The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute – within the Johns Hopkins University Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Bloomberg School of Public Health – is the hub for a community of multidisciplinary researchers dedicated to treat, control and eradicate this deadly disease. The Institute comprises 16 full-time faculty that pursue biomedical research on different aspects of malaria, and three administrative support staff. The JHMRI is directed by Jane Carlton and a team of four deputy directors, and the JHMRI's activities are reviewed annually by a Scientific Advisory Board comprised of world-class scientists. JHMRI runs three annual symposia widely recognized as premier events that inform and inspire the malaria research community.

We are seeking a Communications Associate who will focuses on leading the strategic communications for the Institute. The position reports to and takes directions from the Institute’s Director. The Communications Associate will set and guide the strategy for all communications, the JHMRI website, the monthly Malaria Minute podcast, and public relations messages to consistently articulate the Institute’s priorities and progress to media, key stakeholders, and the interested public. S/He will lead the strategy for brand management, online and direct marketing, media relations and community engagement and will work closely with a senior peer group in the Institute as the communications partner on a variety of strategic initiatives. The Communications Associate will work closely with donors and external media firms in developing the Institute’s message and disseminating it and work closely with the school’s central communications and marketing teams to facilitate JHMRI adherence to JHSPH and JHU Communications and Public Relations Policy. The Communications Associate will also provide regular reports and updates to donors as needed.

Major Responsibilities and Outcomes

• Translate the research-based work of the institute for distribution across channels including but not limited to press releases, articles, events, social media, podcasts, print materials, websites and other appropriate communications outlets. Responsible for promoting the Institute’s work and conferences across all communication venues.
• Implement the media and public relations strategies developed to promote the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute across media channels. Shapes and advances the Institutes’ communications strategy, message and brand across national and international communications.
• Implement and continue to develop the stakeholder communications strategy to share the Institute’s work with key stakeholders including but not limited to funders, school leadership, industry partners and policymakers.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Strategy

• Plan, design, implement and manage communications and public affairs activities with the goal of elevating visibility and building positive awareness of the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute research, practice and educational activities.
• Manage and further develop the communications and public affairs strategic plan for JHMRI.
• Provide consultation and recommendations related to the development of communication media for major publications, significant initiatives and programs.
• Lead a comprehensive social media strategy for the Institute in close collaboration with the social media team within the School.
• Develop benchmark criteria to track and evaluate the effectiveness of the communications strategies on a regular basis for reporting.

Content Development

• Create content to promote the Institute's research, practice and educational initiatives across a wide variety of platforms including local, regional, national and international print and electronic media outlets, and social media.
• Proactively work with faculty, students and staff on updating, writing and designing content for the web and social media including text, audio and video.
• Write and produce a wide variety of communications content, including marketing and promotion materials and publications in coordination with School and University branding and style guidelines.
• Develop Institute’s web content and maintain Institute web site.
• Promote the Institute's faculty, programs and students through a variety of approaches via both web and print and internal and external communications.
• Work closely with the JHMRI faculty and leadership to write press releases and other news content to disseminate important findings from research studies conducted within the Institute.

Outreach

• Conduct outreach, fostering and maintaining relationships with local, regional, national and international media outlets in collaboration with the School’s Director of Media and Public Relations.
• Engage with key media outlets, both proactively and reactively.
• Manage communications for events, including three annual meetings.
• Work with coordinators in the department on event communications to leverage outreach
• Identify strategic communication opportunities with internal and external partners.

Additional

• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned
• Opportunities for participating in educational initiatives are possible, depending on the successful applicant’s experience and interest.

• Bachelor's Degree in related field.
• Four years related experience.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

• Bachelor's Degree in communications, public affairs, journalism or other related fields.
• Ideally, the candidate will have four-to-eight years related work experience.
• A strong understanding of development and maintenance of best practices in web and social media standards is required.
• Excellent written, verbal, web-based and social media skills.
• Proven experience in professional communications position.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to translate complex research or scientific data into materials for lay audiences.
• Knowledge of and experience with web- based content management systems.
• Writing samples are requested as part of the application process and a writing test will be included in the interview process.

Classified Title: Communications Associate 
Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PD  
Starting Salary Range: $62,900 - $110,100 Annually ($90,000 targeted; Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm 
Exempt Status: Exempt 
Location: Hybrid/School of Public Health 
Department name: ​​​​​​​W Harry Feinstone Dpt Molec Mblgy Imlgy  
Personnel area: School of Public Health