Senior Associate, Communications

The Communications Senior Associate leads Sabin media and social media and develops a range of communications to promote the organization and its programs. The Senior Associate crafts clear messaging, develops winning pitch strategies, and has strong writing and editing skills.

Responsibilities:

Media Generation and Monitoring

• Generate regular, strategic, high-quality media coverage of Sabin’s initiatives and projects through proactive and reactive engagement with media outlets
• Serve as primary point of contact for press inquiries, screening inquiries and managing responses
• Monitor and analytics:
• Regularly monitor media related to Sabin and specific project topics
• Conduct surveillance of the news cycle, research findings and social media and make recommendations based on surveillance activities to ensure Sabin takes advantage of key opportunities and responds in a timely manner

• Build and sustain relationships with journalists in top-tier global print and broadcast media, as well as leading national outlets and thought-leaders in relevant fields
• Coordinate press conferences, briefings, interviews and other related work

Editorial

• Provide writing, editing and copyediting services to support leadership and programs
• Write press releases, op-ed pieces, blogs, backgrounders, invitations and official statements

Digital and Social

• Manage Sabin’s social media accounts to regularly promote Sabin’s work and engage journalists, thought leaders and bloggers
• Review and report on social metrics, flag key findings and recommend adjustments

Leadership Support

• Prepare executive leadership for events, speaking engagements and press opportunities
• Serve as the main media liaison for Sabin’s CEO and other senior executives
• Elevate team accomplishments through quarterly reports to Board of Trustees

Sabin Corporate and Programs

• Serve as liaison between communications and program staff to identify communication opportunities, develop program-related communications and promote project milestones
• Produce semimonthly internal newsletter, highlighting organization, team and staff accomplishments
• Other related duties, as assigned

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as public relations, journalism, communications, English or public health 
• 4+ years relevant experience, preferably leading media relations
• Preference for candidates with experience working in a public relations agency, corporate or major NGO communications group
• Proven ability to develop and implement effective communications strategies
• Exceptional writing with an ability to translate complex or scientific topics into compelling messaging targeting a variety of audiences
• Record of top-tier international print and broadcast media placement
• Experience working with senior executives and partners in corporate, government and non-profit sectors preferred; knowledge of global health landscape a plus
• Up-to-date knowledge and applied work experience in digital communications, including social media channels and analytics
• Superb project management skills with the ability to anticipate problems and quickly identify solutions
• Capability to advance multiple communications priorities and work independently under tight deadlines
• Experience working with cross-functional teams; superior service orientation
• Attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work products
• Ability to be flexible, creative, enthusiastic and optimistic

How to Apply:

To be considered, please submit your cover letter and resume via e-mail. Please be sure to reference “Senior Associate, Communications” in the subject line. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Your cover letter should: (1) address the reasons for your interest in this position; and, (2) describe the knowledge, skills and abilities you would bring the Sabin Vaccine Institute. No phone calls, please. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.