Overview

As Stanford’s hub of interdisciplinary environment and sustainability research, the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment is the go-to place for Stanford faculty, researchers and students to collaborate on environmental solutions.

Our team works to develop environmental leaders, inform decision-makers and convene experts in pursuit of practical solutions for people and planet. We’re advancing breakthrough research that links knowledge to action and solves the environmental challenges of today and tomorrow.

Our 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:

The Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment seeks an experienced communications professional to produce content and report findings related to freshwater and public health research produced by its centers and programs. Housed in the Institute, this role will serve Stanford’s Program on Water, Health & Development (WHD) and the Program on Water in the West (WitW).

Core responsibilities of the role include raising the profile of Stanford freshwater and public health research, tools, experts, and events, as well as managing the curation and flow of data and findings to key funders. The manager will co-develop, implement and monitor communications plans that advance Woods goals for linking research to action; conceive of and produce editorial content and audio/visual collateral such as news releases, research briefs, social media posts and video/animation scripts; produce the bi-annual WHD and WitW e-newsletters for external constituents; produce and post content for social media channels and websites; and serve as a knowledge manager on key grants where data must be reported back to funders.

The Communications Manager reports to the Institute’s Associate Editor for Science and Environment and will coordinate closely with the faculty leads of Woods water programs.

This position is fixed term for 12 months with an opportunity to renew based on funding.

CORE DUTIES:

  • Conceptualize, research, produce and distribute written communications, including news stories, white papers and reports, web content, social media posts, talking points, presentations and correspondence.
  • Collaborate with key researchers to develop strategies and tactics for facilitating effective communications and engagement with key audiences.
  • Prepare bi-annual external newsletters and oversee email and digital content distribution.
  • Identify individuals/groups to respond to media or speaker requests
  • Manage white paper and report publications process including copy editing, photo procurement, and securing/managing contract graphic design services
  • Coordinate media, community or government relations, and ensure logistics and preparations are handled.
  • Serve as a project manager responsible for meeting deadlines and milestones related to WHD and WitW communications deliverables
  • Maintain WHD and WitW website content and oversee work of web development/maintenance contractors; ensure ease-of-use, updated, relevant and organized content and site analytics.

Specifically, this role will be engaged in the following:

  • Publicity & Promotion: Conceptualizing, researching and producing written communications, including presentations, speeches, news stories, web content, talking points, correspondence and social media posts; managing the WHD/WitW editorial calendar and coordinating that calendar and broader editorial efforts with Woods and Stanford communications teams.
  • Planning & Strategy: Designing and implementing program and initiative-specific communications strategies and plans, including social, earned and owned media, in coordination with key partners; managing relationships and projects with vendors including graphic designers, copyeditors, videographers and printers.
  • Internal Communications: Participating in regular meetings of key researchers with media relations needs to develop strategies and tactics for facilitating effective communications; and drafting reports for internal and external audiences.
  • Constituency Building and Engagement: Managing bi-annual external newsletter design, distribution and metrics; and understanding email and digital content distribution.
  • Information and Knowledge Management: Working with project investigators to develop and implement a knowledge management plan to meet requirements of ongoing grants. Maintaining key contact data in CRM (Salesforce and/or Capsule) or other contact database tools. Conceptualizing and developing channels, tools and products for keeping funders and other stakeholders informed on research progress.
  • Donor Stewardship: Work with WHD and WitW leadership and others to prepare backgrounders, factsheets,  presentations, reports and other materials used for advancement and donor stewardship.

OPTIONAL: Please note that due to current COVID-19 safety measures, our office is working fully remote through Spring 2021. Once COVID-19 safety measures are no longer applicable, this position will be based on the Stanford campus and will be considered for an option of telecommuting, subject to operational need.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Excellent written communication skills, reporting skills, and skills in conceptual editing, copy editing, and proof reading.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with internal communications groups across campus.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal skills in working with a variety of people.
  • Capacity to write and synthesize materials and communicate information in a manner easily understood.

Certifications and Licenses:
n/a

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.

* – 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.

Application Process: To be considered, candidates will include append a cover letter and resume with their Stanford application. Please note a writing test and background check will be required for all final candidates.

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.