Communications Specialist (Department of Epidemiology)

We are seeking a  Communications Specialist  who will contribute to the integrated and comprehensive approach to brand building and provides communications support for a department, center, or program. Will write and produce printed and digital communications material. The Communications Specialist is responsible for the communication and marketing of events and partners with internal and/or external stakeholders to ensure engagement with the appropriate audience while maximizing visibility and recognition.

Position Overview

The Communications Specialist for the Welch Center is responsible for the communication and marketing of events and partners with internal and/or external stakeholders to ensure engagement with the appropriate audience while maximizing visibility and recognition.

About the Welch Center

The Welch Center is a collaboration between the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the School of Medicine, and the School of Nursing. We are a premier interdisciplinary research and training facility where faculty, staff, and trainees collaborate on groundbreaking epidemiologic, clinical, and translational research related to chronic disease and health and health care equity. Our mission is to strengthen the practice of medicine, improve the health of people and populations, and mentor the next generation of researchers.

The Communications Specialist will work closely with the Center faculty in collaboration with both the BSPH and SOM media teams. The ideal candidate will also have skills in graphic design, photography, and an interest in collaborating with scientists engaged in medical and population research to effectively communicate scientific findings.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

- Serve as the primary writer and editor for printed materials related to the area, events, and activities.
- Perform a variety of research, writing, and digital production for communications vehicles.
- Write new material or contribute to a variety of communication media, e.g., website, proposals, summary reports, fact sheets, newsletters, marketing materials, correspondence, brochures.
- Conduct interviews and/or collect information to develop content for communication materials.
- Select visual assets to accompany written work.
- Coordinate, oversee, schedule, and make appropriate arrangements for production and distribution of communications materials.
- Serve as primary contact with vendors.
- Participate and contribute to planning and identifying content, theme, message, and tone.
- Implement project strategies and work plans developed by project leadership and support team in communicating, coordinating, completing, and disseminating project deliverables and tracking metrics.
- May manage and maintain social media accounts, newsletters, and/or website content.
- Support the planning and execution of webinars and other internal or external events.
- Develop internal and external communication materials for project promotion.
- Participate in high-level project team meetings and conference calls.
- Support the development of proposals or other documentation for new or continued funding as needed.
- Communicate challenges, requirements, and deadlines to team and ensure project timelines and deliverables are met.
- Other duties as assigned.

In addition to the duties described above

- Lead the development and dissemination of the Center’s annual report, including content collection and organization, development of the report for iterative review, and incorporation of photography and visual assets.
- Identify and develop opportunities to highlight the Center’s research and scientific contributions, including recognizing key findings and accomplishments, translating complex information into compelling and accessible content, and developing original stories and features that showcase the work of Center faculty and trainees.
- Develop and manage the Center’s photography resources, including coordinating and collecting photos from conferences, events, and Center activities.
- Strategically manage and integrate the Center’s internal and external communications platforms (including SharePoint, Teams, and the Center website) to support coordinated push and pull communications across distinct audiences and needs.
- Creation of study flyers, recruitment or other educational materials for community outreach and health promotion campaigns.

Minimum Qualifications

- Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
- Two years of related experience.
- Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/ graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications

- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).
- Strong portfolio demonstrating graphic design skills and visual communication abilities.
- Excellent attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a professional environment.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Interest in public health, medicine, or scientific research.
- Experience in graphic design, visual arts, communications, or related field.
- Experience with data visualization tools.
- Familiarity with web design principles and tools (WordPress, Canva, Figma).
- Understanding of accessibility standards in design.

Technical Qualifications or Specialized Certifications

- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Technical Skills & Expected Level of Proficiency

- Copywriting - Developing
- Digital Communications - Developing
- Project Coordination - Intermediate
- Writing - Intermediate

The core technical skills listed are most essential; additional technical skills may be required based on specific division or department needs.

Classified Title: Communications Specialist 
Role/Level/Range: ATP/03/PB  
Starting Salary Range: $47,355 - $82,820 HRLY (Commensurate w/exp.) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm 
FLSA Status: Exempt 
Location: Hybrid/School of Public Health  
Department name: Epidemiology  
Personnel area: School of Public Health