Communications Specialist, Operations

Background

CIRM was created by the people of California to fund stem cell and gene therapy research with the goal of accelerating treatments for patients with unmet medical needs. With $8.5 billion in funding allocated through both Proposition 71 in 2004 and Proposition 14 in 2020, CIRM supports stem cell and gene therapy discoveries from inception through clinical trials, trains a workforce in California to fill jobs in the state’s thriving biotech and biomedical research industry, and creates infrastructure to make clinical trials accessible for people throughout California. All of CIRM’s research, workforce development, and infrastructure programs are designed to benefit the people of California, whose vision created the agency.

General Statement

CIRM is seeking a full-time Communications Specialist, Operations for a 24-month limited-term position. Under the general direction of the Senior Director, Communications, the Communications Specialist, Operations will be responsible for creating and executing on a communication strategy to inform the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) grantees, potential applicants, board members, and the scientific community about CIRM programs and activities, including through supporting CIRM staff with memorable narratives, engaging presentations, webinars, emails, and web content.

In addition to engaging the grantee, applicant, and board member stakeholder communities, the Communications Specialist, Operations will support the Communications and Outreach team in communicating about CIRM programs and activities with additional stakeholders in California.

Essential Job Functions

In this position you will be accountable for a variety of responsibilities. Your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop and implement a communication strategy that informs CIRM’s grantees, potential grantees, the California scientific community, and board members about CIRM’s programs and activities.
• Collaborate with internal teams including Programs, Review, Legal, HR, Finance, IT, Grants Management, as well as external partners to develop content and campaigns that support CIRM’s initiatives.
• Assist with developing compelling storytelling narratives and messaging for CIRM programs and activities.
• Assist CIRM teams in creating engaging presentations about CIRM programs and activities.
• Be a resource to the Communications Team on effective messaging about CIRM’s programs and activities.
• Develop and launch communications to announce new activities, in collaboration with the communications team, utilizing emails, webinars, CIRM’s website, social media, and other channels to maximize reach and impact.
• Develop web content and landing pages for CIRM programs and activities, in collaboration with the communications team
• Coordinate with CIRM’s Social Media Specialist on content about CIRM’s programs and activities intended to reach stakeholder audiences via social media.
• Develop relationships with teams across the organization to stay current with CIRM’s programs and activities.
• Develop relationships with CIRM grantees and board members to understand their communication preferences and needs.
• Develop and maintain performance measurement metrics, analyze the results of communication efforts, and make data informed recommendations to improve future strategic approaches.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervision Received

The Communications Specialist, Operations reports to the Senior Director, Communications.

Supervision Exercised

None.

Qualifications (Experience and Education)

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological or health science field, communications, journalism, or a related field. Additional relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a 4-year degree.
• Strong and seasoned professional with experience in communications, journalism, or public relations, including work in the science or healthcare industry.

Competencies, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work independently, collaboratively, take initiative, and manage projects with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to develop clear, accurate, and engaging communication materials.
• Ability to collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to develop messaging and content.
• Exceptional narrative, writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to tailor content for multiple audiences and adhere to defined style guidelines.
• Ability to translate scientific information into accessible messaging.
• Coordination across multiple internal teams.
• Campaign planning and execution.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid environment, required to work two days in the South San Francisco office and three days remotely. In-person attendance of organizational meetings and board, subcommittee, and working group meetings as required.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be willing to work in a high-rise building.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Be available to work outside of normal business hours.

Salary Range and Benefits

This position is an exempt, full-time role. The expected pay for this position is $125,000 - $149,592 which fits within the full salary range of $115,638 - $154,080 for the Operations Communications Specialist job classification. It is uncommon for an individual to be offered a salary near the maximum of the range for a position. Salary for this position will reflect the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, knowledge, relevant education, and certifications, in addition to being aligned with the internal leadership peer group.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the interview process should inform the interview scheduler at the time of scheduling.

For general questions regarding this position or inquiries specifically related to reasonable accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), please contact jobs@cirm.ca.gov.

Benefits

https://benefits.calhr.ca.gov/state-employees/

Additional EEO Contact Information

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.