Communications Specialist

Organizational overview

Resound Research for Reproductive Health is a multidisciplinary collaborative that evaluates the impact of policy and funding changes affecting abortion and contraception in Texas and surrounding states. Our mission is to generate knowledge that informs evidence-based abortion, contraceptive and pregnancy-related care and policies that promote more equitable reproductive healthcare. Our work is both responsive to the dynamic reproductive healthcare landscape and aims to advance long-term solutions to improve access to comprehensive care. We engage with stakeholders who work at community and advocacy organizations, are healthcare providers, legal advocates and policymakers, and statewide coalitions to identify priority issues where information is needed to drive change.

Position summary

The Communications Specialist will support our graphic design projects as lead designer, contributing to data visualizations for research briefs and other public facing materials, including social media content. This position will also support all elements of the communications department, including social media campaigns, an external newsletter, media lists, calendars, media reports, and events / networking.

Essential duties and responsibilities

1. Produces graphic design products in multiple design programs. These products include research briefs, data visualizations for professional presentations, website and social media graphics, swag, digital event campaigns, and more as needed.
2. Designs social media campaigns in alignment with the social media strategy, manages the social media calendar, and conducts social media reporting to improve strategy. Manages social media paid ads. Engages on social media according to brand strategy.
3. Manages external newsletter design, content, and mailing lists.
4. Regularly updates the website, including the publication database, the team database, and the website news.
5. Assists with administrative tasks essential to the communications department, such as the maintenance of media lists, the archiving of social media and newsletter content, managing a brand book on various platforms, updating the publications spreadsheet, tracking research citations and references, and other related tasks.
6. Plans and coordinates organizational events, with the supervision of the Director of Communications and Marketing.

Other duties and responsibilities

1. Proofreads written materials for the website, research briefs, press releases, and more.
2. Assists the Policy Communications Manager and other members of the research brief team with the management of references for research briefs and other deliverables using Zotero.
3. Aids the research team with visual materials, such as conference posters and PowerPoint presentations.
4. Participates in regularly scheduled meetings with researchers, and other research staff.
5. Implements a digital strategy to track state- and national-level policy trends, developed by the Policy Manager.
6. Contributes to an inclusive and supportive team-oriented environment that values collaboration, learning and diverse perspectives.
7. Acts a brand representative, both in person and in digital spaces, supporting the Director of Communications and Marketing in building relationships.
8. Other duties as assigned.

Education and experience

• At least three (3) years’ experience in graphic design, with emphasis on brand materials and academic materials such as charts, graphs, and data visualizations.
• At least two (2) years of professional work experience in communications or social media fields.
• A bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree or other academic training in graphic design, communications, marketing, public relations, social media management, web design, or equivalent knowledge gained from relevant professional experience.
• Academic or professional background in communications, public health, data science, public policy, political science, sociology, medicine, gender studies, or reproductive health preferred.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Committed to the Project’s mission to provide evidence to inform policies that promote more equitable, comprehensive reproductive healthcare
• Demonstrated proficiency in Adobe Suite, particularly Illustrator and InDesign.
• Familiarity with major social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X.
• Ability and willingness to learn social media strategies, including paid ads.
• Experience maintaining a website, blog, or other digital material.
• Familiarity with additional communications programs such as WordPress/Elementor, Canva, and MailChimp.
• Knowledge and experience with communities and networks within Texas, focused on public health, reproductive health, public policy, or other.
• Strong English-language writing skills to contribute to writing and editing briefs and reports. Spanish language skills preferred.
• Has a high level of computer literacy, including confidence using (or learning to use) Microsoft suite (SharePoint, Teams) and other digital tools, including AI experience and knowledge.

Organizational relationships

The Communications Specialist reports to the Director of Communications and Marketing.

Physical demands

Sitting at a computer for extended periods of time. In-person meetings with the Director of Communications and Marketing and Policy Manager required occasionally, depending on workflow. Some travel may be required.

Work environment

We are a hybrid organization with offices available in Austin, Texas. This is a hybrid, full-time (40 hours), non-exempt, temporary position, terminating July 1, 2027. The person in this role will be expected to participate in regular in-person activities and meetings. Evening and weekend hours may be needed occasionally to meet deadlines and events. Residence in the Austin, Texas metro area is required.

We follow CDC COVID-19 recommendations for vaccination and guidelines for in-person work during pandemic surges.

Resound Research for Reproductive Health, a project of Tides Center, is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, or medical condition including acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-related conditions.

The hourly rate for this position is $28.85-$33.65 per hour ($60,000-$70,000). Regularly scheduled hours required 5 days a week. Full-time (30+ hours per week), temporary employees are eligible for medical benefits only on the first day of the month after hire date. In addition, temporary employees are eligible for wellness leave but not holidays, vacation, or paid leave. Resound Research is not sponsoring new employees in application of the H-1B Visa at this time. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration and Reform Control Act of 1986.

Full-time (30+ hours per week), temporary employees are eligible for medical benefits only on the first day of the month after hire date. In addition, temporary employees are eligible for wellness leave but not holidays, vacation, or paid leave.

English-fluency

Spanish optional- fluency