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Title: AViDD Marketing Communications Specialist
Do you want to be a part of a team dedicated to prepare for the next pandemic? The Midwest Antiviral Drug Discovery (AViDD) Center is part of a network of nine national centers established by NIAID in response to the public health emergency caused by COVID-19. The mission of the center is to develop antiviral drugs for pandemic-level viruses.
The Marketing and Communications Specialist will lead the communications efforts on behalf of the AViDD Center. Working with the Centers’ leadership and collaborating within the Medical School, the Marketing Communications Specialist will develop, plan and execute brand and communications strategy. This role  is an integral part of the centers success in connecting with the community, build relationships across industires, enhance collaboration and peer reputation, in addition to ensuring our own academic community is informed of the Center’s development and progress. It is an exciting role, and for the right person an amazing opportunity to be a part of something that can impact all of us in the future.

Job Functions and Duties include:
Marketing & Communications, 50%
● Working closely with Center leadership to position AViDD branding and messaging with current and prospective industry partners, media and the public, clinicians and end users, internal researchers and staff, and other stakeholders
● Creating a strategic communications plan that features innovative ways to engage the public, collaborators and peers  in AViDD research.  May include social media, blogs, web content, presentations, talking points, etc. that inform and motivate stakeholders and partners.
● Leading effort to generate and strategically place AViDD-focused news stories in major media outlets locally and with national partners.  Responsible for all press relations strategies working closely with Medical School and University Relations in support of the Center and its affiliates.  Which includes monthly monitoring of results and ongoing learning.
● Being nimble and creative in developing, implementing, and adapting marketing campaigns to industry and other audiences.
● Building strong working relationships with academic faculty, university staff, media, and other partners, stakeholders, and contractors.
● Lead on any crisis communications with internal partners, and managing highly sensitive matters with integrity and discretion.  
● Manage website and pull in SME’s as needed for scientific content creation (multi media approach).
● Project manage and conduct educational events and other outreach activities, including giving public lectures, organizing annual workshops, and coordinating national and international sessions.
● Effective communication to industry is essential.  The successful candidate will work closely with our leadership team to provide the “bridge” of communication between research faculty researchers and industry.   The candidate must be a collaborative individual with strong experience building productive relationships with academic researchers, industry stakeholders, and media partners.


Content Development & Production, 50%
● Create original content for mass emails, e-newsletters, the AViDD website, social media channels, and printed material, to include writing, designing graphics, editing photographs, creating GIFs, and shooting or editing video content
● Oversee design graphics, format layouts, and implement all visual design stages from concept to final publishing
● Develop, finalize, and arrange the production of printed promotional materials such as flyers, brochures, and posters
● Participate in projects, committee assignments, and outreach as needed to advance AViDD’s communications goals
● Perform other duties as assigned
 

Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree and at least 4 years of related experience.
Experience working with academic researchers.
Creativity, innovative thinking, outstanding problem-solving skills, strong story creation abilities and a strategic focus.
Proven ability to influence internal and external constituents.
Outstanding verbal, visual and written communications skills and high-tech media skills.
Demonstrated ability to create high quality work that adapts to meet the needs of both industry stakeholders and academic researchers.
Ability to direct contractor or part time hourly staff on website content postings, video stories, and graphics.

Desired
Experience with graphic design.
Experience with technology commercialization processes.

About University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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