Job description – Science Communications Officer

Reporting to: Head of Communications.

Purpose of the role: The Science Communications Officer is responsible for the delivery of communications and dissemination activities related to HEAL’s participation in research projects under the content guidance of the EU Projects Coordinator. This involves coordinating all communication and dissemination activities for the research projects in which HEAL is involved, developing and implementing effective communications strategies, elaborating informative materials, and building and sharing compelling stories that showcase research findings towards policy, with a focus on science to policy communication.

Salary range: C

Key duties:

Communications strategy and narrative development

• Take the lead in developing and implementing HEAL’s communications strategies across EU-funded research projects with support from the Head of Communications as necessary
• Contribute to drafting project communications and dissemination plans, which include targets (KPIs) for all communications channels including social media
• Keep abreast of the latest innovations in storytelling and take the lead in sharing scientific research and related policy content innovatively

Coordination and delivery of communication products

• Coordinate the development of a project’s overall branding and visual identity (logo, banners, templates, by-lines, image database, etc.)
• Coordinate the development and maintenance of project websites with web designers and the wider consortium
• Develop and maintain the projects’ other communication channels, including social media
• Contribute to developing and maintain the project’s stakeholder lists (including media lists) for dissemination purposes
• Develop and maintain the projects’ communications calendars
• Help organize HEAL webinars related to research projects
• Participate in research project meetings and support the preparation of internal presentations

Content creation

• Create engaging written and visual content for project-specific communication channels as well as HEAL’s online and offline communications channels, to be shared with diverse stakeholders (website copy, blog posts, interviews, social media, explainer pieces, newsletters, etc.)
• Develop infographics, videos and other types of educational content, tailored towards specific stakeholder groups and languages
• Draft press releases on new scientific findings, with the support of the EU Research Projects Coordinator
• Review and edit content created by HEAL’s EU Research Projects Coordinator and other staff members with a view to effectively translate science to accessible policy and public messages

Organisational development and other duties

• Contribute to HEAL’s efforts to monitor the performance of all communications products to inform communications and dissemination strategies, both at project level and at organisational level
• Participate actively in HEAL meetings and HEAL general assembly
• Undertake any other relevant duties and projects delegated by the Head of Communications in line with the responsibilities of the post

Personal specifications

Required skills, knowledge and experience

• Postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience in communications, journalism, media studies or any other relevant field
• At least 3 years of experience in an external communications role
• Qualification and/or experience in science communication
• Experience of successfully delivering communications strategies and publication plans targeting different audiences through different communications channels
• Ability to engage both with researchers and lay audiences
• Knowledge and experience of creating different types of content, including social media posts, articles and video/audio content
• Native or near native level English writing skills, with the ability to convey information in a compelling and concise way and to re-package complex or technical content in an accessible format
• Strong project-management skills and attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to engage with, and influence others across a team and organisation
• Demonstrable experience of working well in multi-disciplined/cross-functional team
• Excellent computer, IT skills, Microsoft Office applications, knowledge of design programmes such as Adobe Creative Suite and/or Canva
• Commitment to HEAL’s values and mission

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience

• Experience of working in a research environment, including with multiple stakeholders
• Interest in, and some knowledge of, environmental and health issues, especially related to the use of chemicals and pesticides
• Good understanding of the EU regulatory processes
• Previous experience collaborating on EU-funded initiatives
• Experience with content management systems (e.g. WordPress) and web analytics
• Knowledge of additional European languages