Communications Manager, WF Institute for Regenerative Medicine

The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) is recognized as an international leader in translating scientific discovery into clinical therapies. Physicians and scientists at WFIRM were the first in the world to engineer laboratory-grown organs that were successfully implanted into humans. Today, this interdisciplinary team that numbers about 400 is working to engineer more than 40 different replacement tissues and organs, and to develop healing cell therapies – all with the goal to cure, rather than merely treat, disease. 

JOB SUMMARY

The Communications Manager develops the overall strategy and oversees the implementation of activities for the Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine. Specific responsibilities include managing marketing and media activities through national and international press coverage, overseeing the content of the website and a social media strategy, and organizing community and media events.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• A college degree in journalism, communications, or related field.
• Experience in strategic communications media relations, and marketing, including experience as a web manager in website development and social media.
• Media writing on scientific advances geared to a lay audience is essential. 

SKILLS / QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent organizational and writing skills, strong computer literacy.
• High degree of initiative and advanced interpersonal skills.
• High degree of analytical ability needed to develop and evaluate plans and strategies. 
• Proficient in AP stylebook.
• Creative, innovative thinker with proven ability to work as part of a team and to interact effectively with media and with scientists/physicians.
• Ability to supervise numerous projects and ensure high-quality work on tight deadlines.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. In collaboration with the Director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, develops, drafts, and executes annual strategic communications and marketing plan for the Institute that supports the strategic plan.  Identifies market opportunities and marketing priorities.
2. Executes comprehensive communications plan for the Institute, including such tactics as relationship marketing, web pages, collateral materials, digital marketing, direct response campaigns, or other marketing activities associated with specific plans using scientific writing geared to a lay audience. Manages all aspects of the Institute’s website to maximize consumer experience.  Ensures website architecture consistency with WFBH main website.  Develops and executes content development and creative design improvements as needed. Monitors basic website operating metrics and makes recommendations to enhance results. 
3. Serves as the first point of contact for marketing and media calls and requests while working closely with the Institute Director to ensure proper protocol for media events and onsite interviews. Submits press releases on behalf of the Institute.
4. Develops, maintains and manages a relational Marketing database.  Identifies sources and resources needed to support the database. Maintains database to achieve maximum segmentation, and ease of use.  Develops targeted list strategies, manages the creation of internal and external mailing lists and provides program tracking and analytical support.
5. Maintains working knowledge of relevant healthcare marketing laws, rules and guidelines, including HIPAA, use of PHI, CAN-SPAM and related Medical Center policies and procedures.
6. Cultivates and maintains relationships with key internal stakeholders.
7. Ensures consistency in Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine messaging.
8. Develops and implements appropriate evaluation methods for all initiatives for effectiveness and quality.
9. Oversees and adheres to a budget that meets or exceeds engagement goals.

 

 

Wake Forest University School of Medicine (WFUSM) is a U.S. News and World Report top 50 ranked medical school, integrated with a world-class health system, Atrium Health. WFUSM, the academic core of Atrium Health Enterprise, is a recognized leader in experiential medical education and groundbreaking research that includes Wake Forest Innovations, a commercialization enterprise focused on advancing health care through new medical technologies and biomedical discovery. WFUSM, has over $300M in annual, extramural funding that drives a cutting-edge Academic Learning Health System by integrating innovative research with excellent patient care across our enterprise.

Atrium Health is based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and is part of Advocate Health, which is headquartered in Charlotte,