Communications Specialist

Overview

The Communications Specialist supports the Department of Medical Oncology through the writing, editing, and management of clear, engaging content across print and digital channels. Working closely with the communications manager and department leadership, this role is primarily responsible for producing a weekly newsletter and meeting slides, while also supporting department reports, letters, and periodic internal and external website updates.

The ideal candidate is a strong writer and editor with excellent research and design judgment, experience with newsletter and web platforms, and the ability to build trusted relationships with department faculty and other stakeholders across the Institute. This role should also be comfortable using AI as a collaborative tool to support content development and workflow while exercising sound judgment, discretion, and attention to tone, clarity, and audience needs.

A cover letter is required. Attach a copy of a cover letter with your application.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

• Supports the development, editing, and execution of written and digital content for internal communication channels, which primarily includes our workforce intranet DFCI Online, internal e-newsletter products such as DFCI Digest, staff broadcast emails, and our bi-weekly publication, Inside the Institute

• Edits pieces on a wide variety of topics for DFCI Online, Inside the Institute, or other channels as needed; exercises creativity and discretion to balance writers’ voices with Dana-Farber style; and recasting sentences for tone, clarity, and concision when necessary.

• Contributes to short- and long-term editorial calendar planning by sourcing story concepts and content ideation

• Monitors user-generated content and comments for appropriateness on assigned channels, when applicable

• Works collaboratively with other content creators across organization to ensure accuracy of information

• Liaises with assigned clients, developing relationships as main point of contact for client communication needs, including but not limited to curating, building, regularly updating, and managing a variety of technical and content initiatives such as building new intranet pages aligned with clients’ needs in support of Dana-Farber initiatives

• Works closely with IS and web application developers within the organization to ensure the continuation of a common, stable development environment for content contributors and staff engagement

• Contributes to Dana-Farber’s social media efforts, recommending content and coordinating management of assigned social media projects

Supports the Communications department at large, which may include:

• Collaborating with departmental team members and/or participating in department client teams to ensure efficient flow of information and project work.

• Partnering with web development team to understand and improve channel platforms

• Becoming team power user and lead implementer in any project management system guiding in-house writers and freelancers in the development of new intranet or web content

• Staying current on trends and best practices in employee communications, content creation, editorial management, and editorial workflow

• Writing, editing, proofreading and other duties as assigned.

• Monitoring DFCI Online (intranet) inbox

• Partnering with department leadership to lead Inclusion, Diversity & Equity efforts

• Maintaining ongoing communication with the client and/or department through the use of standardized reporting and project status tools to ensure timely and effective delivery of quality projects and deliverables

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: 

• Technical proficiency and basic experience with various content creation and editing programs

• Basic knowledge of various database, project management, and other communications tools and systems

• Basic experience working with, and understanding of analytics

• Understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion principles and how to apply them to content strategy

• Knowledge of WuFoo, Smug Mug or Tockify preferred

• Basic knowledge of web editing and management highly preferred

• Writing, editing, and project management skills, including idea research and generation, story or content development, interviewing, understanding and application of style guides a plus

• Excellent attention to detail and proofreading skills

• Demonstrated project management skills and ability to prioritize and execute efficiently when priorities shift

• Ability to build alignment, trust, and productive relationships with cross-functional stakeholders

• Ability to meet multiple deadlines and juggle multiple projects

• Ability to think both strategically and creatively

• Demonstrated history of collaboration with a range of constituents and clients, including senior leaders, clinicians, researchers, administrative and support staff, and students

• Discretion and diplomacy in handling confidential staff and patient information

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications or a related field
• 1 year of experience in editing and contributing to content, including intranet or web content.
• Experience working with web developers, designers, UX teams, and business analysts, as well as familiarity with SEO, Google Tag Manager, and Google Analytics, is preferred.
• A background in communications within healthcare, academic, or corporate organizations is highly preferred.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

PATIENT CONTACT: None

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.  

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Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

$58,100.00 - $66,200.00