Position Description

The Specialist, Communications provides technical editing, writing and publication production services for the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL), the organization representing governmental laboratories charged with protecting the public’s health.

The Specialist, Communications is responsible for all aspects of development and production of assigned briefs, web content and other publications. He/she coordinates with subject matter experts to develop the concept for the publication, edits the copy and graphics; coordinates several rounds of revisions; proofreads the final manuscript; designs/coordinates design of the publication; and manages production and distribution.

Additionally, the Specialist produces a weekly electronic newsletter and supports development/dissemination of other electronic communications, including HTML emails and materials on the APHL intranet.

The Specialist reports to the Director of Strategic Communications and participates as a member of the communications team, which includes the Senior Specialist, Communications; Web Specialist; Senior Specialist, Media; and Communications Intern. She/he contributes to other association projects as assigned.

Responsibilities

Specialist, Communications

1. Responsible for development and production of an average of five briefs and reports annually plus PowerPoint presentations and other materials as assigned. Collaborates with program team to plan publication, assisting them to frame relevant issues and identify appropriate examples to be included in the text.
2. Edits for style and grammar, text flow and coherence, consistency of terminology and formatting, errors in charts and citations, and ambiguity. Consults with author on points requiring clarification.
3. Meets with author to review edited document upon completion of first round of edits. Explains recommended changes and works with author to find alternative phrasing/approaches as necessary. Revises document and resubmits to author. Briefs and reports typically require two to four rounds of editing.
4. Incorporates reviewers’ comments in edited document and obtains final sign-off from author and all reviewers when document is final.
5. Designs or coordinates the design of the publication. Manages printing and dissemination to target audiences.

6. Produces weekly electronic newsletter highlighting association and member activities. Creates templates for HTML emails, trains users on blast email system, and assists staff with production of program newsletters.
7. Provides technical assistance to staff and members: locating materials, answering questions on how to perform communication functions, etc.
8. Assists with proofreading of APHL publications as requested to maintain quality control.
9. Coordinates mailing, inventory and storage of publications.
10. Assists with updates to APHL intranet and distribution of HTML emails as requested.
11. Writes web copy and other non-technical materials as requested.

Employment Standards

Knowledge of: Technical editing, English grammar and style, MS Office applications, InDesign, PhotoShop required. Familiarity with Microsoft Office SharePoint System (MOSS) preferred.

Skill at: Self-starter with strong writing and editing and good design skills. Meticulous attention to detail essential. Commitment to maintaining high standards of quality. Excellent customer service attitude and ability to work with senior staff in a cordial and tactful manner. Ability to prioritize and coordinate tasks, and to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously. Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and to work independently or as part of a team.

Education/Experience: BS/BA degree plus 3-5 years of writing, editing and production experience, background in scientific writing and editing preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a colleague to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the colleague is required to sit for long periods at a time; type using a computer keyboard; visually read information off of a computer monitor; talk, hear, and orally communicate information over the telephone. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee could be exposed to outdoor weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment may vary from light to moderate depending on the location.

CRITERIA FOR PERFORMANCE EVALUATION:

Performance evaluation will be based on the abilities in meeting the criteria outlined herein.

POSITION REPORTS TO:

Director of Strategic Communications

POSITION DESCRIPTION STATUS:

The duties and responsibilities listed in this job description are illustrative ones anticipated for this position. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as required. Association of Public Health Labs (APHL) reserves the right to amend or change this job description to meet the needs of its programs. This job description and any attachments do not constitute or represent a contract.