Science Communications and Engagement Specialist

Job Summary:

This position will have responsibility for the development and oversight of both internal and external communications strategies that impact the Clinical Research Recruitment and Workforce Development Programs within the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR). This role will be expected to provide communications and marketing design, writing, brand management, develop and execute strategic messaging campaigns, and create recognition and visibility for research among key stakeholders. The candidate possesses an advanced understanding of traditional, social media, and stakeholder engagement.

The Science Communications and Engagement Specialist must be able to build, maintain and nurture existing and new relationships with staff at all levels and with both internal & external stakeholders. This position requires a strategic thinker who is collaborative, approachable, responsive, and trustworthy.

This position will be 80% Clinical Research Recruitment Program and 20% Workforce Development Program and will report to the Program Director of Clinical Trial Operations in CROS.

Key Responsibilities:

Internal Communications (25%)

• Create announcements for events for the Clinical Research Recruitment and Workforce Development Programs.

• Send announcements, RSVPs, and meeting invites for workshops, meetings, and other events throughout the year for both programs.

• Maintain both the Clinical Research Recruitment and Workforce Develop Programs' website using Sitefinity.

• Oversee and maintain various vehicles of communication and awareness such as MS Teams channels, meeting announcements, emails, etc., for both programs.

• Ensure all electronic and print materials are free from grammar and spelling errors and adhere to CU branding standards for both programs.

External Communications for Clinical Research Recruitment Program (40%)

• Develop culturally relevant, unique, and engaging content for clinical research recruitment including social media advertising, recruitment flyers, newspaper ads, etc., using Canva.

• Create, test, and send the bimonthly Study Spotlight Newsletter in eComms ensuring that all study teams meet requirements to be included in the newsletter.

• Assist with the development of social media advertisements for clinical research recruitment for research teams across CU Anschutz.

• Help build and maintain social media presence on various platforms for the Clinical Research Recruitment Program.

• Communicate with research teams regarding social media campaign process, calendar, and advertisements in a timely manner.

• Ensure all electronic and print materials are free from grammar and spelling errors, meet our language requirements, and adhere to CU branding standards.

Community Engagement (20%)

• Plan and host events for both programs throughout the year to engage the CU Anschutz Research Community.

• Identify internal and external events to engage the surrounding community in clinical research for the Clinical Research Recruitment Program.

• Attend events and provide research and workforce development education to community members.

• Prepare for events by reserving rooms, ordering food, sending Outlook invitations, recording meetings, updating and printing materials, and ordering supplies, etc., for both programs.

• Design, order, and maintain event giveaway inventory for both programs.

• Enter post event metrics into relevant databases including but not limited to attendance, registration, and newsletter signups for both programs.

Administrative (10%)

• Help field requests for the Recruitment and Workforce Development Programs by managing the shared email inboxes.

• Facilitate delegated research trainings; and record attendance and send certificates for all education trainings in Percipio (the University Learning Management System) for the Workforce Development Program.

• Update and post schedules, recordings, and curriculum on a regular basis for both programs.

• Record registration and attendance for programmatic events for both programs.

• Send post-evaluation surveys or feedback forms for events and programmatic services for both programs.

• Provide the highest level of customer support by providing timely and accurate responses and solutions for both programs.

• Manage and submit expense reports and assist with financial tracking for both programs, as needed.

Other (5%)

• Miscellaneous tasks as requested by leadership to support the needs of the programs.

Work Location:

Hybrid - this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of 3 days per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings.

Why Join Us:

The Clinical Research Operations and Services (CROS) department is dedicated to ensure investigations with human subjects are conducted effectively from study start-up to closure. Navigating the research landscape to advance medicine and science through collaboration, resources, and expertise is our mission.

Why work for the University?

We haveAMAZINGbenefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options

• Dental: Multiple plan options

• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision

• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay

• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year

• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)

• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)

• Holiday Days: 10/year

• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses

• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Substitution A combination of education and related technical/military/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree on a year for year basis.

• 1 year of professional marketing, communications or social media management experience

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's in public health, science, communications, or similar field.

• 1 or more years of professional experience in public health, science, communications, or similar field.

• Experience with Canva is preferred.

• Experience with Smartsheet is preferred.

• Experience with a Learning Management System.

• Experience analyzing business operations or workflows, finding efficiencies, and implementing improvements.

• Bilingual in Spanish and English

Competencies: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Familiarity with Camtasia, Skillsoft, Canvas or other education platforms.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.

• Outstanding customer service skills.

• Knows when to ask questions, can work with minimal supervision, meet deadline and expectations.

• Able to coordinate and prioritize several simultaneous tasks with potentially conflicting priorities.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position (only use if a cover letter is necessary)

2. Curriculum vitae / Resume

3. Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Questions should be directed to: Kiley Vander Wyst, kiley.vanderwyst@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by October 1, 2025.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $50,185 - $63,835.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and othervaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in theoccupational health medical surveillance program.