Communications Specialist

The Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions is a groundbreaking initiative in the field of public health advocacy and science. The Center combines the expertise of highly respected gun violence researchers with the skills of deeply experienced gun violence prevention advocates. We use a public health approach to conduct rigorous scientific research to identify a range of innovative solutions to gun violence. Because gun violence disproportionately impacts communities of color, we ground our work in equity and seek insights from those most impacted on appropriate solutions. Using the best available science, our Center works towards expanding evidence-based advocacy and policy-making efforts. This combination of expertise creates a unique opportunity to turn public health research into action that reduces deaths and injuries from gun violence.

The Center for Gun Violence Solutions at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health is seeking a Communications Specialist to join the center’s communications team. This position is responsible for supporting the creation of thoughtful and engaging digital content, managing projects that amplify the mission and work of the Center, and supporting the Center’s communications strategy. This is a full-time, hybrid (2 days a week in the office) post based in Baltimore or Washington, D.C. This person will report to the Director of Communications and work closely with the Digital Communications Specialist.

The Communications Specialist serves an important role within the Center for Gun Violence Solutions. The position provides a high-level of support to the communications team and is primarily responsible for generating and managing cross-platform multimedia content (including website, social media, newsletter, podcast, webinars and more) for both internal and external communication efforts. This person will also work to grow the Center’s various audiences and track engagement. The position will involve project coordination with internal and external collaborators, writing, graphic design, podcast production, A/V editing, live and recorded webinar production, communications analytics, and assisting in overall center functions as needed.

A successful candidate will have experience working in a fast-paced environment, can work independently, and contribute to a team-based environment to advance the goals and messages of the Center for Gun Violence Solutions.

Applications without cover letters will not be accepted.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop innovative and compelling content for multimedia materials (video, infographics, photography, social media posts, web articles, etc.) that support the goals and objectives of the center.
• Support the day-to-day activities of the website including drafting, posting, and removing outdated content.
• Support and scale up social media platforms, including creating and posting original content.
• Generate new digital content (including social media graphics, long and short form videos, website content, newsletters, and more) and coordinate with team members and outside collaborators.
• Edit video and audio clips (webinars, podcast and short-form video clips).
• Support earned media efforts including maintaining journalist contact databases, news pitching, op-ed development and more.
• Work closely with policy and communications teams to produce monthly podcast content including coordinating interviews, editing audio and posting to platforms.
• Producing webinars as needed.
• Supporting event coordination including symposiums, forums and fundraisers.
• Manage newsletter content, distribution, and audience lists.
• Provide internal communications support and technical assistance for center team members.
• Ensure all communication projects and marketing efforts comply with the University Branding Guidelines of JHU Use of Name Guidelines.
• Stay abreast of relevant gun policy news, developments, and events.
• Proactively liaise and correspond with project team, contractors, and other related personnel & partners.
• Research opportunities for innovative communications opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in related field.
• Two years related experience.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in public health and public health policy.
• Experience leading/managing projects and ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work well under pressure with demanding and/or shifting deadlines.
• A/V production experience on a variety of platforms (i.e. social media, website, podcasts).

Special Skills & Knowledge

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience using web content management systems.
• Experience using CRM email platforms.
• Experience using, translating, and applying Google Analytics.
• Experience with editing software/programs (i.e. Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, Audacity).

Classified Title: Communications Specialist
Role/Level/Range: ATP/03/PB
Starting Salary Range: Min $45,700 - Max $80,000 Annually ($60,000 targeted; Commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday to Friday: 8:30 am – 5 pm
Exempt Status: Exempt
Location: Hybrid/School of Public Health
Department name: ​​​​​​​HPM-Center for Gun Violence
Personnel area: School of Public Health 

Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines:
JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.

**Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.

The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate’s conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.

The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion .

Johns Hopkins has mandated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, as applicable. The COVID-19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/ and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/ .

The following additional provisions may apply, depending on campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.

The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.

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