Communications Coordinator
Department of Biomedical Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Colorado State University
Description of the Work Unit
The Department of Biomedical Sciences (BMS) in the College of Veterinary Medicine &
Biomedical Sciences (CVMBS) is a major locus for biomedical education including
undergraduate, graduate, veterinary and post-doctoral training and for translational biomedical
research at Colorado State University. BMS houses more than 30 research laboratories. Faculty
members' interests run the gamut from reproductive biology and endocrinology to molecular
neuroscience and cardiovascular physiology.
BMS seeks to fill a full-time Communications Coordinator position that will primarily support
content development, coordinate internal departmental communications, and advocate for
external communications of BMS teaching, research, and service and outreach programs.
Reporting to the BMS Department Head, this person will interface with the directors of
departmental research centers, BMS faculty/staff/students, and the CVMBS Communications and
Advancement offices to write and publicize stories, support events, coordinate website content
updates, and advance communications initiatives in support of instruction, research, service, and
outreach programs.
Position Summary
Responsibilities
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In conjunction with the CVMBS and CSU communications teams and departmental
leadership, coordinate coherent and consistent communications for the department and
its affiliated research centers.
o Develop and pursue stories relevant to ongoing activities in reproduction,
neuroscience, cardiovascular physiology, and anatomical teaching activities.
Interview faculty, staff, alumni, students, donors and partners, to elicit relevant
information.
o Produce high-quality content that is clear and compelling in order to inspire
internal and external audiences to support BMS/CVMBS goals.
o Support web and social media initiatives by providing content for a variety of
formats. Provide content for website updates, and ensure that relevant activities
are communicated regularly.
o Provide editing, publication and communications to support BMS/CVMBS
strategic initiatives, and offer advice to department and college leadership, as
appropriate.
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Continue to enhance internal communications within the department including regular
publication of the BMS internal monthly newsletter and annual report.
Support BMS seminars and events through creation and coordination of publicity.
In conjunction with the CVMBS and university web teams, oversee the publication and
maintenance of web pages and electronic media and publications for instructional,
research, service and outreach programs within the department.
Provide technical expertise and assistance to faculty, staff and students using leading edge
presentation and communications tools.
Function in a dynamic team environment working with faculty, staff and students across
multiple facilities on the CSU Main Campus, Foothills Campus and South Campus.
Attend communications meetings, professional development activities, and other staff
meetings as appropriate.
Core Competencies
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Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated ability to understand and interpret biomedical research and clinical
activities.
Strong research, writing, and editing skills with competency in AP style.
Demonstrated understanding of integrated communication activities and how to
optimize efforts for different mediums and audiences.
Ability to work independently and also within a team environment.
Required Job Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in science, journalism, public relations, communications, or a related
field.
Minimum 2 years of experience in a role as a communications coordinator, scientific
writer, or similar position.
Advanced written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to
successfully communicate about science, health, and medicine.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, both independently
and as part of a team.
Must be comfortable communicating with faculty, staff, students, clients, collaborators,
and alumni.
Proficient in Microsoft Office software suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint,
Outlook, etc.
Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop).
Preferred Job Qualifications
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Master’s degree in science, journalism, public relations, communications, or a related
field.
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Proficiency using content management systems (SharePoint, Dreamweaver, etc.) and
HTML/CSS.
Experience in graphic design, photography, or video production.
Training through education or work experience in a biomedical science field would be
advantageous.
Experience working in higher education.
Experience in publishing, website maintenance, or social media communications.
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the
ability to advance the Department's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Salary and Benefits: Salary starts at $55,000 commensurate with education and experience. The
position offers a full benefits package including: 24 vacation and 15 sick leave days per year;
enrollment in group health, dental, life and accident insurance; retirement plan options; disability
insurance; and additional opportunities such as free employee study privilege credits. A full
description of benefits is available at http://www.hrs.colostate.edu/benefits/.
Application Details
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but for full consideration all materials
must be received by March 25, 2015. Complete applications will include a resume, letter of
interest/qualifications, a list of three professional references, and a portfolio containing a
minimum of three writing samples. Upload completed application documents to
https://jobs.colostate.edu/posting/8521. References will not be contacted without prior
notification of candidates. Questions about the search should be directed to
[email protected].
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from
discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or
ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender
identity or expression, or pregnancy. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/equal
access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies
with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student
Services.
Colorado State University (CSU) strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for
its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with
applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks. The type of background check
conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal (felony and
misdemeanor) history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or
education verification. Background checks will be conducted when required by law or contract
and when, in the discretion of the university, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.