The Addiction Science Team is focused on 1) Improving Systems of Care and 2) Enhancing Drug User Wellness, with approximately 25 staff members supporting work in these two areas of concentration. We are currently seeking a Strategic Communications Associate who will be responsible for expanding and leading all aspects of the UMSL-MIMH Addiction Science Team’s communication strategy and supporting all team members in related needs. This includes developing and implementing an integrated communications plan focused on promoting and advancing our mission to support individuals who use drugs and our communities through program design, implementation, research, evaluation, capacity-building and training. Work will include building and/or maintaining the Addiction Science team’s varied communications assets, including multiple websites, online and print reports and educational materials, events; media and public relations; and social media. The position will be an ambassador for the team and lead development of guidelines to support consistent brand identity and positive interactions with the providers, funders, community members, researchers, and consultants with whom we work.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day activities of Addiction Science external communications including planning and oversight of UMSL-MIMH Addiction Science print and digital communications such as external reports, websites, and social media. Manage relationships with associated communication vendors as necessary.

• Develop and implement an integrated strategic communications plan to advance our UMSL-MIMH Addiction Science brand identity and visibility within key channels; broaden awareness of our initiatives and priorities.

• Maintain brand and messaging consistency and guidelines. Support project teams in shaping talking points, presentations, and other supporting material as needed.

• Actively engage, cultivate, and manage press relationships to ensure accurate and engaging coverage surrounding UMSL-MIMH Addiction Science initiatives, special events, public announcements, and partner efforts. 

• Work with supervisor and the Director of Addiction Science to coordinate and support media interactions that help share knowledge about changes in the landscape of drug use and addiction in Missouri and the fluid and complex work being done to address them.

• Regularly measure and communicate performance of communications plans and initiatives with particular attention to metrics that drive awareness, engagement, and support

• Advise and support directors and staff in topics related to communications and marketing, including identifying proactive solutions to any internal or external communications opportunities.

Remote Work/Physical Requirements: Hybrid in-person and remote work expected, with 2-3 in-office days per week. Can be flexible in the first few months if the ideal candidate is not based locally

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience successfully shaping and navigating messaging and communications in support of complex policy, social, and people-centered campaigns or narratives

• Experience implementing a media relations program – identifying and securing opportunities to increase organizational visibility

• Knowledge of SEO and other web and digital strategies 

• Proficiency in graphic design, photography, videography, and/or video editing strongly valued

• Experience mentoring and coaching others; ability to influence and engage indirect reports and peers

• Possess at least a moderate understanding of substance use disorder – particularly opioid use disorder – and the role of evidence-based harm reduction strategies in combating the overdose crisis

• Recognizes ways that race and other identities intersect in the work, especially with communities we serve and is comfortable talking about identities such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class, ability, or gender in plain, specific terms

Salary range: $51,875 - $73,008 annual depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefit Summary: The University of Missouri, St. Louis offers benefit-eligible employees a wide variety of benefits including; health, dental and vision coverage effective on the first day of employment, vacation & sick time accrual, four personal days per year, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, pension and employee & dependent life insurance. For more information about our benefit, please visit http://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

The University of Missouri-St. Louis is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity employer committed to excellence through diversity. As one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse campuses in Missouri, UMSL is committed to maintaining a climate where all students, faculty, staff and visitors can explore their interests, refine their talents and flourish. Inclusive excellence is embedded in our strategic plan which focuses on actions to recruit and retain diverse students and employees and promote activities that encourage civil and constructive discourse, reasoned thought and sustained dialogue in an environment of inclusion, respect and appreciation.

Specifically, our Addiction Science team is committed to building a diverse leadership team and strongly encourages applications from candidates of color, and people with lived experience with drug use, addiction, incarceration, and sex work.

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