Communications Contractor

Communications Contractor

The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) is an independent, non-profit research institute that conducts evidence-based reviews of health care interventions, including prescription drugs, other treatments, and diagnostic tests. In collaboration with patients, clinical experts, and other key stakeholders, ICER analyzes the available evidence on the benefits and risks of these interventions to measure their value and suggest fair prices. ICER also regularly reports on the barriers to care for patients and recommends solutions to ensure fair access to prescription drugs.

ICER reports have strongly influenced insurance coverage policies and clinical guidelines while gaining prominence within the national debate over the cost of health care. ICER thrives on the entrepreneurial spirit of its employees to empower patients, clinicians, and policymakers in their quest for better care at lower costs. In everything we do, our organization seeks to foster an honest public dialogue about the evidence on effectiveness and value and to translate this evidence into action to improve patient care.

ICER is seeking a highly motivated and experienced communications professional at the manager or director level to temporarily fill a vital role within our team while a current employee is on parental leave. This is a fixed-term contract position expected to last approximately 4-7 months, beginning mid-July, and will involve assuming all critical communications responsibilities, as described below.

Reporting to ICER’s COO, this individual will help ensure clear, consistent messaging for ICER through all its programs and its various communications vehicles (scientific reports, press releases, website content, media pitches/responses, social media, blog posts, etc.). The Communications Contractor will work closely with ICER’s research and program teams to improve the clarity and reach of our value assessments. This role is ideal for a communications professional with experience in health policy, evidence-based medicine, or comparative effectiveness research 

Job Responsibilities:

• Support the execution of a robust media and communications plan that increases ICER’s national presence as a leader in comparative effectiveness research
• Support strategic message development, to include media talking points, core ICER collateral, project-specific summaries, and persuasive op-eds
• Develop and issue ICER’s Weekly View newsletter via Constant Contact, which showcases ICER’s viewpoint on major healthcare news and pharmaceutical industry developments
• Monitor, measure, and report on the impact of ICER’s research and communications
• Manage existing ICER communications vehicles, including websites, social media platforms, and printed collateral
• Manage press release drafting and issuance, including key message development
• As needed, manage external vendors to support policy and communications work, including website vendors and PR firms
• Monitor national health policy landscape, identify issues and trends that could impact ICER’s strategic goals, and draft briefing memos for ICER’s senior management team
• Actively pursue and secure marquee speaking opportunities for the organization

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, or another related field
• 5+ years professional experience in health policy analysis or health communications; must have worked in a PR agency, health care consultancy, health care non-profit or government entity, pharmaceutical company, insurer, or pharmacy benefit manager
• At least basic familiarity with US drug pricing, clinical trials, insurance coverage, and health policy; must have a genuine interest in industry developments and an ability to communicate these concepts to various audiences
• Superior written and verbal communications skills; demonstrated ability to translate medical jargon into common English that is clear, persuasive, and error-free
• Experience managing media inquiries and follow-ups; ability to share reports under embargo with media
• Demonstrated ability to manage, update, and improve websites; familiarity with WordPress and Google Analytics is a plus
• Fluency with MS Office products and sufficient familiarity with the Adobe suite of graphic design software to update and manipulate designed templates
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills; able to manage cross-functional projects and be a team player
• Passion for ICER’s mission is a plus

It is not intended that the above-listed duties reflect every job duty, responsibility, or task that the employee may be called upon to perform. The employee is expected to perform all job-related duties and tasks assigned by his/her supervising manager or other authorized manager.