Description
Research Ethics BC, part of Michael Smith Health Research BC, is a dynamic and growing non-profit organization that works closely with research ethics stakeholders primarily from across BC, but also interprovincially and internationally. Our aim is to make BC a more competitive and innovative health research environment by streamlining and improving research ethics reviews. More details about us at healthresearchbc.ca.
We are looking for a passionate storyteller who is intrigued and curious about health science, research, and the ethics behind the scenes. The Marketing & Communications Specialist will help build and implement marketing and communications strategies that engage and expand target audiences and demonstrate outcomes and impacts of our work. This is a full-time salaried term position until October 2023 with the possibility of becoming permanent.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Unit Director, Research Ethics BC, the Marketing & Communications Specialist will take the lead in planning, implementing, and evaluating creative communications and engagement strategies, including the development and distribution of related collateral and materials.
The Marketing & Communications Specialist works closely with the Michael Smith Health Research BC corporate communications team and also collaborates and interacts with communications colleagues from other operational units (Clinical Trials BC and BC SUPPORT Unit) and Research Ethics BC stakeholders (regional health authorities, academic universities and colleges, researchers, patients, and community organizations).
Key Responsibilities
Communications Planning
- Develop and execute communications plans for internal and external projects and activities that support strategic priorities in consultation with relevant staff
- Develop and implement clear, consistent messaging for new projects and initiatives, in line with existing guidelines and brand voice
- Collaborate with staff across the organization to promote Research Ethics BC’s work and its impacts in BC
- Build relationships with external communications colleagues and stakeholders, and proactively look for opportunities to share information with our stakeholder community about research ethics
- Support digital storytelling by keeping informed of current news issues and/or trends and stakeholders' activities to identify opportunities and potential stories
- Support the Director with issues management, conducting research and developing messages in response to emerging issues.
Digital Marketing
- Manages newsletter production including graphic design, writing content, editing, and distribution
- Develops, implements, and evaluates social media strategy to manage all social media channels
- Regularly reviews social media analytics to make strategic improvements to the social media strategy
- Brings creativity and graphics design skills to create compelling collateral such as fact sheets, brochures, digital assets that resonate with stakeholders
- Implements enhancements to content, design and layout of Research Ethics BC website to ensure positive end-user experience
- Responsible for keeping website content current and visually appealing to ensure user engagement and retention
- Utilizes analytics and metrics to ensure content is contributing to goals and objectives
Event Planning
- Identifies new opportunities for Research Ethics BC presentations at various events/meetings
- Develops promotional and educational presentation materials and activities plans for events
Other Activities
- Contributes to the maintenance of brand style guide, standards and templates
- Responsible for coordinating production of the Research Ethics BC stakeholder report(s)
- Represents Research Ethics BC on the Michael Smith Health Research BC-wide communications team to collaborate with colleagues and ensure coordinated outreach efforts
- Implements engagement strategies to maintain strong relationships with stakeholders
Education/Work Experience
- Undergraduate degree or technical diploma in a related discipline; communications, marketing or journalism preferred
- Minimum 4 years of progressive experience in communications with public/media relations, digital communications, journalism and/or marketing preferred OR equivalent combination of knowledge, education, training, and experience
- Prior experience in research or health care environment and/or academia
Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills, with a demonstrated ability to write in a variety of styles for a range of audiences, and to translate complicated scientific concepts into interesting and engaging content
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic and tactical communications plans, coupled with excellent copy-editing and proof-reading skills
- Positive, forward-looking interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with internal colleagues and external stakeholders at all levels
- Good time management skills, with the ability to set priorities, work effectively under pressure and be results-oriented both independently and in a team environment
- Comprehensive computer literacy including demonstrated intermediate-level skills with graphic/desktop publishing software (Adobe Creative Suite including InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop) and multimedia practices (online video, podcasts, animation, online forums, etc.)
- Demonstrated creativity, ability to take initiative in implementing communications activities and willing to learn
- Demonstrated ability to provide website management, including advanced editing skills using a content management system (WordPress), experience with search engine optimization practices, and website analytics (preferably Google analytics)
- Experience with HTML is a plus
How to Apply
If this sounds like you and you would like to play a role in maximizing the impact of health research in BC, please submit your resume and cover letter online at https://msfhr.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=58.
We thank everyone for their interest but only suitable candidates will be contacted.
