New

Senior Specialist, External Communications, Research

Mass General Brigham (Enterprise Services)
United States, Massachusetts, Somerville
399 Revolution Drive (Show on map)
Jul 24, 2025
The Senior Specialist, External Communications, Research, will report to the Program Director, External Communications, Research. The Senior Communications Specialist will focus on developing strategies to share research findings from Mass General Brigham (MGB) researchers that support MGB systemwide initiatives. The role will play a key part of a team at the intersection of science and effective storytelling to communicate basic, clinical and translational research studies and initiatives to the general public. The Senior Communications Specialist will work to translate findings from across scientific and medical disciplines, many published in peer-reviewed journals, into more accessible formats that are suited to diverse audiences. These audiences include reporters (mainstream as well as science/trade reporters), researchers and clinicians, potential collaborators and funders, patients and caregivers, industry partners, and the general public. The role will closely monitor new and upcoming publications from Mass General Brigham researchers, paying careful attention to deadlines and opportunities to showcase research and discovery. The Senior Communications Specialist will also project manage external communications vehicles, such as Research Spotlights and news releases, working closely with colleagues across Marketing Communications to publish and promote final products. Coordination of these activities will include working closely with researchers, journals, and the media relations team to track timing of new publications and align strategies accordingly. The role will also track performance and coverage of MGB research both in the media and on social media, reporting results to researchers and the communications team to identify successes as well as areas for improvement. The Senior Communications Specialist will work with the Program Director to engage with researchers and strategize with media relations colleagues to determine the best ways to communicate science, promote discoveries and tell researchers' stories. In addition to this, the Senior Specialist will help to identify areas in which research may be promoted on a larger, system-wide scale as part of the external communication team's priority of featuring Mass General Brigham as a national research leader. Additionally, the candidate will play a key role in internal and external communications, contributing written and audio/visual content for the MGB newsroom, MGB Bench Press blog, social media channels, emails, and other support as needed. The right candidate will need to be able to read and review scientific publications, maintain a working understanding of key scientific terms and trends, develop close relationships within the research community and with other administrative teams across the system, cultivate contacts with journals and adhere to and meticulously track rules of embargo and pre-embargo outreach, and be able to confidently adjust their writing styles to cater to people of diverse occupational backgrounds (research and health professionals, media, consumers, patients, etc.). Bachelor's Degree in communications, journalism, science (biology, neuroscience, etc.), public health, or a related field required. 3 - 5 years related experience required. Strong science and writing experience required. Skills in social media and graphic design preferred. Knowledge and proficiency in the use of communication-based technology platforms. A track record of consistently meeting performance measures and service standards. Principal Duties and Responsibilities: Reads and reviews new scientific publications from MGB researchers to identify the relevant information for diverse audiences Project manages external communications strategies from start to finish as well as contributing to internal stories and deadlines Identifies ways to break down and disseminate complex scientific and medical concepts through external vehicles (press releases, Research Spotlights, etc.), news articles and social media Supports and advises internal communications colleagues and internal research support groups (such as the Mass General Brigham Research Institute) on internal communications needs, including campaigns to raise awareness about Mass General Brigham research both within and beyond the MGB community. Develops and maintains successful relationships with MGB colleagues across the research communications team as well as with other stakeholders throughout the hospital, and Boston/Cambridge science community to standardize content across platforms and media Identifies opportunities for new features/topics and works to implement them Coordinates the production of guest posts from members of the research community, including editing materials prepared by other writers or staff Uses interactive technologies to blend text, graphics (illustrations, photographs, graphs), multidimensional images, sound, and video to increase users' understanding of the material Provides MGB research communications representation at events, seminars and conferences Designs, writes and edits a variety of collateral materials to support MGB research communications activities Other related duties and responsibilities as directed or assigned Skills/Abilities/Competencies: Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of communication development and delivery. Excellent demonstrated verbal and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation and delivery skills. Ability to effectively formulate and execute messages and strategies using a variety of communication vehicles. Understanding of personal computer software applications, including desktop publishing and how to apply them to effectively communicate with large groups. Strong organizational, planning and project management skills, including the ability to handle risk and/or difficult situations and to manage effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Ability to read highly technical scientific papers, identify key pieces of information and support the development and implementation of publications and collateral materials by determining the needs of the audience and selecting the appropriate medium for the message or audience. Ability to understand and communicate complex medical/scientific ideas and present them in a clear, concise and accurate manner to a wide range of audiences. An organized self-starter who can work autonomously and manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver under tight deadlines. Requires minimal direction from leadership and possesses the ability to learn quickly. Experience with social media platforms (X, BlueSky, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram) and creating content appropriate for each channel Ability to work independently and as part of a creative team Ability to form productive working relationships within and external to the MGB communications teams. Hybrid Schedule: Hybrid working schedule 4x per month onsite. Remote working hours require a quiet, secure working station Occasional local travel to MGB sites as needed Monday to Friday, occasional weekends and extended hours Please submit an updated resume and cover letter with your application. Mass General Brigham Incorporated is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.