Are you a creative storyteller who's passionate about the impact of science on human health? A strategic communicator who understands the importance of mission, message and audience as well as an expert in the day-to-day management of digital communications channels? The Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute at Stanford seeks a digital community and social media strategist to cultivate and grow our online audiences and manage our social media channels. This position would also devote half their effort to developing and implementing a digital communications strategy for the new Phil and Penny Knight Initiative for Brain Resilience, housed within our institute.
About the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute: The goal of the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute is to understand how the brain gives rise to mental life and behavior, both in health and in disease. Our research community draws from and informs multiple disciplines, including neuroscience, medicine, engineering, psychology, education and law. Our discoveries will transform our understanding of the human brain, provide novel treatments for brain disorders, and promote brain health throughout our lifespans. The creative, cross-disciplinary mindset we foster in our trainees is cultivating the next generation of neuroscience research.
About the Phil and Penny Knight Initiative for Brain Resilience:
The Knight Initiative for Brain Resilience is a new cross-disciplinary research initiative anchored at the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute whose vision is to create a world without dementia. The initiative aims to harness the unique genius of Stanford to question long-standing assumptions about the biological causes of neurodegeneration and to explore creative new approaches to treating cognitive decline and promoting resilience in the aging brain. The initiative will take advantage of Stanford's fluid boundaries among departments and schools, bringing in new ideas from outside the neurosciences, incentivizing collaborative team research, and building a community at Stanford and beyond that is energized to take on the challenges of brain resilience and neurodegeneration.
Our commitment to diversity, inclusion, belonging, equity and justice: The Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute believes diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging are essential to advancing science and developing a vibrant intellectual community. As an Institute under Stanford's Vice Provost and Dean of Research, we champion the efforts and values outlined within the VPDoR Diversity Journey: * We create a hub of innovation through the power of diversity of disciplines and people. * We provide equitable access and opportunity to all members of the community in order to do their best work, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. * We listen to and value all colleagues who bring diverse perspectives to the advancement and development of a respectful community. * We promote a culture of belonging, equity, and safety. * We embed these values in excellence of education, research, and operation.
POSITION SUMMARY:
This position is a unique opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic individual with a combination of skills in social media, science communication, and audience strategy.
Reporting to the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute communications manager, this position will: * Create and curate content for the institute's social media channels and email newsletters -- including text, photography and video - to tell the stories of our research community * Oversee day-to-day operation of our website, including posting announcements, news stories, & events and contributing to a soon-to-be launched website redesign * Analyze and report on website and social media metrics to help guide our digital strategy and editorial decisions
This position will also devote 50% of their effort to the Knight Initiative, where they will: * Partner with initiative leadership and stakeholders to build a digital communications strategy for the initiative * Develop innovative communication campaigns to energize the Stanford neuroscience community and key external audiences around the Initiative's mission * Independently manage the initiative's web presence and social media channels
The ideal candidate will be able to rapidly translate scientific advances into approachable language highlighting implications for our understanding of the brain and brain resilience. The candidate should also serve as an internal a champion of digital community-building -- staying up to date on the ever-changing landscape of social media best practices and able to build enthusiasm for social initiatives among internal stakeholders. Experience with video and/or photography is highly desired.
CORE DUTIES: * Lead digital community-building through social media channels, blogs, email newsletters and the web. * Manage development and implementation of digital community strategy for the Knight Initiative for Brain Resilience, including how to identify and engage core audiences and fundamentally impact their relationship with constituents. * Responsible for ownership and management of digital channels and the web for the Knight Initiative; lead digital and web initiatives for the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute in collaboration with Institute communications manager. * Partner with internal stakeholders such as program teams, service teams, IT, campus partners to achieve program goals and to ensure coordination. * Manage constituent complaints and reputational issues and other high priorities on digital channels. * Assist in identifying and maintaining professional relationships with key press and community leaders; assist in coordinating media, community or government relations, and ensure logistics and preparations are handled.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience or a combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: * Knowledge of the web, technology, social platforms, current and future trends. * Ability to leverage current and future trends to help our organization succeed. * Excellent writing and analytical skills; Ability to understand materials of moderate complexity and synthesize across multiple sources to produce materials for diverse audiences * Demonstrated problem solver. * Ability to work independently to meet expected deadlines and schedules; Ability to manage and prioritize multiple deadlines * Excellent interpersonal skills and able to interact effectively with a diverse array of people, including senior leaders * Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite * Organized and strong attention to detail; excellent time management skills.
DESIRED REQUIREMENTS: * Master's degree in science communications, journalism, and/or advanced degree in the life sciences or engineering preferred * Communications experience in a nonprofit, national laboratory, or other research institution, including academia or industry * Experience producing photography, video, and/or graphic design
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*: * Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks. * Frequently stand/walk, sit, use a telephone, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, speaking. * Occasionally grasp forcefully, writing by hand. * Rarely sort/file paperwork.
* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
WORKING CONDITIONS: * Occasional work on evenings and weekends.
WORK STANDARDS: * Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations. * Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. * Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
Why Stanford is for You Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with: * Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak. * A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources. * A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits. * Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums. * Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Why work at Stanford?Stanford University has changed the world, over and over again.We are one of Silicon Valley's largest employers - and also one of the most unique. Our mission is to educate future leaders and promote interdisciplinary, world-class research and teaching. This passion makes Stanford an intensely creative, rewarding, and challenging place to work. At the same time, our traditions of respect and collaboration sustain a humane, supportive environment in which to pursue your life and your career.At Stanford you'll work with bright, diverse, dedicated people. You'll find encouragement to learn and grow. You'll enjoy excellent benefits and an outstanding environment. How will it change you?
