Writer, Health Sciences Research Communications

Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our academic community.

The Health Sciences Research Communications Writer (HSRCW) in the Woodruff Health Sciences Center (WHSC) serves as a communications strategist and refines best practices for telling health-related science and research stories at Emory, for the WHSC and related entities. The role of this position is to increase awareness of the WHSC, for purposes of advancing health sciences research, news and the latest developments. The HSRCW works proactively and reactively to maintain and promote Emory and the WHSC brand. As a member of the WHSC communications team, this person is expected to embody the values and mission of the department, the Woodruff Health Sciences Center and Emory University, including our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

 

Job Description: 

• As a writer, cultivates a culture of best practices for telling the story of health sciences research taking place at Emory and its benefit to society.
• Position strives to maintain Emory at the forefront of emerging media trends by helping scientists develop an engaging voice to explain the importance of their own research, as well as to enhance the collaborative research brand of the university.
• Coaches, trains, and guides efforts of the researchers to tell their stories across print, video, and multi-media platforms, in ways that transcend science and research disciplines to engage major mainstream media, social media and the general public.
• Identifies and utilizes appropriate means of promotion such as web content, publications, video, media relations, community events, social media and other digital platforms.
• Coordinates public relations activities with appropriate individuals throughout the University, WHSC, Emory Healthcare and partner organizations.
• Prepares a variety of communications materials for publication including news releases, feature stories, background sheets, and editorials; coordinates their dissemination. Position assists in strategic public relations, recruitment, and development programming for clients, especially in the areas of video and other electronic media production. Researches, writes, and edits articles for publication as well as translates complex scientific manuscripts into plain-language materials for the general public.
• Develops new multimedia strategies, such as a regular research newsletter or blog. Produces news releases, videos, and articles focused on discovery, and curates media that sparks interest in the work of research and enhances Emory health sciences research and WHSC brand.
• Supports the efforts of health sciences media relations, Emory Health Digest, Emory Report, the Emory News Center, and Emory Healthcare’s Advancing Your Health blog to produce content and strengthen the Emory health sciences research brand across campus and around the world.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree and three years of professional writing experience in regional or national news media, higher education, public health or a related environment.
• Outstanding skills in writing, editing, interviewing, and oral presentation.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• The Writer, Health Sciences Research Communications, is an accomplished communications professional who develops written materials and stories with a deep understanding of large complex academic organizations.
• The individual will be an accomplished writer with a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Demonstrated experience as an effective communicator and writer and editor.
• Demonstrated media relations skills working with various media to pitch and cultivate stories.
• Ability to translate complex scientific manuscripts into plain-language materials for the general public. Demonstrated creative communications and business skills.
• Ability to conceptualize and articulate strategic communications plans with an understanding of the diversity of the internal and external audience.

NOTE: This role will be granted the opportunity to work from home regularly but must be able to commute to Emory University on a flexible weekly schedule based upon business needs.  Schedule is based on agreed upon guidelines of department of work.  Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

To ensure the safety of our campus community, the COVID-19 vaccine is required. For more information on the University and Hospital policies and potential exemptions, please see our website.
Emory University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran’s status. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment on the basis of any factor stated above or prohibited under applicable law. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in University programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Executive Order 11246, as amended, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran’s Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. Emory University is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through application of its affirmative action, equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policy in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Inclusion, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322.
Emory University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at 404-727-9877 (V) 404-712-2049 (TDD). Please note that one week advance notice is preferred.

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