Director of Content Strategy

Background

CIRM was created by the people of California to fund stem cell and gene therapy research with the goal of accelerating treatments for patients with unmet medical needs. With $8.5 billion in funding allocated through both Proposition 71 in 2004 and Proposition 14 in 2020 CIRM supports stem cell and gene therapy discoveries from inception through clinical trials trains a workforce in California to fill jobs in the states thriving biotech and biomedical research industry and creates infrastructure to make clinical trials accessible for people throughout California. All of CIRMs research workforce development and infrastructure programs are designed to benefit the people of California whose vision created the agency.

General Statement

CIRM is seeking a Director of Content Strategy. Under the general direction of the Senior Director Communications the Director of Content Strategy will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of a content strategy that engages and informs the California public California scientific community and patients about scientific progress in cell and gene therapies and the people who benefit from the agencys work.

Essential Job Functions

In this position you will be accountable for a variety of responsibilities. Your duties will include but are not limited to the following:

• Develop and oversee a comprehensive integrated content strategy aligned with the Communications Strategy.
• Set the direction for all written video social and digital marketing channels driving execution through a mix of internal staff freelancers and external vendors while providing targeted hands-on support to ensure quality and team capacity.
• Collaborate with CIRM leadership and teams to Integrate CIRM messaging across all communication channels including in content produced by freelancers and contractors.
• Support the Senior Director of Communications and leadership in developing messaging for new initiatives.
• Serve as lead editor for CIRM communications including press releases blog entries science and patient stories and social media content including assigning content and occasionally writing ensuring that all content adheres to CIRM messaging and resonates with stakeholder audiences.
• Serve as a principal thought partner to the Senior Director of Communications on both long-term and fast turnaround responses to media inquiries including interview preparation and developing talking points.
• Supervise digital marketing efforts including email marketing campaigns and social media ensuring content is of the highest quality and reflects new and evolving best practices.
• Ensure content across all channels generates excitement for CIRMs accomplishments and hope for the future of cell and gene therapies in the state.
• Manage all aspects of the CIRM website including managing the vendor leading new projects for reaching CIRM stakeholders ensuring content on audience-specific pages is accurate and engaging and ensuring the site remains in compliance with all legal requirements.
• Lead brand strategy and oversight for CIRM branded materials including flyers brochures fact sheets posters business cards etc. and manages brand consistency across all platforms.
• Lead development and distribution of CIRMs Annual Report.
• Oversee management of all CIRMs digital assets including photos of scientific research for use on the website in stories on social media and to provide to journalists etc.
• Partner with the Senior Director of Communications in safeguarding CIRMs reputation navigating sensitive issues through the development of messaging content creation digital campaigns or other needs.
• Collaborate with grantee media and communications teams to ensure CIRM is represented accurately in their media materials including proactive communication around CIRM announcements and other needs.
• Supervise all aspects of tracking metrics across all content channels developing a regular reporting schedule to leadership and adjusting strategy based on metrics to reach the broadest California audience.
• Manage and mentor a team of communication professionals ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and collaboration.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervision Received

The Director of Content Strategy reports to the Senior Director Communications.

Supervision Exercised

The Director of Content Strategy oversees the work of a Social Media Content Specialist and a Communication Manager.

Qualifications (Experience and Education)

• Bachelors degree in a biological or health science field communications journalism or a related field. Additional relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a 4-year degree.
• 10 years in communications journalism or public relations including work in the science or healthcare industry.
• 3 years experience in a management role

Competencies Skills and Abilities

• Ability to motivate train and grow staff.
• Proven writing and editing skills including managing and editing in-house and freelance writers.
• Ability to develop and oversee an integrated strategy including getting buy-in from internal and external stakeholders and collaborators.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to use data to drive decision-making.
• Deep familiarity with content creation and production practices across formats applications and mediums including project management.
• Ability to translate complex scientific concepts into memorable and emotionally resonant content.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite Adobe Acrobat.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage teams with multiple priorities and deadlines.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid environment required to work two days in the South San Francisco office and three days -person attendance of organizational meetings and board subcommittee and working group meetings as required.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be willing to work in a high-rise building.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Be available to work outside of normal business hours.

Salary Range and Benefits

This position is an exempt full-time role. The expected pay for this position is $168683 - $183852 which fits within the full salary range of $168683 - $234948 for the Director of Content Strategy job classification. It is uncommon for an individual to be offered a salary near the maximum of the range for a position. Salary for this position will reflect the final candidates qualifications experience skills knowledge relevant education and certifications in addition to being aligned with the internal leadership peer group.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the interview process should inform the interview scheduler at the time of scheduling.

For general questions regarding this position or inquiries specifically related to reasonable accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) please contact.

Benefits

EEO Contact Information

California Relay Service: 1- (TTY) 1- (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all regardless of age ancestry color disability (mental and physical) exercising the right to family care and medical leave gender gender expression gender identity genetic information marital status medical condition military or veteran status national origin political affiliation race religious creedsex (includes pregnancy childbirth breastfeeding and related medical conditions) and sexual orientation.

Required Experience:

Director