Assistant Director of Communications, Cancer Center (Full Time)

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

• Develop and implement communications plans covering the Cancer Center's research accomplishments, awards, grant activity, educational programs, and key initiatives through articles, announcements, press releases, and feature content.
• Oversee promotion of member achievements to internal University of Arizona audiences and external stakeholders through targeted publications, special features, magazines, and promotional materials.
• Direct production and editorial management of electronic newsletters and engagement initiatives.
• Communicate leadership direction to communications staff and translate it into work priorities.
• Manage development, maintenance, and enhancement of the department website to keep content accurate and current.
• Oversee collection and publication of website content, including upcoming events, new publications, faculty and staff profiles, shared resources, and donor opportunities.
• Develop editorial guidelines for a portfolio of articles, graphics, and digital content.
• Review the effectiveness of the website and digital channels against engagement and usability goals and determine improvements to content and functionality.
• Influence University of Arizona Communications and Banner Communications and Marketing teams to align messaging, develop joint oncology service line marketing, and advance media coverage of Center activities.
• Advise senior leadership on communications for outreach, development, and fundraising initiatives.
• Serve as liaison to the NCI Public Affairs Network and University of Arizona public affairs and marketing groups to advance shared communications objectives.
• Oversee communications and marketing for UACC events, including workshops, retreats, special events, conferences, and site visits.
• Direct creation of marketing materials for high-profile events.
• Supervise and develop communications staff, providing direction, mentorship, and performance feedback.
• Develop and maintain a consistent visual identity for the department across communications platforms.
• Direct development and production of print and digital collateral, including newsletters, brochures, and promotional materials.
• Oversee creation and management of a photographic and graphic asset library.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) as well as desktop publishing software for image editing and print design (Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat).
• Ability to conceive, initiate, and manage communications projects from start to finish.
• Strong oral and interpersonal skills, ideally including experience working in an academic environment.
• Superior editing and proofreading skills, including an ability to maintain and enforce consistent style.
• An ability to learn, understand, and summarize technical information quickly, and to write about science and technology in a clear, structured, articulate, and persuasive manner for both scientific and lay audiences.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Minimum
  of 5 years of related work experience, including 2 years of managerial
  experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.

• Four years of related experience in scientific communications is desirable.
• Writing and communications experience in a relevant field experience working for a scientific journal or experience in the public relations or communications field in a university, or not for profit is desirable.
• Technical expertise with website hosting, architecture, and development, while is not necessary; a familiarity with these topics and experience working on website development projects would be an asset.
• A portfolio showing the ability to design professional quality print and graphic publications is a plus.
• - Experience using Online content management systems.