Communications Officer

Economics - Cowles Foundation

91082BR

Communications, Officer

None - Not included in the union (Yale Union Group)

Full time

Regular

Administration & Operations

Supervisor; Senior Associate (P5)

Click here to see our Wage Ranges

Administration, Communications/Editing/Teaching

37.5

Standard (M-F equal number of hours per day)

Central Campus

30 Hillhouse Avenue
New Haven, CT 06511

Hybrid

The Cowles Foundation for Research in Economics has as its purpose the conduct and encouragement of research in economics and seeks to foster the development and application of rigorous logical, mathematical, and statistical methods of analysis in economics and related fields. The Foundation provides financial support for research, visiting faculty, postdoctoral fellowships, workshops, conferences and graduate students.

The Cowles Communications Officer will have a dual report to the Cowles Director and the Administrative Director of the Foundation and will be someone who possesses the exceptional writing skills required to translate rigorous academic writings into concise, captivating summaries that would be appreciated by a wider audience. They will develop compelling story ideas and author a variety of written communications primarily for external audiences to share research insights and enhance the visibility of the Cowles Foundation and the work of its members and other research affiliates while being responsible for developing the strategies to disseminate this content through a variety of channels including but not limited to website, newsletters, blog posts, social media posts, publications and other informational materials.

The Cowles Communications Officer will be heavily involved in the written content of the Cowles website in collaboration with the Cowles Website Specialist and will administer the processes by which the research of Cowles faculty and visitors is disseminated to the broader academic community. They will also work closely with the Cowles administrative staff to drive the communication strategy and ancillary communication components of all Cowles events, seminars and conferences.

Applicants must submit 2 writing samples (press releases, op-eds, news stories, or short features) as part of their application. Finalists will be asked to complete a writing assignment.

1. Manages relationships with external media sources. Pursues media coverage creatively and aggressively. Responds to inquiries from national and international news media, student media, the University community and the general public. 2. Enhances the overall quality of media relations for key stakeholders by preparing them for media interviews. Manages relationships with key campus stakeholders with a high degree of professionalism, judgment and understanding of stakeholder goals. 3. Creates compelling story ideas and narratives; produces content for both external and internal channels; writes copy and social media posts and manages content. 4. Plans social media strategies for key University communications and programs. Monitors University social media assets for negative comments or misinformation. 5. Supports short- and long-term communication planning with insights into audiences, channels and culture; coordinates with other communications professionals to achieve institutional goals; leads the communications process within developed standards and protocols. 6. Supports effective response strategies, often in crisis situations requiring 24/7 attention and intense media/public scrutiny, and articulates the University’s position via personal interviews or written responses. 7. Produces multimedia content and manages the work of graphic and web designers, student interns, printers, video producers and photographers. 8. Manages communication plans for all stakeholders by understanding the significance of campus initiatives and/or academic work; creates compelling stories and messages to translate the significance through language that is clear and accessible for public awareness. 9. Develops and maintains regular contact with media representatives in multiple disciplines. 10. Maintains the Yale brand and graphic identity standards; supports and maintains standard operating procedures; contributes to digital asset management. 11. May perform other duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications or related field and five years of proven experience in public relations, journalism, television, corporate communications or agency work or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated experience in developing communications for a range of media and working with creative professionals in design, photography or video.

Ability to be an independent worker who shows initiative and dedication to the team with outstanding writing skills and ability to develop interesting content.

Demonstrated experience developing communications and writing for a range of media and transforming academic research into compelling narratives. Of particular interest are skills in public communications and the ability to translate theoretical and mathematical economic research into coherent and effective written materials for academic and lay audiences.

Ability to think analytically, articulate ideas clearly, and write a wide range of copy. Skilled in authoring web content, news stories, newsletters, and other materials with superb attention to detail and context. Excellent editing, fact-checking, and proofreading skills. Ability to utilize and adopt new technologies and processes.

Demonstrated ability to develop, execute, and measure the success of comprehensive communication plans. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop relationships with leadership, faculty, staff and other departmental stakeholders to develop content for distribution and/or publication.

Solid understanding of economics, as demonstrated by coursework, written outputs or other similar channels.

Master’s or higher degree in Economics, Public Policy, or equivalent working knowledge of economics; plus, five years related experience. Proven experience developing engaging content for newsletters and a familiarity with web content management systems. Proven experience in higher education and in the communications processes involved in the staging of large events.

Occasional

Occasional

No

No

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

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https://covid19.yale.edu/health-guidelines

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.

University policy is committed to affirmative action under law in employment of women, minority group members, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. Additionally, in accordance with Yale’s Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment, and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale’s Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

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