Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a Special Assistant to VP Advancement & CMO to join the Administration Department. This is a regular, full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for benefits.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Special Assistant for communications and marketing will assist in the creation and implementation of a unified strategy designed to raise WHOI's profile across a broad range of constituencies.

Playing both content production and project management roles, the special assistant's responsibilities will involve communications, branding, marketing, and development. The special assistant will develop a pipeline of original content suitable for many platforms that highlights the Institution's leadership, not just in the field of science but also locally, nationally, and globally. The special assistant for communications and marketing will provide quality control across a range of publications, assist with events and other engagement activities for a variety of audiences, and manage projects as needed to advance the Institution's mission and objectives.

As a representative of the VP, the special assistant will foster collaboration among all communications and fundraising functions. A dependable team player with strong interpersonal skills, the special assistant must be flexible, agile, and able to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, problem-solve on the fly, and meet tight deadlines while maintaining a collegial, efficient, and productive workplace.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide administrative and project support to the VP for Advancement & Chief Marketing Officer in marketing, branding, communications, and development activities
• Serve as a liaison between the department and numerous internal and external groups
• Serve as first point of contact between the department and donors, employers, scientists, and other community members
• Manage, organize, plan, and execute a complex portfolio of projects
• Plan, coordinate, execute, travel to, and attend events for the Communications and Development teams
• Participate in the creative and/or editorial process of content production for various platforms (e.g. print, web, social media, exhibits, public events)
• Pitching reporters and providing top-notch customer service to media contacts, including understanding their targeted readership/audiences and providing relevant story ideas, background research and supplementary images and infographics as necessary.
• Attend and facilitate complex, cross-departmental discussion to ensure that good decisions are reached and that decisions are being carried out
• Act as proxy and information funnel, filter, and facilitator for the VP
• Serve as thought partner and advisor to the VP
• Manage risk by facilitating interdepartmental efforts and working with and/or leading cross-functional teams
• Exercise exceptional ethical behavior, tact, and discretion with confidential information

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• As deemed necessary by supervisor

DESIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree
• At least 10 years of related experience in marketing, communications or development
• Requires excellent organizational skills with a capacity for managing multiple projects simultaneously, with an ability to work independently, organize and establish job priorities to meet deadlines. Discretion, good judgment and tact, and an ability to maintain strict confidentiality are all essential qualifications, as is an understanding of, and appreciation for, WHOI's scientific and educational mission. Requires the ability to communicate both orally and in writing in compelling ways. Requires an ability to interact consistently in a positive manner with members of the Institution, and external community, as well as an exceptional ability to work collaboratively across functions, levels, and departments.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical duties for this position include but are not limited to, ability to lift less than 25 lbs independently; carry 0-10 lbs. Visual abilities to include peripheral, depth perception, and ability to distinguish basic colors. Other physical tasks include mostly sedentary with occasional prolonged standing/walking; use of hands for basic grasping and manipulation, and repetitive motion. Other occupational requirements include talking, traveling, working around others, and with others. Physical duties are subject to change.

WHOI is a member of the Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC). We are sensitive to the issues of dual career candidates and we will work with applicants to address them. Please visit HERC - for more information.

WHOI is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans/M/F. We encourage Veterans and those with Disabilities to apply. Applications are reviewed confidentially. Applicants that require accommodation in the job application process are encouraged to contact us at (508) 289-2253 or email eeo@whoi.edu for assistance.