DESCRIPTION

The Communications Manager for Oncology position is part of Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, one of only 40 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States. This designation is reserved for cancer centers with the highest achievements in cancer research, clinical care, education, and community contributions. It is also the first and only San Diego-based member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the world’s leading cancer centers, and is certified by the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPL), the leading quality program of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Moores Cancer Center strives to stay at the forefront of emerging cancer research in a patient-centric environment.

Reporting directly to the Oncology Director of Program Planning & Business Development, and working collaboratively with Moores Cancer Center leadership, the Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and executing a comprehensive and multidisciplinary communications program for Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health. This position coordinates all internal communications to oncology services constituents. Under direction by the Director and Moores Cancer Center leaders, implements long-term goals for internal communication among oncology services programs and outreach to other UC San Diego communications units and stakeholders in the oncology services community. This position also serves as the primary coordinator with UC San Diego Health Marketing and Communications and provides support for some external communications matters, including web content. This position works closely and supports the leaders of Moores Cancer Center on communications of scientific and medical information of interest to our community and constituents. This position also works on event planning and helps to encourage Moores Cancer Center faculty and staff engagement.

This position includes writing feature stories for health and health sciences; writing and editing content for web and various publications, and drafting talking points and statements. Plans and implements outreach efforts for campus initiatives including content for brochures, website and more. Also supports or assists with social media efforts including, but not limited to, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and other channels when appropriate in accordance with UC San Diego Health policies and procedures. The incumbent partners with communications lead in other units, including University Communications and Public Affairs, Health Systems, system-wide marketing directors, as well as national higher education marketing organizations, to align communications needs and activities. The Coordinator independently oversees a comprehensive communications program for a unit or school with moderately complex communications requirements. The communications program usually includes written, visual, digital and electronic communications. Works with management to develop and execute organizational communication and market branding strategy. Designs and implements information campaigns.

The Manager independently oversees a comprehensive communications program for a unit or school with moderately complex communications requirements. The communications program usually includes written, visual, digital, and electronic communications. Works with management to develop and execute organizational communication and market branding strategy. Designs and implements information campaigns. Adheres to UC San Diego Health Marketing and Communications guidelines regarding branding, content, and editing prior to use. Creates and manages image library. Provides feedback to the Director for improvements. Implements changes when needed. Proactively examines, updates, and maintains the cancer center web pages on the UC San Diego Health website for accuracy. Represents the cancer center with website managers from the UC San Diego Health Marketing and Communications unit.

Key Responsibilities:

• Works with the editorial team to develop the story lineup
• Writes and edits fresh, service-oriented copy for the newsletter and Health content hub, including features, news stories, video to drive utilization, increase online traffic and build a reputation.
• Performs editing, proofreading, and fact-checking for the newsletter and other internal publications.
• Works with fact-checkers, art/design team, and proofreads to prepare stories for publication.
• Stays up to date with activities, issues, and concerns of cancer survivors, patient advocates, caregivers, physicians, and cancer researchers.
• Reviews scientific journals and meetings for story ideas and special-issue topics.
• Attends scientific and patient advocacy meetings and events as needed to identify stories, sources, and topics of interest to readers.
• Manages the day-to-day production and deployment of the newsletter and social media presence for MCC. Note, the role will not manage social media channels but contribute to existing corporate channels run by a centralized social media team.
• Assists in analyzing metrics to advise on decisions about content for the newsletter and social media.
• Coordinates with marketing and communication colleagues to leverage content across the organization.
• Ensures production of high-quality products that effectively deliver the desired message within budget and time constraints.
• Shares content with other organizations.
• Assists the oncology leaders with all internal and external non-media content requirements as needed.
• Performs other ad hoc assignments as requested.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training. Three (3+) or more years of consumer health media experience. Five (5+) years or more, preferred.

• Knowledge of all aspects of communications, including strategic planning for various media venues, technical aspects and requirements of various venues, and most appropriate and effective applications.

• Knowledge and understanding of technical applications to effectively direct technical staff, or personally perform technical work, including design concepts, various media, and applications.

• Knowledge of the organization, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, policies, practices, infrastructure, and a strong knowledge of current affairs, and issues in higher education and / or health sciences.

• Solid skills to create, develop, and implement comprehensive long and short-term strategic communications plans.

• Demonstrated experience in developing printed materials, digital media, and meeting materials that present scientific or medical information to a general audience.

• Experience writing and editing engaging, objective and accurate stories about science, health and medicine.

• Experience with website and social media, including the ability to maintain, update and post new information using a content management system. Experience with HTML.

• Solid skill in writing and editing promotional materials, e.g. brochures, web announcements, fact sheets, background pieces, etc. Experience providing editing commentary feedback in a collaborative environment, using tact and diplomacy.

• Understanding of electronic newsletter layout, design and production.

• Demonstrated experience and comfort in using social media; experience in evaluating best social network avenues for different targeted audiences.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite.

• Solid skill in producing and manipulating graphic images for marketing and outreach purposes.

• Outstanding writing and editing ability. Knowledge of AP style.

• Understanding of print and digital media production including HTML.

• Excellent proofreading eye and attention to detail.

• Advises and consults with departmental / college administration regarding all aspects of communications including developing strong communications strategies that effectively deliver the desired message, policy interpretation, and problem resolution.

• Ensures production of high quality products that effectively deliver the desired message within budget and time constraints.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to use journalistic style to write interesting, accurate, and comprehensive news and feature articles.
• Experience in writing for the Web, e-Marketing activities, and utilizing electronic communications tools.
• Knowledge of and experience using media relations software/databases/monitoring services.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.