Written by Brian Siegel
Thursday, 07 January 2010 22:59
Oakland, Calif.
Job Description
The California HealthCare Foundation is an independent philanthropy committed to improving the way health care is delivered and financed in California.
The Communications Officer creates and implements communications strategies and plans for the Foundation. The Communications Officer is assigned to the Better Chronic Disease Care program area and has responsibility for managing all communications and publications-related activities for that area. These activities include a full range of strategic and tactical communications services and support; writing and editing of press releases and other documents; and outreach to appropriate audiences. While this position will interface regularly with staff for the specific program area, an estimated 25% of his or her time will be devoted to other, specific communications activities (noted below). Scope projects and deliverables, develop internal and outsourced staffing responsibilities, cross-functional team work flow, and production process planning and implementation. Participate as a member of the Information Technology Team and other advisory groups. This position reports to the Director of Publishing and Communications.
Primary Responsibilities
Program Area Management: Provide strategic communications counsel and support as a key member of the Better Chronic Disease Care program team.
- Enhancing Program Work: Participate as a thought partner with program staff to help support and enhance programmatic work through strategic communications planning. Develop and manage processes to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of communications efforts.
- Audience Development: Develop strategies and activities to identify and engage target audiences in a timely and efficient way, including innovative approaches such as storytelling. Ensure that program-specific mailing lists and other communications vehicles are regularly updated. Determine requirements and resource needs for projects.
- Media Relations: Develop strong relationships with journalists and other information sources of importance to the Program Area. Assist in identification of key contacts outside the Foundation who can be instrumental in disseminating the work of CHCF.
- Publications Support: Serve as first point of contact for program staff on grantee publications; coordinate and manage projects with editorial staff and consultants. Establish release dates and coordinate timelines with the program area and publishing staffs.
Foundation-wide Communications: Create and implement strategies and tactics to enhance the Foundation’s brand and identity. Write and/or edit promotional materials for online and print use. Set and manage promotion budgets. Identify and manage outside contractors for outreach to advocacy and community groups, including those specializing in outreach to ethnic groups. Develop and manage processes to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of communications.
Skills and Qualifications
- Minimum of bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, public health, or a related field.
- Minimum of seven years work experience in a communications-related field such as journalism, public relations and/or communications consulting, with a demonstrated knowledge of health, health policy and or medicine/science subjects. Prior experience working in philanthropy is desirable.
- Strong organizational skills; detail oriented.
- Ability to work on and keep track of multiple projects with multiple deadlines.
- Experience in communications strategy development, and project and client management.
- Knowledge of, and contacts with, the news media and government policymakers is essential.
- Proven ability to manage complex projects in collaboration with multiple points of contact, including in-house staff, consultants, and other outside vendors.
- Proven ability to establish collaborations and strategic partnerships to support promotion and dissemination of research and other projects.
- Superior writing skills and demonstrated ability to translate technical information and complex concepts and statistics into easily understood language.
- Experience in electronic publishing, especially in developing multimedia and other innovative approaches for communicating health or other policy information and social change messages via the Internet.
- Ability to effectively work with, and provide counsel to, senior management and/or leadership teams and advisory groups.
- Experience in developing communications campaigns targeting health care professionals, health policy experts, and consumer audiences is preferred.
- Experience with project tracking software desirable.
- Fluency in Spanish, Chinese, or other foreign language is desirable, though not a requirement.
Salary and Benefits
Salary is commensurate with training and experience. The Foundation provides a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability, long term care, and life insurance; a cafeteria plan; commuter checks or monthly parking; EAP and wellness programs; educational assistance; paid time off; and retirement benefits.
To Apply
To apply for this position, please email a cover letter that includes your recent salary history, and attach your resume in Microsoft Word format to:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. Please reference the position code “CO/PRSA” in the subject line of your email. Local applicants only (no telecommuting or relocations). We will accept resumes until the position is filled.
The California HealthCare Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from individuals who will contribute to its diversity.
