About this role
This role is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing executive and organizational communications strategy for the UVA Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology. Preferred candidates will have previous experience designing and implementing creative and impactful communications strategy for C-suite executives, as well as in health or life sciences organizations. They will possess command of a wide range of communications specialty areas, including writing and editing, multimedia, social media, speech writing, and pitch deck/presentation development. The ideal candidate will be exceptionally skilled at understanding how to capture and effectively reflect the voice of the Chief Scientific Officer and articulate the vision and potential of the Manning Institute to a multitude of audiences. They will have the desire to establish a foundation of excellence and a proven record of exceeding goals, both qualitatively and quantitatively.
These roles are responsible for handling a range of tasks across various communications functions. Staff and leaders in these positions may engage in digital media management, graphic design, public relations, and other activities as needed to support comprehensive communications strategies.
Leads and executes communications strategies for the Chief Scientific Officer and the UVA Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology. Drives compelling communications across all channels that will:
- Increase visibility and positive engagement with the Manning Institute’s internal and external key constituent audiences
- Effectively capture the voice of the Chief Scientific Officer and Head of the Manning Institute
- Refine the narrative of the current research and future potential of the Manning Institute to contribute to pitch decks, web content, leave-behinds and other material
- Partner with UVA Health marketing and communications colleagues, as well as PR agency partners, to develop and execute a thought leadership strategy for the Manning Institute, its leadership, and its prominent researchers
- Plan and execute communications calendar across all channels
- Monitor and apply national biopharma and healthcare trends for communications context
- Partner with other communications team members for overall communication integration and editorial calendar management
- Accompany the Chief to specific events/meetings in order to capture and note key insights, later integrating into strategic communications
Manage end-to-end communications including (but not limited to) recognition programs, video messages, social media, website content, internal executive newsletters, Community Update, Board communications, events, speeches, and thought leadership opportunities that align with the overall UVA Health and UVA executive communications strategy.
Responsible for planning, editorial calendar management and implementation of communications content targeted at a broad variety of internal and external audiences (leaders, peers, UVA Health team members, influencers, media, patients, potential donors and investors, biopharma and life sciences companies, local and state government officials, etc.) to support organizational business strategies and to promote and advance the Manning Institute as an academic healthcare and biotechnology development thought leader.
Essential Responsibilities: Reporting to the Sr. Director of Media Relations at UVA Health, serves as primary communications liaison for the Manning Institute portfolio of work. Oversees the development and implementation of sophisticated and integrated (internal and external) communications plans for local, regional and national initiatives and / or functional areas including development of executive thought leadership voice, communications positioning, messaging, and tactics consistent with the UVA brand and business strategies.
Following implementation, monitors the effectiveness of the communications program and materials. Modifies programs and projects as needed to improve results. Creates measurement reports and dashboards. Serves as a collaborator and an integrator with other communications leads from the content, media, social, internal teams and other stakeholders and teams.
Education: Bachelor's degree in journalism, English, public relations, communications, corporate development, or related field.
Experience: Experience leading executive communications programs with both internal and external audiences in a life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceutical or academic translational research enterprise environment.
Basic Qualifications: Experience Minimum ten (10) years of experience in PR, Communications, or similar roles. Minimum 5 years executive communications experience.
Licensure: None
Additional Job Requirements:
Extensive experience working senior executives and confidential, high-risk and / or highly sensitive content. Experience contributing to business goals through strategic communications. Experience managing enterprise-wide communications across large, complex organizations.
Extensive experience with stakeholder management and change management in a large organization.
Experience working across internal and external communications with a demonstrated understanding for how they influence each other.
Demonstrated ability to plan and manage complex projects: ability to work effectively with team members and senior executives under tight deadlines.
Contributes to the development of innovative communications principles, ideas, and practices.
Additional expertise required: Advanced skills in the areas outlined. Extensive experience leading executive communications programs with both internal and external audiences.
Experience in a biopharma, life sciences or academic healthcare enterprise is required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
The starting base rate for this role is $114,000.00 annually. Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education.Benefits
Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Paid Time Off, Long-term and Short-term Disability, Retirement Savings
Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts
Certification and education support
Generous Paid Time Off
UVA Health is a world-class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” guide rates UVA Health University Medical Center as “High Performing” in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children’s is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report as the best children's hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.
Other facts
About University of Virginia
UVA Physicians Group (UPG) was founded in 1979 as a supportive partner to UVA Medical Center and UVA School of Medicine. For over 40 years, UPG has been committed to improving the lives of UVA Health physicians & providers and to the mission, vision and values of UVA Health in service to our patients throughout the region.
UPG is an administratively supported group practice which operates as a collaborative UVA Health entity supporting UVA Health physicians & providers at UVA Medical Center and in a number of Clinical Practice Group (CPG) locations throughout Charlottesville and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Over 900 UVA clinical faculty members are dually employed through UPG and UVA School of Medicine's 21 clinical departments. UPG also employs nearly 200 advanced practice providers and other clinicians within UVA clinical departments, and approximately 150 physicians, advanced practice providers & clinicians in practices locally and regionally.
In addition to its clinical role in supporting the University’s mission to deliver world-class patient care, UPG provides administrative and financial functions that support care delivery and clinical management. Approximately 400 UPG team members fulfill these administrative and financial roles in Charlottesville locations and in clinics across the Commonwealth.
UPG is an independent 501(c)3 University Associated Organization (UAO) and is governed by its own Board of Directors with a public majority.
What you'll do
- The Senior Communication Strategist will lead and execute communications strategies for the Chief Scientific Officer and the Manning Institute, enhancing visibility and engagement with key audiences. They will manage comprehensive communications across various channels, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and messaging.
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