Senior Health Communications Specialist

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive strategic communication plans to advance program goals. Ensure that the program’s communication activities are achieved in collaboration with DNPAO branches, relevant CDC programs and with key partner organizations.
• Develop and implement communications strategies that elevate program visibility, amplify key messages and enhance engagement across earned and social media channels. Create and disseminate communications products and supporting materials for the program.
• Coordinate and support development of educational and promotional materials for DNPAO-authored publications, presentations and products.
• In collaboration with the team and contractors, develop audience research and material testing plans, creative briefs and dissemination plans to support campaigns.
• Advise senior program leadership and team members on communication strategies, message framing, media engagement and other media topics as needed.
• Assist with issues management, response development and real-time tracking of deliverables with urgent deadlines.
• Write topical issue briefs on initiatives supported by the program.
• Ensure that documents conform to agency policies, branding and style.
• Plan and execute the evaluation of external communication messages and impact.
• Coordinate with others on health media production, publications for professional and public audiences and electronic health communication activities.

Requirements

• Master's degree in journalism, communication, English, public health, public policy or related fields.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in the fields of communication or health policy, preferably focused on public health.
• Demonstratedexperience developing and executing a broad range of communication strategies.
• Minimum of 3 years working on health policy and/or communication products and materials for government agencies (web content, briefing materials, press releases, promotion plans and fact sheets).
• Demonstrated subject matter experience in maternal and child nutrition, infant and young child feeding.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead the production of communication products, documents and presentation materials that are high quality and error-free.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership, subject matter experts and external partners.
• Proven ability to collaborate as part of a team while independently managing tasks and timelines.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills .
• Strong understanding of communication theory and its application to strategy.