[Editors] Whitehead positions

[Eric Bender]

Dear editors: David Cameron left Whitehead's Communications and Public Affairs office some months back, and now Alyssa Kneller will be joining him at Harvard Medical School. Both will be greatly missed.

We just posted their positions of media relations officer and web communications science writer (please see below).  

Any interested candidates should contact our HR office (information also below) with letter, resume and a few clips. Folks also can feel free to contact me directly, but please note that I'll be on vacation for two weeks starting tomorrow. Thanks,

Eric

Eric Bender
Associate Director of Communications & Public Affairs
Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research
5 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
617.258.9183, 617.258.8848 fax


Media Relations Officer 

Oversees efforts at Whitehead geared toward public understanding of the Institute's research mission.  Functions as principal writer in the CPA Office, directs major writing and video projects, builds and maintains strong relationships with national and international media, plans press events, and works with the Director of Communications and Public Affairs to develop and initiate new communications initiatives.

Responsibilities
.	As principal CPA writer, conceives, schedules and writes key feature stories for internal and external publications. Also responsible for press releases, backgrounders, op-eds, web features and talking points on research activities at the Institute.
.	Translates technical or complex information in science research into interesting and readable prose, recognizing the news value of research findings. 
.	Assures clearance of written materials by appropriate faculty and management. Exercises independent news and institutional judgment in selection and pursuit of stories.
.	Assigns, edits, and manages a writing staff of freelance talent. 
.	Cultivates relationships with writers at major media outlets and shapes/directs stories about Whitehead research as necessary. 
.	Develops contacts in the Whitehead labs to stay on top of the science conducted at the Whitehead.
.	Produces communications collateral (video, art, publications, web features) geared toward increasing the profile of Whitehead and building relationships with media.
.	Guides and manages junior staff in executing media relations efforts, and in tracking and analyzing press coverage in print and broadcast media.
.	Serves as associate editor for Paradigm magazine and as a member of the general editorial team, producing and editing outgoing materials as needed.
.	Develops and manages media relations budgets, making independent acquisitions and resource decisions.
.	Represents the CPA Director as assigned on high-level staff projects, interactions with the Institute Director, and in senior management roles with wide-ranging Institutional impact.
.	Attends meetings and conferences in the Boston metro area and nationally to network with press and public information colleagues from other research institutions.
.	Develops and schedules training modules for interacting with members of the press.
.	Organizes and hosts annual press seminar
.	Performs other duties as necessitated by the position.

Qualifications
.	BA/BS is required; an advanced degree in journalism, communication or science strongly preferred. 
.	10+ years of directly related and progressively responsible work experience; previous experience in journalism preferred.
.	Established relationships with national and international science and medical media contacts. 
.	Proven design and production management skills, and a demonstrated track record of national media placement.
.	Strong writing and editing skills and the ability to generate story ideas for internal and external publications.  
.	Exceptional personal communications skills, program and budget management skills.
.	Strong ability to manage freelance talent.
.	Strong ability to work creatively and independently in all aspects of the position.


Web Communications Science Writer 

Working independently under the leadership of the Director of Communications and Public Affairs, the Web Communications Science Writer is a science writer and web expert who implements Whitehead Institute's strategic communications plan for the web by serving as lead architect and content manager of the Institute's online communications to a worldwide audience of external constituents.

Incumbent works with programmers and other consultants to raise the visibility of the Institute by assessing the effectiveness of existing web vehicles; developing and implementing changes in site architecture, content, functionality, identity standards, and design; and producing electronic newsletters, videos, graphics, podcasts, and other web vehicles. Duties also include writing effective science copy for both online and print publications. Incumbent also provides technical support for the Whitehead Intranet but is not responsible for platform upgrades and technical maintenance of the Institute's Internet infrastructure.

Responsibilities 
.	Works closely with Director and Associate Director to develop and implement a strategic web communications plan designed to raise visibility of Whitehead Institute among external constituents. 
.	Analyzes web trends and sites of other research and academic institutions to increase web traffic and identify new opportunities for online outreach.
.	Recommends revisions in site architecture, design, and web identity standards as well as creation of online newsletters and other electronic communication vehicles.
.	Working with internal and external vendors, creates, expands, and regularly refreshes content, design, and functionality of Whitehead's primary web portal (www.wi.mit.edu), online newsletters, and other web-based vehicles to ensure their accuracy, usefulness, and accessibility to targeted audiences. 
.	Creates, edits, and produces web graphics, videos, podcasts, and other media-based projects.
.	Writes science stories and other material for both online and print publications.
.	Offers technical supervision and support for internal communications and other Institute departments in developing and maintaining the Whitehead Intranet. 
.	Submits bi-monthly activity reports on all projects.

Qualifications
.	Bachelor's degree in communications, science, journalism, or related field. Certificates in web design and development highly desirable.
.	Requires 2-4 years of web and writing experience in a public affairs setting, particularly in a biomedical or science environment.
.	Demonstrated ability to utilize site architecture and design to effectively structure information for the web. 
.	Expert knowledge of technologies related to web site creation and management, including basic JavaScript, RSS, web video, podcasts, and Flash. 
.	Strong understanding of basic biological research and ability to translate its intricacies to both scientific and lay audiences in a lively, engaging manner. 
.	Effectiveness in verbal and editorial skills, including writing, editing, proofreading, scheduling, and production. 
.	Outstanding project management skills, with ability to prioritize and execute complex projects requiring multiple departments and external contractors. 
.	In-depth knowledge of both traditional and news media. 
.	Ability to work independently and as a team member. 
.	Meticulous attention to detail as well as ability to see the big picture. 
.	Reliability in work habits and motivation to meet deadlines.


Please apply to Whitehead Human Resources:

dawilson at wi.mit.edu
Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research
Human Resources Department
Five Cambridge Center
Cambridge, MA 02142
Fax: 617-258-5121