"Communications and Research Manager - Penn Center for Media, Technology, and Democracy"

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Job Description Summary

The new Penn Center for Media, Technology, and Democracy works to advance the scientific understanding of the information ecosystem and leverage that research to strengthen the foundations of democracy. We seek a professional committed to advancing democracy and passionate about technology and media studies to serve as a Communications and Research Manager. They will develop an audience for the Center's research work by writing a newsletter, maintaining an aggregation webpage, creating social media content, writing research briefs and contributing to the Center's annual report. The Communications and Research Manager will further assist in the development of a communications strategy for the Center, pitch press stories, and support communication with key Center stakeholders.

The Communications and Research Manager will work closely with the center's Executive Director, and candidates are encouraged to use Penn tuition benefits to deepen their knowledge of technology, media, public policy, law, or a related field.

Job Responsibilities

• Write a newsletter, maintain an aggregation webpage and other web content (using WordPress), and create social media content that tracks and disseminates new research, policy analysis, and current events related to the information ecosystem and its impact on society and democracy.
• Develop research briefs, background primers, and event summaries related to the information ecosystem, summarizing academic research and distilling key takeaways and recommendations for a broader audience.
• Work with the Executive Director to develop a communications strategy for the Center, targeting key audiences across academia, civil society, industry, policymakers, influencers, and the general public.
• Work with the Executive Director to write an annual report on the Center's accomplishments for Center's funders and stakeholders.
• Develop press pitches and engage with media and journalists to encourage coverage of the Center's research, events, and impact.
• Support Executive Director with other routine private and group communications with Center stakeholders, such as University of Pennsylvania leadership and faculty, other civil society organizations, relevant foundations, and private industry leaders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study and a minimum of three years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting democracy, and interest in related issues of technology and media studies.
• Ability to understand, analyze, and clearly communicate complex research ideas for multiple audiences.
• Excellent writing skills and experience in writing research and policy briefs; newsletters; social media content; and/or related communications content.
• Proficiency in WordPress (or other website content management system) and other communications IT software; or willingness to learn.

This position is dependent on external grant funding.

This position requires routine in-person attendance (3-5 days per week).

Job Location

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Engineering and Applied Science

Pay Range

$55,000.00 - $72,000.00 Annual Rate