Communication & Outreach Specialist

The Southwest Center for Advancing Clinical and Translational Innovation (SW CACTI) is seeking a Communication & Outreach Specialist to provide professional leadership and project management support in the planning, development, and coordination of both internal and external communications projects, programs, and outreach events of key significance to the advancement of the overall goals and objectives of SW CACTI. Responsible for planning and designing as well as the oversight of the execution of communications projects and events to enhance the visibility of and engagement with SW CACTI. Duties to include development of comprehensive written content, presentations, speeches, and content for community outreach events, as well as production of web/social media content and promotional materials, and related activities.

SW CACTI aims to remove barriers to translational science, accelerate clinical translational innovation, and advance health outcomes in the United States Southwest region. SW CACTI is a partnership between the University of New Mexico (UNM) and the University of Arizona (UA).

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provides professional assistance and support to SW CACTI Administration in the planning, designing, development, and management of strategic communication projects and initiatives.

2. Provide development support and administrative and technical management of SW CACTI programmatic websites and social media, including content creation and/or editing, overall functionality, maintenance, and user analytics/metrics.

3. Writes and edits promotional SW CACTI materials including press releases, newsletters, memos, infographics, and brochures; disseminates material to appropriate communication channels.

4. Performs in-depth research and analysis on specific issues as assigned; develops and prepares comprehensive communications and/or reports based on analysis and interpretation of issues.

5. Writes, edits, and reviews public relations materials for SW CACTI Administration and senior management, to include fact sheets, articles, newsletters, and speeches; oversees production and publication of public relations materials and other related communications.

6. Participates in strategic planning, and manages and coordinates the development, implementation, and completion of special projects related to internal and/or external communications and/or public relations initiatives; facilitates strategic advertising in various local media outlets.

7. Assists Translational Science Navigator in planning, coordinating and conducting special events such as open houses, community events, meetings, and/or tours.

8. Oversees the development and maintenance of comprehensive contact databases.

9. Collaborates with SW CACTI leadership in the development and dissemination of broadly based strategic communication designed to inform the public of SW CACTI’s programs and accomplishments.

10. Coordinates public outreach programs as appropriate to the position; designs and develops presentations for SW CACTI Administration and senior staff.

11. Serves as liaison to UNM-government agencies on community relations issues.

12. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

TERM APPOINTMENT; FUNDING AVAILABLE THROUGH 06/30/2026 CONTINUANCE BEYOND THAT DATE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF ADDITIONAL FUNDING.

See the Position Description for additional information.

High school diploma or GED; at least 7 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.