• Job Description

  Req#: R105705

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  Job Title:

  Communications and Public Relations Strategy and Management Specialist 3

  Department:

  Public Health | Division of Epidemiology

  The Communications and Public Relations Manager is responsible for leading and executing the communications strategy for The Ohio Policy Evaluation Network (OPEN), a reproductive health research collaborative primarily based at The Ohio State University, the University of Cincinnati, and Case Western Reserve University. At Ohio State, OPEN staff are employed at the College of Public Health.

  The OPEN Communications and Public Relations Manager uses an in-depth knowledge of abortion research, public health, and communications to work alongside faculty and staff researchers across institutions and colleges, offering creative solutions and consultation in the effective execution of research dissemination initiatives. The audience for dissemination includes reproductive health advocacy organizations (such as Pro-Choice Ohio, State Innovation Exchange, Planned Parenthood, Kentucky Health Justice Network, New Voices for Reproductive Justice, and more); state-level policymakers in Ohio; medical professionals at clinics and hospitals in Ohio and throughout the region; and researchers and students in Ohio and surrounding states (Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati, Case Western Reserve University, the University of Chicago; also at universities in West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Michigan).

  The person in this role will manage multiple projects simultaneously. Some projects, such as website content development and social media is done independently and without review. Projects such as clinic reports, 1-pagers on research findings, policy summaries, and research recruitment materials will be conducted in collaboration with a broader research team. Projects such as annual reports will be done with input from a research team and reviewed by OPEN’s principal investigators.

  The Communications and Public Relations Manager will use several channels (including: social media, website, media, and print materials) to raise public awareness about reproductive health research, disseminate and communicate OPEN’s research findings using accessible language, and represent OPEN to advance the network’s long- and short-term goals and strategies. Some projects will require the person in this role to handle sensitive information about abortion. The person in this role will cultivate and manage relationships with, and serve as a resource for, leaders in external organizations (community group CEOs, medical providers, etc.) and stakeholders engaged in reproductive health research (faculty, peers at other research centers, etc.).

  The Communications and Public Relations Manager will strategize and produce dissemination strategies about complex research findings for general and targeted groups. They will also consult with and lead trainings for researchers about showcasing their findings in public venues such as: print media, social media, television interviews, radio, podcasts, public panels, and more. The Communications and Public Relations Manager will also lead and evaluate communications initiatives, including: external communications, media relations, strategic issues management, print and graphic media, web communications, digital and social media, giving testimony, and internal media training opportunities. Additionally, the person in this role will lead OPEN’s crisis communications team. The crisis communications team is comprised of representatives from the several institutions that are part of OPEN, and is prepared to respond to a variety of crises, such as compromise to data, incidents of harassment, or researchers being doxed by anti-abortion groups. The Communications and Public Relations Manager is expected to work independently and complete deliverables with minimal oversight. They will exercise judgement about executing clear, timely, and relevant deliverables based on multiple priorities (institutional, research, stakeholder).

  Ohio Policy Evaluation Network (OPEN) is a research collaborative of scholars that conducts rigorous, impactful, and forward-thinking social-science research on the reproductive health of Ohioans, Kentuckians, and West Virginians. Our interdisciplinary team assess and disseminates findings related to reproductive health outcomes, equity, access, cost, and autonomy in the context of federal and state laws and policies. From June 2022 – May 2023, OPEN published 19 peer-reviewed manuscripts and translational materials; authored and contributed to 4 amicus and policy briefs; hosted public-facing webinars; presented at 30 public speaking events; and engaged in over 40 media opportunities. The Communications and Public Relations Manager plays an active role in each of these areas of work.

  Additional Information:

  Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
  • 4 years of relevant experience.

  Desired Qualifications

  • Master's degree in social/health sciences or communications
  • 4-8 years of relevant experience in public health or communications
  • Involvement in or collaboration with research and communicating about research
  • Familiarity with graphic design, or an interest and willingness to learn
  • Familiarity with the reproductive health policy landscape in Ohio and surrounding states
  • Experience in public health, sociology, or reproductive health fields
  • Desire to advance public health knowledge in the region
  • Experience managing multiple complex projects simultaneously
  • Commitment to reproductive justice, health, and equity
  • Experience working in abortion or related fields
  • Experience understanding and translating technical research for a variety of audiences
  • Proficiency with Adobe Suite, Canva, Microsoft Office, and WordPress
  • Ability to identify and propose efficiency enhancements in existing processes, while building internal consensus
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills
  • Strong initiative, resourcefulness, and ability to move projects forward
  • Ability to build and lead durable relationships with a wide variety of people, including internal team members and external stakeholders.

  Pay Range

  $67,700 - $90,300 Annually

  FUNCTION: Marketing and Communications
  SUB-FUNCTION: Communications and Public Relations Strategy and Management
  CAREER BAND: Individual Contributor - Specialized
  CAREER LEVEL: S3
  

  Location:

  Cunz Hall (0293)

  Position Type:

  Regular

  Scheduled Hours:

  40

  Shift:

  First Shift

  Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

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• About the company

  The Ohio State University, commonly Ohio State or OSU, is a public land-grant research university in Columbus, Ohio.

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