BASIC FUNCTION

The Communications Manager will manage the implementation of Engelberg Center for Health Care Reform (ECHCR) communications and outreach work. This includes management of external engagement (press, live and virtual events, online communications, partnership development); finding new ways to amplify ECHCR’s considerable research and expertise; and ensuring the Center’s externally facing material is executed at the highest level of rigor and quality. Successful implementation of ECHCR’s external relations program will reach and influence the press, policymakers, business leaders, research partners/grant makers, and health care practitioners. The Communications Manager coordinates and collaborates with the Economic Studies and Brookings Communications and web teams.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree required; degree in liberal arts or social sciences preferred. Minimum 4 years of professional communications experience. Knowledge and experience including website content management, layout and design, writing, editing and proofreading experience. Prior supervisory experience.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate should have demonstrated experience with project management and knowledge of the current health care climate. Proficiency with HTML and information architecture with Website management experience and In-depth experience with InDesign is required. Candidate must have exceptional organizational, communication and writing skills. Candidate should be a self-starter who has the ability to work under pressure with discretion and mature judgment with solid relationships with members of the media. Familiarity with content management systems and previous experience working for a CEO, agency administrator, or person in a similar role is highly desirable.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

40% ECHCR Communications and Outreach

• Collaborate with granting organizations, collaborators, and associated communications vendors in the leadership and execution of ECHCR’s communications efforts for specific Center projects.
• Working with the ECHCR Deputy Director, oversees implementation of overall communications strategy and tactics to promote Center priorities, projects, activities, and events.
• Works with the ECHCR Deputy Director and other ECHCR project directors to develop and implement short- and long-term communications/outreach activities for specific projects and priorities.
• Provides writing and/or editing support for reports, key messages, press materials, talking points, and electronic newsletters, routing for approval by the ECHCR Deputy Director and others as appropriate.
• Creates design templates for reports, papers, and issue briefs in InDesign and formats documents for publication.
• Develops and maintains databases for ECHCR communications, including media, policymakers, key partners, and other stakeholders.
• Prepares newsletters, cover letters and other content to accompany materials, in conjunction with project staff and Deputy Director.
• Works with project staff and ECHCR Deputy Director to identify key audience members in major issue areas.
• Oversees outside design and production of ECHCR materials and oversees usage of appropriate Brookings brand style; develops and maintains relationships with print and design vendors as needed for ECHCR projects and events.
• Routes incoming press calls as needed, ensuring reporters and others receive prompt, accurate information from the communications department and/or other on-staff experts.
• Monitors print and broadcast media for coverage that includes mention of ECHCR projects and experts.
• Provides comprehensive communications support for special projects as needed, including media relations and website and/or extranet development and management activities.

40% External Engagement Activities/Communications and Development

• Manages press resources (manage press opportunities, develop press releases and other material, set up editorial boards, conduct news assessments).
• Offers strong support for research endeavors by providing editorial support and writing guidance to research directors; focuses on consistent and persuasive editorial composition, overall product quality, and establishing an editorial process.
• Manages the workflow of several different externally-facing projects.
• Contributes to the development and execution of an ECHCR fundraising plan in collaboration with Center leadership, the Economic Studies Program’s Director of Strategic Development and External Affairs, and the Brookings Central Development Office.
• Provides support in shaping grant applications, donor reports, and other fundraising materials.
• Works with Brookings Central Communications office to coordinate overall electronic media strategy and expand web presence, including: developing materials for electronic newsletter; working with ECHCR Web Site Coordinator to ensure web site is updated accurately and includes upcoming events, testimony, op-eds, and other related materials.
• Collaborates with granting organizations, collaborators, and associated communications vendors in the leadership and execution of ECHCR’s communications efforts for specific Center projects.

10% Web Pages and Electronic Communications

• Supervises ECHCR Web Coordinator in ensuring timely creation and updating of web content.
• Ensures ECHCR representation at Central Brookings web coordinators meetings.

10% Support Internal Communications

• Tracks public ECHCR project activities, deliverables, and events, working with ECHCR Deputy Director and Events Manager.
• Serves as the point of contact to ensure collaboration with Brookings Central Communications Office (COMM) and the Economic Studies Director of Communication and Management; attend bi-weekly meetings.
• Provides updates for Economic Studies internal communications activities and tracks other health care-related activities and events being planned through the Brookings Institution.

Only applicants meeting minimum qualifications for the position will be considered. Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment in this position. No phone calls please. Brookings welcomes resumes from all qualified applicants, particularly women and minorities.