Location: New Haven,CT, USA
Essential Duties
1. Manages relationships with external media sources. Pursues media coverage creatively and aggressively. Responds to inquiries from national and international news media, student media, the University community and the general public. 2. Enhances the overall quality of media relations for key stakeholders by preparing them for media interviews. Manages relationships with key campus stakeholders with a high degree of professionalism, judgment and understanding of stakeholder goals. 3. Creates compelling story ideas and narratives; produces content for both external and internal channels; writes copy and social media posts and manages content. 4. Plans social media strategies for key University communications and programs. Monitors University social media assets for negative comments or misinformation. 5. Supports short- and long-term communication planning with insights into audiences, channels and culture; coordinates with other communications professionals to achieve institutional goals; leads the communications process within developed standards and protocols. 6. Supports effective response strategies, often in crisis situations requiring 24/7 attention and intense media/public scrutiny, and articulates the University's position via personal interviews or written responses. 7. Produces multimedia content and manages the work of graphic and web designers, student interns, printers, video producers and photographers. 8. Manages communication plans for all stakeholders by understanding the significance of campus initiatives and/or academic work; creates compelling stories and messages to translate the significance through language that is clear and accessible for public awareness. 9. Develops and maintains regular contact with media representatives in multiple disciplines. 10. Maintains the Yale brand and graphic identity standards; supports and maintains standard operating procedures; contributes to digital asset management. 11. May perform other duties as assigned.
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications or related field and five years of proven experience in public relations, journalism, television, corporate communications or agency work or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated experience in developing communications for a range of media and working with creative professionals in design, photography or video.
Background Check Requirements
All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit Learn about background checks under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.
Position Focus:
The Cowles Foundation for Research in Economics has as its purpose the conduct and encouragement of research in economics and seeks to foster the development and application of rigorous logical, mathematical, and statistical methods of analysis in economics and related fields. The Foundation provides financial support for research, visiting faculty, postdoctoral fellowships, workshops, conferences and graduate students.
The Cowles Communications Officer will have a dual report to the Cowles Director and the Administrative Director of the Foundation and will be someone who possesses the exceptional writing skills required to translate rigorous academic writings into concise, captivating summaries that would be appreciated by a wider audience. They will develop compelling story ideas and author a variety of written communications primarily for external audiences to share research insights and enhance the visibility of the Cowles Foundation and the work of its members and other research affiliates while being responsible for developing the strategies to disseminate this content through a variety of channels including but not limited to website, newsletters, blog posts, social media posts, publications and other informational materials.
The Cowles Communications Officer will be heavily involved in the written content of the Cowles website in collaboration with the Cowles Website Specialist and will administer the processes by which the research of Cowles faculty and visitors is disseminated to the broader academic community. They will also work closely with the Cowles administrative staff to drive the communication strategy and ancillary communication components of all Cowles events, seminars and conferences.
Applicants must submit 2 writing samples (press releases, op-eds, news stories, or short features) as part of their application. Finalists will be asked to complete a writing assignment.
Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:
Master's or higher degree in Economics, Public Policy, or equivalent working knowledge of economics; plus, five years related experience. Proven experience developing engaging content for newsletters and a familiarity with web content management systems. Proven experience in higher education and in the communications processes involved in the staging of large events.
Posting Disclaimer
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.