The UCSF California Preterm Birth Initiative lives at the intersection of research, community partnerships and education to create positive change for black and brown families. The Initiative conducts and funds transdisciplinary research across the reproductive life course to probe risk and resilience factors and to identify promising interventions that can turn the curve on the preterm birth epidemic.
We are currently seeking a number of roles, including a Communications Director. This role will oversee earned media, health education campaigns, and the Initiative’s messaging and digital channels. The right person for the role has a strong lens for racial and reproductive justice and demonstrated leadership in communications.
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More About the Position
The Director of Communications (DOC) for PreTerm Birth Initiative (PTBi)-CA leads the strategy development of external and internal messaging, visuals, and campaigns to the following targeted PTBi audiences – community stakeholders, women with lived experience, donors, clinicians and other transdisciplinary researchers – for this high-profile initiative. The DOC position requires extensive experience in all aspects of communications, this includes: strong writing and organizational skills to represent the public face of the PTBi California and connect effectively with a diverse set of local and national audiences and partners. The DOC partners with the UCSF Office of Strategic Communications and University Relations, which leads all media relations, digital communications for UCSF.edu and UCSF social media, branding, as well as community and government relations.
The DOC is responsible for developing and managing all aspects of communications for activities associated with marketing, outreach, and internal and external communications for PTBi-CA. This includes identifying and establishing PTBi-CA’s unique voice and public identity, and directing a team of individuals to develop website content, publications, electronic communications, newsletters, digital storytelling efforts, and marketing materials. The DOC will be required to interact with diverse stakeholders (e.g. technical experts, academic researchers, students, community leaders and members, policymakers and members of the media). The DOC should have (or develop) a contextual understanding of maternal and neonatal health issues, particularly in domestic settings with knowledge/expertise in the field of prematurity/preterm-birth. The DOC will work collaboratively with the larger full PTBi-CA team to achieve the California communications strategy and objectives.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in related area (journalism, communications or related field) and / or equivalent experience / training
• 6-9 years of relevant experience in Communication, especially with large-scale initiatives
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of all aspects of communications, including strategic planning for various media venues, technical aspects and requirements of various venues, and most appropriate and effective applications
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of technical applications to direct professional technical staff, or personally perform technical work, including design concepts, various media, and applications
• Advanced skills to create, develop, and implement long and short term strategic communication plans
• Advanced skills to advise and consult management on all aspects of communications, ranging from developing effective communication strategies to appropriately responding to inquiries regarding sensitive or complex issues or information
• Thorough knowledge of location protocols and channels for communication internally and externally
• Strong knowledge of current affairs and issues in higher education and / or health sciences
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening and political acumen skills
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, project management, and problem recognition, avoidance, and resolution skills
Preferred Qualifications
• Post-graduate Certification in Publishing or Master’s Degree in public or global health or other relevant field
• Advanced knowledge of the organization, including its mission, vision, goals, policies, and infrastructure
