Communications Manager

Job Description: The Information Futures Lab (IFL) is looking for a passionate, versatile storyteller and communications professional who is invigorated by and eager to respond to the challenges and opportunities brought about by historic changes in information dissemination. The Communications Manager is the IFL’s lead staffer charged with engaging diverse audiences in the work of the Lab, its people, and its vision using the full range of communications tools and across platforms. The ideal candidate will bring strategic vision, an innovative mindset, a passion for Public Health, and significant experience implementing modern marketing, communications and engagement best practices. At the IFL, students and researchers work alongside community organizations, journalists, civic society leaders, and other sources of trusted information to envision a better future for our information spaces. Rapid changes in media technology, content creation, and information consumption have democratized information and empowered new voices. They have also led to a chaotic information environment where outdated communications practices, information deficits, and other challenges are making it harder for many to access quality content and to discern trustworthy information on questions that impact our health. The Lab improves local information ecosystems and supports people in effectively accessing, creating, and making sense of information that is crucial to their wellbeing. Due to the innovative nature of the Lab, the role of the Communications Manager includes traditional communications responsibilities as well as room to co-create and test novel ways to overcome information inequities and support people in making sense of information crucial to their wellbeing. The Communications Manager oversees and implements the IFL’s communication strategy to support the Lab’s mission, including a dynamic web presence, active social media, relationships with media outlets, impactful public and professional events, and communication and engagement among research partners, the School of Public Health, Brown University, community partners and other constituencies. The Communications Manager provides a high level of support to the leadership team at the Lab, specifically in the areas of knowledge translation, written and visual content development and rapid information sharing. The Communications Manager is editorially minded, driving innovation across all communication and engagement tools, including managing the IFL’s website, building a social media voice and expanding the IFL’s social media presence, translating the Lab’s activities into content shared broadly, creatively and in many formats, and engaging diverse audiences on- and offline. The Communications Manager also has opportunities to collaborate on programmatic work related to health information challenges and health communications best practices and efficacy. Job Qualifications Education and Experience BA in communications, public relations, journalism or related field with 7-10 years of professional experience Experience with research translation and audience engagement strongly preferred Job Competencies Indicate the essential job competencies. Competencies are required knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the job successfully. Demonstrated ability to quickly produce and edit copy for a variety of platforms Demonstrated ability to translate research findings to content suitable for lay audiences across a variety of media and social media channels Demonstrated ability to meet tight deadlines with quality work Demonstrated ability to develop strong relationships and coordinate among various partners and constituencies, both internal and external, to establish and further collaborative initiatives Excellent written and verbal communication, time management, organizational and interpersonal skills are essential Experience developing and implementing integrated communications strategies that span multiple media and vehicles, including print, web, and social media Strong proficiency working with web content management systems and the full range of social media platforms and account management tools. Knowledge of copyright, image use protocols and laws governing online posting of intellectual property Demonstrated ability and flexibility to multi-task, prioritize, and manage diverse job responsibilities while meeting various deadlines required Must be a team player with the ability to work independently with a strong service-oriented attitude Demonstrated ability to support a community of diverse perspectives and cultures in an inclusive environment. Knowledge and/or interest in public health is a plus. Proficiency with Google Drive, MS Office, Google. Experience with Canva, Wordpress, Illustrator, and Mailchimp is a plus. Proficiency with social media platforms (X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.) Familiar with social media management tools such as Sprout, Hootsuite, etc. All offers of employment are contingent upon a criminal background check and education verification that are satisfactory to Brown University. Demonstrated ability to support a community of diverse perspectives and cultures in an inclusive environment. This is a fixed term position with a current end date of December 31, 2025 which may be extended based upon available funding. This is a hybrid position. This position may include after hours and weekends to manage events. Benefits of Working at Brown: Information on the Benefits of Working at Brown can be found here (https://www.brown.edu/a-z/benefits-working-brown) . Recruiting Start Date: 2024-08-15 Job Posting Title: Communications Manager Department: School of Public Health Grade: Grade 10 Worker Type: Employee Worker Sub-Type: Fixed Term (Fixed Term) Time Type: Full time Scheduled Weekly Hours: 37.5 Position Work Location: Hybrid Eligible Submission Guidelines: Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application. Still Have Questions? If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu. EEO Statement: Brown University is an E-Verify Employer. As an EEO/AA employer (https://go.brown.edu/equal-employment-opportunity) , Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, and caste, which is protected by our University policies.