Director of Content and News Media
POSITION DETAILS:
EMPLOYER: University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
TITLE: Director of Content and News Media
CATEGORY: Editorial / Writing, TYPE: Full-time, SALARY RANGE: $61,046.00 – $85,000.00 Annual Rate
JOB POSTING ANNOUNCEMENT: https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/upenn/careers-at-penn/details/Director-of-Content-and-News-Media_JR00089105-1
DESCRIPTION: The Director of Content and News Media is a critical member of the School of Veterinary Medicine’s (Penn Vet) communications organization. Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, the Director of Content and News Media serves as the principal news and science news creator for Penn Vet. The candidate will maintain broad awareness of the School’s curricular, co-curricular, clinical and research news, and the Dean’s activities, and translate them into strategic content plans and formats that are accessible to the media, science media, and the public; and distributed through Penn Vet’s website, social platforms, and digital and print publications.
A demonstrated understanding of veterinary medicine, science, health, and environmental health topics are key to success in this role. This will be accomplished by maintaining relationships with School, departmental and clinical leadership, faculty, post-docs, and students; interviewing subjects, writing and editing press releases and other public-facing stories, and working with the Chief Communications Officer, Web Editor, Associate Director of Marketing, Assistant Director of Social Media, and central University Communications, to ensure content reaches the appropriate audiences. This position will elevate the public’s knowledge and understanding of the relative impact of Penn Vet’s mission on animal and human health, as well as on environmental health.
The Director of Content and News Media will be a strategic, creative storyteller with an ability to translate the scholarly activities of faculty in ways that engage internal and external audiences. The Director must develop a strong appreciation of the School’s goals, priorities, and key messages and understand how to use every assignment as an opportunity to promote them. The ideal candidate will also be an experienced project manager, with a proven ability to work efficiently and tactfully with faculty, staff, and external vendors to keep projects on schedule.
The Director supervises a team of marketing, social media, and communication specialists; including a freelance pool of writers, graphic designers, agencies, and other creative vendors, and holds them accountable to uphold brand standards. The Director oversees professional development, supports a highly functioning team, and ensures that each team member has the skills necessary to execute Penn Vet’s communication goals. Ensures compliance with University policies and federal, state, and local regulations governing news coverage.
QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelor’s Degree in Communications or a related field and 5 to 7 years of experience, including supervisory positions, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. At least 10 years of relevant experience is preferred. An advanced degree is a plus and health-related communications/media relations/publishing experience is preferred. Must excel in written and oral communication, and possess a solid track record of innovation, precision, and accuracy.
Knowledge and experience in management of digital and print publishing formats as well as solid editing and visual skills required. Ability to manage the development of clinical information and easily understood science/health information; and to communicate successfully with the media required. Must possess excellent organizational, management, strategic planning, interpersonal, and team player skills. Demonstrated proficiency in appropriate technologies required.
A cover letter is required along with a resume. Candidates must submit up to five writing samples that demonstrate proficiency with veterinary, health, science/research, or clinical topics; in a variety of formats (e.g.; press release, short form, long form); with one sample written in a conversational style. Applicants who do not submit the required documents will not be considered for the position.
Job Location: Based in Philadelphia; eligible for a hybrid work schedule after successful completion of the introductory period. Hybrid work week divided between working onsite in Philadelphia and working remotely. The role will require travel on a regular basis to Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center campus in Chester County’s Kennett Square, PA as well as some other travel as needed.
CLOSING DATE: May 22, 2024
CONTACT: Martin J. Hackett