Senior Associate

The Senior Associate (SA) is an intelligent, passionate and experienced communications professional with expertise in public health or medical issues and a sophisticated understanding of communications and public affairs. The SA is a capable project manager who handles a wide range of assignments, projects and client matters with a high degree of independence. The SA is expected to have a keen understanding of the health and medical landscape and experience working on relevant client issues such as infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS, immunization, oncology, maternal and child health and water and sanitation.

The SA serves in a general project manager role with intense focus on daily account deliverables and managing and mentoring the junior members of the client team. The SA is responsible for behind-the-scenes account management and for the production and presentation of a range of communication materials including press releases, talking points, key message documents, strategy memos and presentations.

The SA also engages in agency-wide initiatives, including hiring and assisting in strategy development involving new projects or issue areas.

The SA reports to a Vice President or Director and assists senior staff in the management and development of junior staff.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Account & General Support

• Develops and manages client projects including strategies, implementation plans, evaluation mechanisms, staffing, budgets and timelines
• Partners with Director or VP to drive development of creative concepts
• Develops a range of client materials, including memos, press releases, talking points, and backgrounders that require minimal edits; writes, edits and directs the production of brochures, presentations, reports and collateral materials
• Develops effective digital and social media strategies for clients
• Oversees media monitoring strategies and analysis of coverage for patterns and trends
• Anticipates and provides valued input and assistance in developing solutions to client needs and problems

People Development & Initiative

• Manages and mentors the team’s Associates and Junior Associates
• Participates in hiring, assessment and career development opportunities
• Identifies professional development opportunities for team members and conducts staff reviews for direct reports
• Delegates effectively and routinely seeks and shares information with colleagues
• Uses talents of colleagues in problem solving and assists peers whenever possible
• Continually seeks new ways to learn and improve and routinely contributes in team, staff and client meetings
• Proactively works with managers to identify and address training, leadership and personal career development needs

Financial & Administrative

• Develops accurate project budgets and monitors effectively
• Oversees the development and distribution of invoices and activity reports
• Follows up with clients on financial and other administrative issues

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• 4-6 years of experience in a PR, health advocacy or communications setting with experience in healthcare, public health and/or pharmaceutical communications
• Excellent research, writing and editing skills
• Intelligent, strategic and creative thinker
• Strong attention to detail
• Initiative and ability to proactively manage projects with minimal supervision
• Understanding of the health and medical landscape and communications practices
• Project and budget management experience
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, a collaborative style and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels
• Demonstrated initiative and the ability to work effectively within time constraints
• Positive, energetic attitude; enthusiasm and dedication to exceptional work products; sense of humor
• Experience with digital and social media strategy

This is a full time position