Communications Manager
Background
The Center for Genetics and Society (CGS) is the leading U.S. public interest organization focused on ensuring a just and equitable future in which human biotechnologies benefit the common good. We have worked since our founding in 2001 to raise awareness about the broad societal implications of human genetic and assisted reproductive technologies; to encourage their responsible use and effective democratic governance; and to inform public, civil society, and policy conversations about them from a perspective grounded in social justice and human rights.
We work with a growing network of scholars across a range of disciplines; with scientists, health professionals, legal experts and policy analysts; and with advocates across a range of civil society sectors, including reproductive health, rights and justice; racial justice; disability rights; human rights; and environmentalism.
Position overview
The Communications Manager will develop and implement proactive communications plans, messaging strategy, and materials that will help CGS shape public and policy conversations about human genetic and reproductive technologies. This will involve increasing the visibility and influence of our work and perspectives, advancing our advocacy priorities, and promoting CGS’ expertise and leadership on these issues. Working closely with the Executive Director and the rest of the staff, as well as with consultants, fellows, and interns, the Communications Manager will be responsible for leading the organization to the next level of communications excellence and for CGS’ day-to-day communications activities. Remote working arrangements will be considered. This is an exempt full-time position.
Core duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Strategy and planning
- Working with the Executive Director and other CGS staff, develop and implement strategic communications plans to raise the overall visibility and impact of CGS’ work and priorities, support the objectives of specific programs or campaigns, and deliver consistent and compelling messaging across traditional and digital media channels
- Develop creative approaches and content to effectively communicate CGS’ perspectives and positions
- Develop and implement online and in-person events, including webinars and meetings
- Identify measurable outcomes/results and assess CGS’ media presence, communications activities, protocols, and tools; recommend and implement plans for improvement
Communications and media
- Monitor, record, and analyze CGS’ appearances in print, broadcast, digital, and social media
- Maintain and cultivate relationships with reporters, editors, producers; secure top-tier media appearances
- Prepare and place press statements, commentaries, and related materials
- Manage CGS’s blog, including writing posts and editing posts authored by other writers
- Manage the creation, content, and distribution of CGS publications, including monthly e-newsletter, annual report, fact sheets, reports, resource and event materials, etc
- Maintain and increase social media presence on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube
- Manage CGS’ website(s), updating content as needed and tracking analytics
Other
- Passion for CGS’s mission and goals, and commitment to social justice and the public interest
- Strong interest in the social, political, and policy implications of human genetic and assisted reproductive technologies
- Demonstrated experience and skills in developing and implementing social media strategies, managing conventional media relations, research and writing, and event planning
- Ability to work with a fast-paced team within CGS and to collaborate across organizations, to develop relationships with key scholars and advocates in social justice and public interest fields, to take initiative, and to manage multiple priorities
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience with public interest or social justice organizations
- Basic scientific understanding of human genetic technologies and familiarity with their social and policy implications
- Experience with online event planning and/or policy research
- Familiarity with or a range of digital tools, including Microsoft Office Suite, Google Drive, Salesforce, SalesGenius, Slack, Feedly, website administrative tools
- Bachelor’s degree or higher
CGS offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits program.
The Center for Genetics and Society, a project of Tides Center, is an “at-will” and equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women, people of color, people with disabilities, and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, or medical condition. Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.
Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis; position open until filled. To apply, send cover letter and resume to Emily Galpern at [email protected], with the job title in the subject line. Only candidates invited to interview will be contacted.