to local, regional and national target outlets; responds to media inquiries and reporter inquiries

· Elevates the profile of basic health science successes by writing about research and discovery for VCU School of Medicine

· Curates and maintains targeted media lists for news releases, pitches and media advisories

· Proactively monitors news to identify media coverage opportunities

· Collaborates with video production, photography, design and social media teams to produce integrated content packages for earned and owned channels

· Cultivates mutually beneficial relationships with key stakeholders, members of the media, researchers, VCU’s schools and colleges, campus partners, clinicians and administration

· Translates complex research and science topics into easily accessible public relations materials, stories and media pitches that engage and excite audiences

· Provides public relations guidance, strategic communications recommendations and topical instruction to a variety of audiences, including researchers

· Analyzes the impact of our public relations strategy and makes adjustments where necessary

Minimum hiring standards

· Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field required or equivalent knowledge and experience

· Minimum of 5 years’ experience in journalism or public relations

· Track record in fostering a diverse and inclusive environment through communications/marketing work, operations and interpersonal relationships

· Understanding of scientific principles and an ability to translate complex scientific concepts to a public audience in creative and compelling lay language

· Proven media relations experience with an ability to promote academic health sciences and medical news to local, regional and national journalists

· Strong writing and editing skills for print, online and broadcast purposes

· Excellent persuasive writing, editing and verbal communications skills

· Must be a strategic thinker with experience building and leveraging relationships

· Ability to build strong collaborative relationships with a diverse range of partners

· Excellent communication skills and the proven ability to influence at multiple levels of the organization

· Proven ability to think ahead, problem-solve, engage proactively and take initiative

· Strong process-minded planner who can determine deadlines, logistics and operational plans for complex communication campaigns

· Strong analytical skill set, capable of analyzing and reacting to results-oriented data

· Excellent persuasive writing, editing and verbal communications skills, including presentation skills

Preferred hiring standards

· Master’s degree or graduate certificate in science writing, science communication or strategic communications preferred

· Work experience promoting research and science news

· Understanding of clinical trial processes

· Familiarity with academic journals and pitching science writers

· Good understanding of brand journalism and media relations in the digital age

· Experience collaborating with social media, video, digital and marketing teams to develop compelling content and cross-channel content marketing campaigns

Salary Range: $65,000-$75,000

Sr Communications Specialist 1-3

Position Details:

Department: University Relations
Employment Type: Full time
Exemption Status: Exempt