Communications Manager

Supervises a team of professional science writers and media relations experts and helps set annual communications plan for basic and translational research. Identifies stories and produces written materials for JHM electronic, print, web, video and media outlets. Stories include but are not limited to research news and translating complex biomedical research into language clear and comprehensible to readers unfamiliar with the subject matter; feature stories about institutional initiatives and programs; and faculty profiles. Develop and maintain relationships with faculty, staff and members of the local and national media to provide media relations services to advance public awareness of Johns Hopkins Medicine’s mission and achievements. Assists in planning, developing collateral material for and implementing media relations events including but not limited to press conferences, symposia and town halls. Manages team work flow.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identifies stories and produces written materials for JHM electronic, print, web video, and media outlets, stories include but are not limited to research news and translating complex biomedical research into language clear and comprehensible to readers unfamiliar with the subject matter. Feature stories about institutional initiatives and programs; and faculty profiles.
• Develop and maintain relationships with faculty, staff, and members of the local and national media to provide media relations services to advance public awareness of Johns Hopkins Medicine’s mission.
• Assist in planning, developing collateral material for, and implementing media relations events including but not limited to press conferences, symposia and town halls.
• Supervise basic science media team
• Other Duties as Assigned
• Support other assigned projects as needed for Department of Marketing & Communications.
  
  Qualifications
  
  
  • Bachelor's degree in related field.
  • Five years related experience.
  • Advanced degree may substitute for experience to the extent permitted by the JHU formula equivalency.
    JHU Equivalency Formula : 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience.
    
    
    Preferred Qualifications
    
    
    • Advanced degree in related field preferred.
    • A minimum of five - plus years of experience in biomedical writing, journalism, media relations, or public affairs, preferably for a university.
    • Will accept a Master’s with three years of experience or Ph.D. in a relevant biomedical field with one year of experience.
    • Demonstrated experience in high-quality writing and editing, working successfully on deadline and designing and implementing communications plans and strategies.
    • Demonstrated experience in supervising and implementing effective and external and internal communications plans and strategies and in editing/writing high-quality publications.
    • Experience in working with national and regional news media.
    • Knowledge of academic medical center culture and organization.
    • Depending on area of focus, demonstrated experience with scientific and technical writing may be necessary. Effective use of communication tools, including print, Web, media relations, electronic media and other e-communication tools.
    • AP Style and ability to apply institutional style standards consistently.
    • Familiarity and comfort with biomedical terminology.
    • Familiarity with media tracking services and databases.
    • Proven skills in complex narrative writing, including the ability to translate medical, technical, and scientific or statistical information for lay and other audiences.
    • Strong communication skills and proven ability to precisely and objectively communicate information and give and receive clear messages.
    • Ability to work comfortably in a fast-paced environment and effectively prioritizing and managing multiple projects at once, while setting and meeting demanding deadlines.
    • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
    • Sound judgment and discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
    • Demonstrated excellence in narrative writing and editing.
    • Ability to work effectively and independently with highest levels of faculty.
      
      NOTE: The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check.
      
      If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the School of Medicine HR Divisional Office at 410-955-2990. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711.
      
      During the Influenza ("the flu") season, as a condition of employment, The Johns Hopkins Institutions require all employees who provide ongoing services to patients or work in patient care or clinical care areas to have an annual influenza vaccination or possess an approved medical or religious exception. Failure to meet this requirement may result in termination of employment.
      
      The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.
      
      Note: Job postings are updated daily and remain online until filled. See more in our FAQ .
      
      EEO Is The Law
      Applicants to and employees of Johns Hopkins are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Learn more