Henry Ford + MSU Sr. Communications Specialist- HSC Administrative-Communication Marketing
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.
Job Description
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.
Qualifications
- 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
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, or a related field
- At least five years of experience in public relations, communications, or a related field, with increasing responsibility
- Exceptional oral, written, and digital communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with a broad range of leaders
- Ability to distill and communicate complex medical and other concepts to broad audiences
- Strong storytelling, curiosity, collaboration, creativity, and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple projects, accounts, and complex issues strategically
- Experience working in a medical research or academic medical center environment
- Knowledge of academic research concepts, including basic science research, clinical trials, grant funding, and NCI-designated programs
What We Do
Henry Ford Health is a Detroit-headquartered academic healthcare system serving more than 2 million people across Michigan and beyond. Its integrated offerings include primary, preventive, urgent, specialty, home, and virtual care, health insurance, pharmacy, and eye care. The organization also advances clinical innovation, research, clinical trials, medical education, community health, health equity, and services for vulnerable communities throughout the region.
