Position Summary

The Marketing and Communications Director is a full-time exempt position with MMRI responsible for overseeing the Office of Marketing and Communications and reporting to the Executive Director. The position will be given significant creative license and the freedom to innovate within the bounds of the Institute’s mission and operational plan. The Marketing and Communications Director will be integral in communicating the brand, mission, vision, and impact and accomplishments of the Institute through meaningful campaigns and correspondence. This position will work on premises in Utica, NY, with occasional travel required. The Marketing and Communications will also be responsible for managing and directing all marketing and communications staff, on the team.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

· Serves as the subject-matter expert and lead on all Institute communications and marketing strategies.

· Works in conjunction with Development staff on creating solicitation material and uniform branding/talking points. 

· Designs strategies, further develops, manages, and tracks progress of the Institute’s social media accounts, website, and other relevant communication outlets.

· Represents the Institute at professional meetings and provides updates including recommendations for continuingly updating messaging and outreach efforts.

· Writes and manages delivery of press releases, newsletters, and blog posts.

· Communicates with media outlets and production teams.

· Serves as the official spokesperson of the Institute and liaison with members of the press.

· Manages existing Marketing and Communication staff and collaborates with team members to create style guides and brand voice outlines for all communications.

· Understands technologies and can perform basic graphic design responsibilities (e.g., designing and laying out one-page documents to communicate research findings)

· Works on special projects to enhance the public’s understanding of the research work performed at the Institute to impact outreach to potential donors, benefactors, scientists, and other key stakeholders.

· Other duties as assigned.

· A bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications, marketing, advertising, business administration, public relations, or other relevant discipline

· Proficiency in Microsoft software (Outlook, Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, Teams, and OneNote) and Zoom

· Experience with Adobe Creative Suite preferred.

· Exceptional communication abilities, including writing, speaking and active listening, with superb attention to details, grammar, and spelling.

· In-depth knowledge of best practices for business correspondence, public relations, advertising, marketing, and social media engagement

· Professional understanding of crisis management

· Great project management skills, including time management, goal setting, multitasking and prioritization.

· Excellent follow-through skills and ability to complete projects in a timely manner.

· Good data analysis, problem-solving and critical thinking skills

· Ability to effectively engage with team members across all levels.

· Previous work experience in medical research field is preferred.

Work Schedule:

· Typical work week is Monday – Friday 8:00-5:00pm (flexible schedule is available).

· Required to work evening and weekend hours, as necessary, on short or limited notice.

· Required to occasionally travel independently, within the United States and internationally.

· This position requires physical presence unless otherwise traveling.

· Must have reliable transportation.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions:

· Typical office environment

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation is competitive and will depend upon qualifications and experience. The Institute offers a generous benefits package with excellent health, vision, dental and life insurance, a competitive 403b match, and paid time off.

Equal Opportunity

The Institute provides equal opportunity in all our employment practices. The Institute makes employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, abilities, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national