Henry Ford + MSU Sr. Communications Specialist- Full Time- Day Shift

Henry Ford Health and Michigan State University (MSU) have joined forces as Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences (Henry Ford + MSU) in a strategic, enduring partnership to create an integrated academic health enterprise anchored in Detroit with a reach across the state of Michigan and beyond. Established in 2021, the partnership accelerates discovery and innovation across the spectrum of biomedical and population health research, while training the next generation of healthcare providers and scientists.

General Summary

The Henry Ford Health + MSU Senior Communications Specialist is responsible for providing creative and innovative public relations, communications and storytelling strategies for Henry Ford + MSU operations. Committed to growth; building strong, trusted relationships and guiding internal communications, the senior specialist will develop and implement comprehensive supporting communication plans supporting strategic priority areas - highlighting research innovations and clinical advancements, and mission and community-based storytelling. An empowered project manager, subject matter expert, and passionate storyteller, the senior specialist will lead and advance strategic communications efforts across all audiences, working closely with communications, marketing and other team members and leaders to coordinate and align efforts. This position reports to the Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications.

This position can perform duties in a hybrid work setting, with a blended schedule of in-office and remote work as determined by the supervisor. The primary office location is Henry Ford Health, Detroit but requires occasional travel to MSU, East Lansing, which will be considered the work location for that day and is not reimbursable mileage.

Education/Experience Required

• Minimum of bachelor's degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university in Public Relations, Communications or a related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years' experience in public relations, communications, or a related field, with increasing responsibility.
• Experience working in a medical research or academic medical center environment, preferred.
• Exceptional oral, written and digital communication skills. Excellent people skills - works extremely well with a broad cross-section of leaders.
• Must be a critical thinker, able to distill and communication complex medical and other concepts across broad audiences.
• Must be guided by a passion for storytelling, natural curiosity and a collaborative client partner orientation.
• Able to manage multiple projects, accounts and complex issues with an orientation to strategic focus, innovation, creativity and attention to detail and accuracy.
• Knowledge of academic research enterprise concepts including basic science research, clinical trials, grant funding, and NCI/NCI-designated programs