Within this portal you'll find hundreds of career opportunities. We offer free access to all job seekers in the journalism community, member and non-members, including confidential resume posting, career-related content and multiple ways to search for jobs.
Senior News Director, Public Health - University Marketing & Communications
Washington University in St. Louis
Application
Details
Posted: 15-Dec-23
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Type: Full-time
Salary: Open
Internal Number: JR79129
Scheduled Hours
37.5
Position Summary
Working in close partnership with the Office of the Provost in support of Here and Next, Washington Universityâ™s ten year strategic plan, develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies to promote WashUâ™s reputation as a national leader in public health. Identify storylines and develop content in support of public health research and scholarship within WashU schools, centers, institutes and programs, including the new School of Public Health, to be launched in 2025. Raise awareness of public health at WashU through public relations storytelling, media outreach and other targeted communications strategies, including launching a new Public Health at WashU newsletter with a corresponding distribution and measurement plan.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Working in close partnership with the Office of the Provost and other campus units in support of the public health initiative within the Here and Next strategic plan, develops and oversees the implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy to build WashUâ™s reputation as a leader in the public health sphere. Executes communications strategies to raise awareness of WashU public health research, scholarship and expertise. These include development of a targeted newsletter, digital storytelling platform and media relations and social media campaigns, in collaboration with University Marketing & Communications teams.
Proactively pitch and place stories through strategic, targeted outreach to international, national, regional, trade and local media. Identifies stories and other opportunities to promote messaging in support of public health at WashU; writes and produces text, multimedia and other content in support of strategic messaging points in these areas. Utilizes university channels (Source/Newsroom, Record, social media, newsletters) to share content with campus and community audiences.
Identifies and positions thought leaders in public health to serve as media experts; writes content and produces supporting materials for use in pitches; pitches and places experts. Provides leadership, guidance and support for op-ed and other contributed content placements.
Provides strategic communications counsel to faculty, administrators and staff, and identifies and facilitates opportunities for collaboration within University Marketing & Communications.
Monitors and reports media placements and performance across all channels; contributes to overall monitoring, reporting and measurement strategy.
Performs other duties in support of PR/media relations functions.
Preferred Qualifications
Strong track record of success in developing strategic communications plans, pitching and placing stories in national and industry-specific publications.
Experience with/conversant in medical and/or science-related terminology.
Experience working in higher education public relations or strategic communications.
Academic/professional background or experience in public health-related field.
Graduate degree in journalism, communications or related field.
Strong communicator, skilled in building relationships.
Excellent oral, written and listening communication skills.
Enthusiastic learner interested in participating in vibrant academic community.
Strong time-management and organization skills.
Ability to handle multiple projects in a deadline-driven, highly detail-oriented environment.
Knowledge of news media and skill set to interact effectively and create relationships with media representatives.
Highly motivated, independent self-starter who is also a strong team player.
Required Qualifications
Bachelorâ™s degree in journalism, communications or related field.
Five years of experience in public relations, media relations and/or strategic communications.
Grade
G12
Salary Range
$57,300.00 - $97,700.00 / AnnuallyThe salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.
Benefits Statement
Personal
Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.
WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
Wellness
Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
Family
We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? Weâ™ve got you covered.
WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the Universityâ™s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.
Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment â“ fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.
Washington University in St. Louis, a medium-sized, independent university, is dedicated to challenging its faculty and students alike to seek new knowledge and greater understanding of an ever-changing, multicultural world. The University offers more than 90 programs and almost 1,500 courses leading to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in a broad spectrum of traditional and interdisciplinary fields, with additional opportunities for minor concentrations and individualized programs. The faculty is composed of scholars, scientists, artists and members of the learned professions. They serve society by teaching; by adding to the store of human art, creativity, understanding, and wisdom; and by providing direct services, such as health care.
ONA's programs are supported by an array of premiere foundations and leaders in journalism and technology. Explore the database and you'll discover new tools, educational opportunities, potential partners and more.