Senior Strategic Communications Associate

University of Missouri-St. Louis
Missouri Institute of Mental Health

The Addiction Science Team is focused on 1) Improving Systems of Care and 2) Enhancing Drug User Wellness, with approximately 25 staff members supporting work in these two areas of concentration. We are currently seeking a Strategic Communications Associate who will be responsible for expanding and leading all aspects of the UMSL-MIMH Addiction Science Team's communication strategy and supporting all team members in related needs. This includes developing and implementing an integrated communications plan focused on promoting and advancing our mission to support individuals who use drugs and our communities through program design, implementation, research, evaluation, capacity-building and training. Work will include building and/or maintaining the Addiction Science team's varied communications assets, including multiple websites, online and print reports and educational materials, events; media and public relations; and social media. The position will be an ambassador for the team and lead development of guidelines to support consistent brand identity and positive interactions with the providers, funders, community members, researchers, and consultants with whom we work.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day activities of Addiction Science external communications including planning and oversight of UMSL-MIMH Addiction Science print and digital communications such as external reports, websites, and social media. Manage relationships with associated communication vendors as necessary.
• Develop and implement an integrated strategic communications plan to advance our UMSL-MIMH Addiction Science brand identity and visibility within key channels; broaden awareness of our initiatives and priorities.
• Maintain brand and messaging consistency and guidelines. Support project teams in shaping talking points, presentations, and other supporting material as needed.
• Actively engage, cultivate, and manage press relationships to ensure accurate and engaging coverage surrounding UMSL-MIMH Addiction Science initiatives, special events, public announcements, and partner efforts.
• Work with supervisor and the Director of Addiction Science to coordinate and support media interactions that help share knowledge about changes in the landscape of drug use and addiction in Missouri and the fluid and complex work being done to address them.
• Regularly measure and communicate performance of communications plans and initiatives with particular attention to metrics that drive awareness, engagement, and support
• Advise and support directors and staff in topics related to communications and marketing, including identifying proactive solutions to any internal or external communications opportunities.

Remote Work/Physical Requirements: Hybrid in-person and remote work expected, with 2-3 in-office days per week. Can be flexible in the first few months if the ideal candidate is not based locally

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

8am - 5pm; M-F

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

* Experience successfully shaping and navigating messaging and communications in support of complex policy, social, and people-centered campaigns or narratives
* Experience implementing a media relations program - identifying and securing opportunities to increase organizational visibility
* Knowledge of SEO and other web and digital strategies
* Proficiency in graphic design, photography, videography, and/or video editing strongly valued
* Experience mentoring and coaching others; ability to influence and engage indirect reports and peers
* Possess at least a moderate understanding of substance use disorder - particularly opioid use disorder - and the role of evidence-based harm reduction strategies in combating the overdose crisis
* Recognizes ways that race and other identities intersect in the work, especially with communities we serve and is comfortable talking about identities such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class, ability, or gender in plain, specific terms

Pay commensurate with education and experience.
Hiring Range: $51,875 - $73,008 Annual
Grade: GGS-010
University Title: 4547 - Sr. Strategic Communications Associate

Application materials include a cover letter and resume. Finalists will be asked to provide references at a later date.

Applicants must combine all application materials into one PDF or Microsoft Word document and upload as a resume attachment to the UMSL Job site: http://umsl.jobs.

Limit document name to 50 characters. Maximum size limit is 11MB. Do not include special characters (e.g., /, &, %, etc.). For questions about the application process, please email employment@umsl.edu. If you are experiencing technical problems, please email umpshrsupport@umsystem.edu.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

To request ADA accommodations, please email the Office of Human Resources at umslhr@umsl.edu.