Employee Communications Specialist

Cures Start Here. At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, home to three Nobel laureates, interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists seek new and innovative ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Fred Hutchs pioneering work in bone marrow transplantation led to the development of immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to treat cancer. An independent, nonprofit research institute based in Seattle, Fred Hutch houses the nations first cancer prevention research program, as well as the clinical coordinating center of the Womens Health Initiative and the international headquarters of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Careers Start Here.

At Fred Hutch, we believe that the innovation, collaboration, and rigor that result from diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission of eliminating cancer and related diseases. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems. Fred Hutch is in pursuit of becoming an antiracist organization. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates hired share our commitment to diversity, antiracism, and inclusion.

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As a member of Fred Hutchs Communications & Marketing Department, the employee communications specialist plays an integral role in supporting and executing Fred Hutchs communications strategy. Reporting to the employee and executive communications director, the position is primarily responsible for assisting the team with proactive internal communications campaigns and managing inbound requests for employee communications support. Youll partner with colleagues in communications and media relations, social media, content, and user experience, design, and web development, and work across the organization in both the scientific and administrative divisions on integrated communications and marketing initiatives.

• Advocate for employees and the Fred Hutch brand. Accountable for supporting the employee and executive communications director in developing and executing internal communication strategies and campaigns that connect employees to the Fred Hutch mission, vision and values, and unify and amplify employee voices and activities in ways that advance the Hutchs strategic goals, culture and brand
• Work in close collaboration with the employee and executive communications director and scientific and administrative leaders across the organization, including in Communications & Marketing, Government & Community Affairs, Human Resources, Philanthropy, the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Research Administration & Faculty Affairs, scientific divisions and other cross-functional teams, to share ideas and communications resources that enhance the employee experience
• Evaluate, respond to and manage requests for employee and executive communications support from across the center. Provide recommendations and advise teams and individuals on communication planning and best practices
• Review and edit communications drafted by executives and other internal stakeholders and make recommendations to ensure messaging is consistent with internal strategy and Hutch brand and style guidelines
• Develop and produce employee communications campaigns and programs using channels such as intranet, email, town halls and other events, and social media
• Write, edit and produce engaging content for employee audiences including internal news stories and announcements, all-employee emails and newsletters, executive briefing materials, talking points and messaging documents, event content, and social media posts
• Support the production of all-employee and faculty town halls via virtual platforms
• Manage user-generated intranet content submitted by employees and update web content for the intranet and the Hutchs public web site
• Assist in developing, updating and promoting the use of resources and toolkits to support communicators throughout the organization
• Support employee and executive communications director in developing and deploying methods for gathering employee feedback and measuring the effectiveness and impact of employee communications. Develop and update project trackers and status and analytics reports
• Use quantitative and qualitative data to inform new communications channels, content and tools that support employee needs and organizational goals
• Continually scan the communications landscape to generate new approaches for enhancing internal communications and culture
• Support high-visibility, integrated communications and marketing announcements and campaigns across earned and owned channels, including town halls and other events
• Coordinate and participate in communications trainings for individuals and teams across Fred Hutch

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in public relations, communications or equivalent experience desired
• 3-5 years of experience in a communications role, with at least one year of experience in employee/internal communications. Passion for employee communications.
• Excellent writing, editing, listening and verbal communication skills and strong storytelling skills; basic understanding of/experience with creation and delivery of clear and persuasive communications for varying audiences via diverse channels
• Working knowledge of social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn), virtual meeting and event platforms (e.g., MS Teams, BlueJeans, Zoom) and marketing principles
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in health/life sciences, academic research and/or nonprofit organizations
• Familiarity with content management systems (preferably Adobe Experience Manager), email marketing platforms (e.g., Eloqua, Convio) and surveying tools (e.g., Survey Monkey)
• Strong connection to the Fred Hutch mission and research environment
• Proven ability to plan and create content for employee communications campaigns and projects. Be prepared with examples and/or creative ideas.
• Aptitude for distilling complex information (science, research, technology) into compelling stories and message points. Familiarity with AP style a plus
• Ability to execute change management programs at organizational and team levels while demonstrating empathy for diverse stakeholder groups
• Experience using project management tracking tools (e.g., Asana, Basecamp)

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proven ability to collaborate and influence within and across teams, and to cultivate strong relationships with people in different disciplines
• Experience tracking and managing multiple projects with differing priorities and deadlines while maintaining strong attention to detail
• Demonstrate a responsive, customer service ethic
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information
• Organized self-starter comfortable with ambiguity and complexity
• Analytical approach and creative problem-solving skills
• Interest in attending and covering occasional events outside of normal office hours

Please include a cover letter and at least one writing sample with your application.

A statement describing your commitment and contributions toward greater diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in your career or that will be made through work at Fred Hutch is requested of all finalists.

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We are an Affirmative Action employer. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply and desire priority referrals of protected veterans. If due to a disability you need assistance/and or a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to our Employee Services Center at [email protected] or by calling 206-667-4700.