Summary

Under the direction of Project ECHO senior leadership, oversees Project ECHO's communications efforts with respect to media relations, public information, public affairs and associated publications. Develops communication strategies and products consistent with the project's mission, goals, objectives, and priorities, in consultation with program leadership. Works collaboratively with the Health Science Center Communications Office, the University Communication & Marketing department and other appropriate individuals and groups. Implements project strategies and coordinates with various stakeholders to ensure strategies are reflected in the communication programs and initiatives to build support for Project ECHO among key national and global audiences, including governments, health care, education and academia.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Plans, coordinates, and oversees the project's public affairs and oversees communications efforts, to include public relations, community outreach, and internal publications and communications, as appropriate.
2. Manages a comprehensive news and information service for the project, utilizing new and traditional media communication strategies to disseminate news and information to the media through the HSC Communications Office, to the project community and stakeholders, and to the general public.
3. Performs and/or oversees the development of messaging, presentations, talking points, reports, publications and training materials.
4. Performs or oversees activities associated with media queries, media interviews, news releases, media kits and press conferences; develops comprehensive communication programs associated with media relations, public affairs, and program publications; serves as a public information liaison, as appropriate.
5. Supervises personnel, which typically includes recommendations for hiring, firing, performance evaluation, training, work allocation, and problem resolution.
6. Coordinates surveys, evaluations and assessments of external communications activities in order to determine the effectiveness of the project's marketing and communications plans and programs.
7. Assures quality, appropriateness and timely completion of communication programs and initiatives, whether internally or externally produced.
8. Cultivates and maintains relationships with constituents, experts, and other newsmakers, as it relates to identifying opportunities to promote the interests and accomplishments of the project.
9. Supports the design and implementation of comprehensive communications plans and programs, taking into consideration the project's image, message and positioning, mission, goals, priorities and accomplishments of the project.
10. Consults with senior leadership, staff, and other constituents regarding communication strategies, goals, objectives, and priorities; participates in and/or leads project-level communication initiatives and develops key messages impacting the institution's public image.
11. Establishes and implements short- and long-range organizational goals, objectives, strategic plans, policies, and operating procedures; monitors and evaluates programmatic and operational effectiveness, and effects changes required for improvement.
12. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree; at least 5 years of experience that is directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge and understanding of current communication and marketing issues and trends.
• Knowledge of journalism, public relations and general communications principles and practices.
• Outstanding interpersonal and community relations skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community.
• Ability to write executive-level communications for internal and external audiences.
• Ability to analyze complex problems, interpret operational needs, and develop integrated, creative solutions.
• Ability to foster a cooperative environment and to work in a collegial fashion with peers in other organizational units.
• Ability to plan and implement operational policies and procedures in area of expertise.
• Ability to use independent judgment and to gather, manage and impart information to the media and various other internal and external audiences.
• Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
• Employee development and performance management skills.
• Strategic planning skills.
• Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
• Knowledge of professional audio/video and staging techniques, facilities, and equipment.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• No or very limited physical effort required.
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 08/01/2019