Coordinator II (Health Communication Specialist)

20-Sep-2024

Coordinator II (Health Communication Specialist)

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

66818BR

Job Summary

The Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, is seeking a candidate for a full time Health Communication Specialist to work on the Apple Women’s Health Study (AWHS) and topically related content. In the first study of its kind, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has teamed up with Apple and the National Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS) to gain a deeper understanding of how certain demographic and lifestyle factors could have an impact on menstrual cycles and gynecologic conditions including infertility, menopause and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study will help inform the development of innovative products for menstrual cycles, risk assessment, and screening of gynecologic conditions. For more information, please visit the Apple Women’s Health Study website: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/applewomenshealthstudy/  
 
The candidate will lead health communications as part of a multi-institutional inter-disciplinary team and will develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for growing the presence of the AWHS among potential participants, existing participants, scientific and academic communities, and other stakeholders. This position requires a skilled communicator with a strategic mindset, capable of crafting compelling messages and utilizing various communication channels to achieve organizational objectives and goals. The candidate must have keen understanding of health communications strategies, have experience as a scientific writer, a flair for creative content development, and the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
 

Position Description

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Oversight of all general study communications and dissemination of data:
• Collaborate with leadership to identify key messaging priorities and target audiences
• Ensure all communication materials adhere to brand guidelines
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, public relations, and other departments, to ensure consistent messaging
• Collaborate with multiple stakeholders to manage and execute communications projects
• Initiate and cultivate relationships with additional stakeholders
• Develop and disseminate research spotlights to showcase significant findings
• Support AWHS staff in the development of presentation materials for both internal and external purposes

Study Updates/Informational Content and Data Visualizations:

• Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies in alignment with study objectives
• Develop a scientific newsletter, selecting relevant content, maintaining messaging consistency, and ensuring targeted distribution
• Prepare and review communication materials, including press releases, website copy, and social media content
• Draft research poster presentations
• Oversee the creation of materials such as infographics, social media graphics, videos, and presentations

 
Social media content oversight:

• Oversee the development of engaging and informative AWHS communication platforms that strategically disseminate educational and general information about the study, its purpose and current activities
• Monitor media coverage and analyze data to measure the success of communications initiatives
• Craft compelling and consistent content for various tactics, including press releases, articles, blog posts, and social media updates

 
Press release/media coverage for publications and events:

•  Provide timely and professional responses to public inquiries 
• Manage all incoming media requests 
• Evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and suggest improvements accordingly
• Collaborate with researchers, subject matter experts, and partners to translate complex scientific concepts into plain language for diverse audiences, including researchers and the general public

 
The Health Communication Specialist will take leadership of these task in the context of a larger team with other staff i.e. research assistants contributing to the work, and also perform other duties as assigned.

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term appointment of 1 year from the date of hire with the possibility for extension.  

PLEASE NOTE: Short-listed candidates will be required to submit a writing sample as part of the selection process. Further details will be discussed during the interviewing process.

Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years of related experience required; a combination of education and experience may be considered
• Proficiency in current and emerging social media channels

Additional Qualifications and Skills

The following job-specific skills and competencies are preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, Health Communications, Health Education, Public Health, Public Relations, Marketing, English, or related field
• Master's degree in communications, Health Communications, Health Education, Public Health, Public Relations, Marketing, English, or related field
• 2 years of relevant experience supporting scientific communications and social media content development for an national or international organization or brand, particularly related to health and science communications.
• Experience leading a team
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills and ability to maintain calm and focus in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to create a welcoming work environment
• Proficiency in current and emerging social media channels
• Comfortable working under pressure and strict deadlines
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and planning skills, able to work on multiple projects at the same time with competing priorities
• Experience simplifying complex scientific language for a general audience
• Ability to develop innovative ways to present information and engage diverse sets of audiences
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with non-technical and technical staff
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
   

The following cultural competencies are also preferred:

• Awareness of and aptitude to appropriately and effectively understand, respect, and adapt to cultural and identity-based difference within group environments
• Knowledge of and commitment to concepts and issues tied to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Skills related to creating and supporting an environment that allows for inclusion, effective intercultural engagement, and personal humility and authenticity

Additional Information

Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!

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• The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.
• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.
• This position has a 90 day orientation and review period. The O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers. 

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The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

General Administration

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Boston

Job Code

403040 Coordinator II

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

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Salary Grade

055

Department

Environmental Health- Environmental & Occupational Medicine & Epidemiology Program

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

At the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, we believe that diversity is integral to the Harvard experience and our mission of improving public health education, research and policy. Diversity of cultural backgrounds, identities, lived experiences, perspectives, and ways of understanding the world enriches our community and enables us to best meet the public health needs of the United States and the world. Ongoing learning and development related to diversity allows for both individual and institutional growth, and is necessary to foster and sustain a culture of inclusion. To achieve this, we are committed to ensuring equitable access to opportunities for learning, living, and working at the Harvard Chan School. We maintain an unwavering dedication to diversity, inclusion, and belonging as core to our institutional values and to actively counter, minimize, and address racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, gender bias, and all forms of discrimination.

Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values, our Principles of Citizenship, and our diversity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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