Communications Specialist (Part Time)

The University of Arizona Health Sciences Library seeks a Communication Specialist (CS) for a 3-year contract position serving Region 4 of the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM). The CS develops, implements, and manages internal and external communication to promote Region 4 and NNLM activity, programming, products, services, and projects consistent with the National Library of Medicine (NLM) and NNLM R4 brand and digital communication strategy. This work will be done using multiple communication platforms and channels, including social media, email, mobile phones, websites, and v/blogs. Recent programs featured include A Universe of Stories, a summer health reading program for youth, and the All of Us Journey tour, an interactive educational exhibit about precision medicine. The CS uses creative and effective communication and messaging to engage members of all communities in the region and highlight the region's diversity.

This position is based at the UA Health Sciences Library located in Tucson, AZ and is eligible for flexible scheduling and/or remote work.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES 

Communications 

• Develop marketing strategies and delivers marketing messages. Create and manage communication campaigns/strategies that help increase public knowledge about NNLM R4 services and programs.
• Coordinate marketing activities, campaigns, and events (includes advertising, promotions, websites) to promote NNLM R4 resources, services, and programs.  
• Develop marketing content and material in both physical and digital formats. Draft press releases and content for the NNLM R4 website, newsletter, social media, and blog. Use the internet and other forms of mass media to educate the public about NLM and NNLM resources. 
• Raise awareness and interest in citizen science activities in the region and coordinates nationally, including liaising with SciStarter to research, advance, and promote efforts to build relationships and support collaborations for programs that engage the NNLM R4 priority populations.  
• Coordinates with Region 4 Administrative Team on communication-related activities, creating workflows and distributing assignments.  

Collaboration, Assessment, and Outreach

• Facilitates relationship-building among stakeholders and cross-institutional collaborations and partnerships in the region. Interact with region members to build consensus on communication strategies and collaboration.  
• Works with the NNLM R4 Engagement Specialist to connect with region members for information gathering and distribution with a focus on populations underrepresented in biomedical research, including (but not limited to) Indigenous and US-Mexico border populations.  
• Evaluates communication strategies to determine which areas need improvement. Analyzes digital analytics and develops actions to improve marketing campaign performance. Analyzes current programs, projects, and initiatives to determine how to improve results. 
• Coordinates with the NNLM R4 Executive Director on collaboration, assessment, and outreach related activities.  

Other duties as assigned. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES 

• Understand the workings of the Network of the National Library of Medicine. 
• Skilled at effective communication briefs and brand messaging. 
• Excellent copywriting skills, grammar, composition, and proofreading.  
• Excellent content writing for digital marketing.  
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal. Excellent public speaking and social skills. Ability to network with others for program/project development. 
• Demonstrated ability to work with all parties of a program/project to achieve a unified goal/outcome. 
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative and inclusive environment that values and leverages the benefits of diverse perspectives. 
• Networking skills. 
• Excellent organizational skills to handle multiple time-sensitive responsibilities, set priorities independently, meet deadlines, and work under pressure. 
• Positive attitude and strong demonstration of Our Values: Collaboration, Continuous Learning, Diversity, Innovation, and Integrity.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience. 
• 3 years of relevant work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using tools and platforms such as YouTube, Twitter, WordPress, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.
• Experience using NLM products such as PubMed, Drug Information Portal, and MedlinePlus.
• Bilingual and bicultural in English and Spanish (speaking, reading, writing).
• Experience working in program/project development and community engagement.
• Experience developing logic models and managing programs/projects.