Director of Communications

Profile

:  Samueli Institute in Virginia is seeking a full time Communications Director.  This individual will be responsible for managing, planning and implementing media and communication plans of the Samueli Institute; this also includes working with the advancement team on donor and public communication plans.  In collaboration with the senior leadership of the Institute, this position provides targeted, proactive positioning of the Institute as the leading authority on healing, complementary, and integrative medicine science. Duties include communications’ strategy development and execution, Web strategy and management, writing, media relations, public/member communications, government relations communications and research program communications planning and implementation.  This position will have frequent contact with employees at all levels of the organization, our research partners, and other key audiences.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
:  The Communications Director will serve as the key media contact for the Institute and develops a proactive media relations campaign for the Institute for each fiscal year.  He/she is charged with developing and implementing media plans and cultivating new opportunities and relationships.  Selected individual needs to take a proactive approach to building relationships with the media; directs crisis communications activities and responds to media inquiries; facilitate quotes and comments to the press, as needed. She/he will be responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive, proactive communications, marketing and branding strategy that is aligned with the Institute’s mission and strategic plan;  provides leadership and direction for all Institute communication and public relations activities.
The Director should creatively leverage Web-based, new technology and social media to reach target audiences and strengthen ongoing relationships, including developing strategic donor relations campaigns and programs that align with the Institute’s development plan to increase donations to the Institute.
The successful candidate is expected to manage the design, development, and periodic evaluation of promotional, informational, and educational publications and collateral materials.  In support of the Institute objectives, he or she will identify stakeholders, key messages, and opportunities for information dissemination and relationship management. Will work with all departments within the Institute to coordinate internal and external communication plans and strategies to ensure a consistent voice in all distributed materials.
Qualifications, knowledge and skill required:
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, mass or broadcast communications, English or related field required with 8-10 years of progressive experience; Advanced degree preferred
Experience in health care/science/research communications highly preferred
Knowledge of integrative medicine, complementary therapies or holistic approaches to health care delivery preferred
Demonstrated experience utilizing new media (social networking tools) for marketing or campaigning
Significant media relations experience required; nonprofit experience preferred
Knowledge of variety of mass, alternative media, media lists and wire services
Demonstrated success in communications, marketing or public affairs with a background in journalism, public relations or advertising
Superior written and oral communications skills required; strong experience with business and persuasive writing; must be able to communicate effectively with all levels of media contacts, community leaders, donors, and staff
Understanding of government communications strategies
Demonstrated managerial experience in leading a diverse team and mentoring/coaching staff
Highly motivated, with the ability to work independently.  Must exercise discretion, take initiative, demonstrate independent judgment, participate as an effective team member, and follow tasks through to completion
Strong ability to multi-task and work in a cross-functional organization with all levels of internal partners and diverse external constituencies
Must be internet savvy with strong computer skills

Company info

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