Writer and Communications Lead

April 4, 2022

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The property

Knology seeks to elevate social science research in dialogue and decision-making around solving complex social issues. The writer and communications lead, builds on sound training in journalism and reporting on the findings from social science research. They will champion that objective through carefully crafting written reports, position papers, use of social media platforms to share results, and development of a publications strategy to ensure durable use of our work. This role embodies a philosophy of powerful storytelling, where concise and compelling communications use data to support recommendations that can support advancement in social justice, equity, and a thriving environment.

Overview of the Role

Our communications lead collaborates with social scientists and educators to create and publish compelling social science stories that appeal to non-profit leaders, philanthropists, policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders. They manage the writing work product across the organization, and they train and support their colleagues as writers. They also identify and pursue direct funding to support brand and content communications related to current research, expand awareness and use of untapped data, align their work with colleagues’ research, build partnerships with organizations that amplify this work, and help guide Knology’s planning for impact beyond the original commissioning partners. Our communication lead also manages the annual report, DOIs, and tracking of all communications including but not limited to reports, LinkedIn, photos, data set sharing etc.

Publishing & Communication Efforts

Selects and edits materials from Knology’s current portfolio, archives, and from the research team’s pursuits to publish on our website.
Pursues publications on internal communications platforms, including Knology’s website, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts, newsletter, webinars, among others.
Pursues opportunities and supports researchers in communications via external platforms, such as popular news media, academic journals, and more.
Supports fund-raising efforts and partner communications based on the organization's value proposition
Targets and builds relationship with publishers to make research and theory more accessible to a wide audience, including digital publishing initiatives, and developing partnerships with organizations that fund and support this work.
Leads marketing and promoting Knology, our values, and our processes.

Writing about Research

Serves as editor and/or collaborating writer on the development of researchers’ peer-reviewed papers and presentations.
Leads reporting through publications for partner-driven projects including position papers and reports.
Provides editing support for project work products
Provides research teams with sound advice on research-related communications, including recruitment communications, instrument review for language and clarity, and other representations of Knology’s work product.
Works with research teams to develop and monitor communications plans for multi-year projects.
Manages work product of writing team members.
Provides training and feedback for all Knology staff on best practices for writing about research.

Brand Management

Identifies crosscutting findings and stories from the full range of Knology’s work and engages staff in dialogue around these stories through all-staff work sessions, producing our monthly newsletters, and building Knology’s social media presence.
Leads branding execution (templates) and co-directs branding advancement in collaboration with the President & CEO.
Develops and guides the evolution of Knology’s style guides, communications manual, and acts as one of Knology’s voices in public spheres.
Leads collaborative writing, and directs contract and staff writers as needed, including producing and supervising the house writing style and conventions, training new writers, setting writing process and standards, etc.

Desired experience includes:

A personal commitment to social justice and environmental equity;
Master’s degree or equivalent in Communications, Journalism, or Writing, or other social science degree;
At least 3 years, preferably 5 years, experience publishing technical reports or journalism related to social science, public policy, or technical reports;
Demonstrated excellence in writing that is persuasive, clear, concise, and on-brand for proposals/reports, preferably as a writer working in non-profit or commercial sectors on social science and/or learning settings;
Superior organization and time management skills including the ability to coordinate overlapping projects and deadlines, and excellent attention to detail;
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently to deliver on team goals and objectives;
Familiarity with a wide range of common computer software, including Macintosh OS, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Zoom, and work management programs like Slack; and
We particularly value both lived and disciplinary experience that complement our current team.

Compensation: The pay range for this full-time position is $70,000 to $80,000 with access to all benefits including health care program, 401K, flex spending opportunities and others. The salary range for the 1.0 FTE position but can be modified to a lower 0.8 FTE position should the successful applicant wish. This role is structured with virtual work and regular in-person collaboration in the office, but a successful candidate can choose to work full-time in the office if they wish.

Location:

40 Exchange Pl. Suite 1403, New York, NY 10005

To apply: Please submit a cover letter indicating where you discovered our job search, a resume or CV, and two writing samples that involve a critical social issue, to Laura Tietjen at jobs@knology.org. Please let us know where you saw this job ad.

We will review applications as they come in and continue until the position is filled.