Sr. Communications Specialist – International Arts + Mind Lab, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Pedersen Brain Science Institute
Title: Sr. Communications Specialist
Classification: Contractor, Part-Time
Schedule: 20-24 Hours/Week
Location: Baltimore, MD (hybrid, with possibility of fully remote for qualified candidates)
General Nature or Purpose of Job
The International Arts + Mind Lab (IAM Lab) is a multidisciplinary research-to-practice initiative from the Pedersen Brain Science Institute at Johns Hopkins University accelerating the field of neuroaesthetics. Our mission is to enhance human potential in health, wellbeing, and learning through the arts. IAM Lab brings together brain scientists and practitioners in architecture, music, and the arts to collaborate in multidisciplinary research, foster dialogue, and spur continued innovation by sharing these findings with a broader community.
IAM Lab is seeking a Senior Communications Specialist to manage its content development and operations as well as media relations.
Tasks, Duties and Scope of Work
Blog & Editorial
– Develop editorial calendar for Lab communications
– Assign, edit, program and schedule blog posts
– Promote blog posts through website, social and email channels as well as targeted outreach to stakeholders
– Manage freelance and guest contributor workflow, contracts and invoicing
– Author guest posts for allied publications and outlets as needed
– Develop editorial plan for email programming including newsletters, lab announcements and advisory board updates
– Draft copy and assemble and format graphics for email sends
– Populate email templates, test email sends and QA in seed accounts
– Monitor and analyze key email engagement metrics
– Build and maintain email subscriber lists and preference centers
Social Media
– Write copy and develop graphics for social posts promoting IAM Lab or partner content
– Schedule and publish posts in a timely manner to drive optimal engagement
– Curate and share relevant content from the field of neuroaesthetics
– Engage with neuroaesthetics community members on their posts
– Field inbound inquiries via social direct messaging channels
Website
– Maintain and update IAM Lab website, updating existing pages and navigation and creating new sections as needed
Branding, Graphic Identity & Collateral
– Produce organization publications such as progress reports and other Lab collateral
– Produce marketing collateral for IAM Lab hosted events
– Produce presentations for internal and external talks by IAM Lab staff
– Maintain IAM Lab style guide and standards
PR & Media Relations
– Vet inbound media inquiries
– Develop talking points for interviews
– Write press releases/announcements and op-eds
– Coordinate with Hopkins internal communications staff for amplification across Hopkins channels
– Pitch Lab experts for articles and podcasts
– Develop media-specific database for the field of neuroaesthetics
– Ongoing profile development and maintenance for the Executive Director
Minimum Qualifications
– Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, marketing, mass communication, science communication, or other relevant discipline
– Minimum of five (5) years work experience in journalism, communications, public affairs or media relations
– Demonstrated experience in high quality writing and editing, including the ability to translate medical, technical, scientific or statistical information for lay and other audiences
– Strategic thinker with demonstrated experience developing and implementing communications plans and strategies for diverse audiences across multiple communications channels
– Demonstrated ability to grow audiences and media presence, including a test-and-learn orientation to discern necessary changes or new strategies
– Strong project management working successfully on deadline in partnership with writers, designers and web developers
Special Skills/Knowledge
– Developmental, line and copy editing experience; exceptional attention to detail, punctuation, grammar; knowledge of AP and APA style guides
– Familiarity with latest social media and SEO best practices
– Familiarity with WordPress platform or similar content management system
– Knowledge of Mailchimp platform or similar email service provider
– Familiarity and compliance with CAN-SPAM, GRDP
– Experience with graphics development via Canva, Adobe InDesign or Photoshop
– Training and background in science communication or health or life sciences journalism
Application Process
Interested parties should forward their resume/CV and up to three (3) relevant writing samples to [email protected]. Please list ‘Sr. Communications Specialist Role’ in the subject line.