Research Communications Assistant Director at University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Research Communications Assistant Director

SVC Research - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (26001002)

Located within the Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Research (OSVCR), the Research Communications Assistant Director will serve as a critical member of a team tasked with raising the visibility of Pitt research enterprise and promoting research accomplishments. The Research Communications Assistant Director is expected to collaborate with research and communications leadership on strategic initiatives, oversee and participate in communications and marketing projects, and assist the senior director with high-priority and high-visibility projects.

Responsibilities:

- Oversee the production of Pitt Research annual report and internal and external newsletters, including collaboratively conceptualizing stories; writing and/or editing content according to University style guidelines and the highest standards of writing; fact checking content; obtaining high-quality artwork to accompany stories; building out newsletter in email marketing system; managing distribution lists; and managing and reporting newsletter analytics.

- Oversee Pitt Research website (internal and external) and social media presence. Develop and/or oversee content and adjust as needed based on analytics, accessibility, and department.

- Oversee and manage development of departmental branding and digital assets, including obtaining and organizing photography, videos, logos, PowerPoint slide decks, and more.

- Assist senior director with executive communications, media relations, government relations, and event promotion as needed.

Requirements:

Five years of experience working in a communications function in a research institution, biotech sector, healthcare, or higher education is required. Experience working with senior leadership in a large, matrixed organization is preferred. Demonstrated expertise in writing and editing, project management skills, and technical proficiency are required, and work samples will be requested. Bachelor’s degree in a communications, marketing, or science-related field is required.

The Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Research (Pitt Research) provides strategic vision, leadership, and partnership expertise that helps University of Pittsburgh faculty and students advance their world-class research, scholarship, and innovation. Pitt Research couples the research efforts of faculty and students to funding agencies, corporate sponsors, other institutions, and government entities, and assures integrity, compliance, and excellence. For more information on Pitt Research, visit https://www.research.pitt.edu/ and watch the video “Driven by the Search” at https://pittresearchannualreport.com/.

The University offers comprehensive benefits to eligible employees. This includes health plans, retirement savings plans, 11 paid holidays, paid Winter Recess (Christmas Eve - New Year’s Day), vacation, sick, and personal days. Additionally, education benefits are available to eligible employees, their dependents and spouse/domestic partner.

Job Summary

Facilitates and oversees communications and marketing activities in conjunction with the development and delivery of professional communications to foster positive engagement for the University. Provides communication strategies to departments; provides strategic communications counsel to executive leadership. Writes high-profile collateral. Ensures consistent messaging and maintains University brand and style.

Essential Functions

Strong written and verbal communication skills, and excellent interpersonal skills are required. Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task are essential to this role.

Physical Effort

Position is mostly sedentary, but may require travel on campus to attend meetings or events.

Assignment Category: Full-time regular

Job Classification: Staff.Communications Assistant Director

Job Family: Communications & Marketing

Job Sub Family: Communications

Campus: Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required: Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years of Experience Required: 5

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience: No

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid: Combination of On-Campus and Remote work as determined by the department.

Hiring Range: TBD Based Upon Qualifications

Relocation_Offered: No

Visa Sponsorship Provided: No

Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable

Required Documents: Resume, Cover Letter

Optional Documents: Not Applicable