The Assistant Director of Communications is responsible for all internal and external communications and public relations at the Tulane National Primate Research Center and oversees the collection, organization, and dissemination of information (scientific and nonscientific) regarding Center-related activities. The Assistant Director of Communications is familiar with the scientific and programmatic efforts at the TNPRC in order to respond to information requests from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Tulane, the general public, and other entities. Serves as liaison with Public Information Officers from the other six National Primate Research Centers and the NIH to develop consistent and effective communications and tracking and reporting of Center-related communications and community relations. The Assistant Director of Communications will be responsible for overseeing public outreach, including tours, presentations, and other activities to increase transparency and broaden the reach and impact of research at the Center. Plans and coordinates educational outreach activities to promote understanding of animal care and research among various components at the TNPRC. The Assistant Director of Communications is responsible for writing press releases/stories about research at the
TNRPC, coordinating media interviews, managing the TNPRC website and intranet, and maintaining the
TNPRC’s social media platforms. Serves as the primary liaison with Tulane University Office of Public Relations on university-wide internal and external communications initiatives, works closely with individuals in university crisis communications to prepare media statements, and coordinates with government affairs representatives to communicate the research achievements of the TNPRC with local, state and federal government representatives.
• Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of oral and written communication and interpersonal relationship skills to interact effectively with a diverse group of individuals, including faculty, staff, students, and the general public.
• Ability to communicate with confidence and discretion where matters of confidential materials are concerned, and to exercise sound judgment in releasing information.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data and present information in an understandable format.
• Strong technical/science writing skills.
• Skills to effectively organize projects and achieve timely progress on multiple, concurrent assignments as well as establish and achieve set management goals.
• Ability to recognize the needs or deficiencies of existing procedures/systems and to develop and recommend solutions.
• Knowledge of scientific terminology commonly used in biomedical research.
• Knowledge of website content development and maintenance within a content management system.
• Familiarity with various social media platforms and the appropriate use of each in communications
• Strong public speaking/public relations skills
SPECIAL REQUIRED ABILITY FOR INCUMBENTS WHO HAVE CONTACT OR EXPOSURE TO ANIMALS OR ANIMAL TISSUES:
Ability to complete and pass successfully the required occupational health screening referenced in the University’s Animal Handler Health Surveillance Program on an annual basis.
REQUIRED BACKGROUND CHECK, PHYSICAL, AND DRUG SCREENING FOR INCUMBENTS WHO HAVE CONTACT OR EXPOSURE TO ANIMALS OR ANIMAL TISSUES:
Selected candidates must complete and pass a background check and an occupational health screening as a condition of employment. For identified jobs, a drug screening will also be required. The background investigation, required occupational health screening, and any required drug screening will be conducted after a conditional employment offer has been extended.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
• Master’s degree in journalism, marketing, communications, or a closely related field
• Five years of experience in public relations and/or communications
• Experience in technical/science writing
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Professional-level writing, editing, and proofreading skills, particularly as applied to scientific and technical reports
• Experience with disseminating information, including press releases and media statements
• Media training
• Crisis communications skills
