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The External Communications Specialist II is an essential position in the BRI Marketing and Communications department (MarCom) at the Benaroya Research Institute. The person in this role will report to the Director of Marketing and Communications in support of all external facing efforts and activities.  This includes public relations and media, print and e-news communication and event management.  The position will include close communications with other MarCom team members to ensure impactful and consistent messaging across channels.

The job requires a person who enjoys contributing to a team, who has excellent communication skills and is comfortable multi-tasking in a deadline-driven environment. This role requires an individual who is excited about bioscience research, a dependable self-starter and able to manage a number of tasks and projects. It is critical that this team member embrace both exciting and mundane tasks with equal gusto and attention.

Responsibilities:

• Promote Benaroya Research Institute (BRI), its mission and research through effective public relations, story writing, media relations, marketing and advertising as directed, to include drafting and pitching news releases, and earned placements in TV, print, radio, and electronic media. Understand BRI's objectives, mission, and vision to contribute to development and implementation of external communication strategies in support of the Director of Marketing & Communications, which will influence public opinion and promote BRI.
• Create and edit story content, from concept development through production, including digital content, brochures, newsletters, e-mail campaigns and advertising. Write and edit content for the annual report (as relevant) and the 990 form.
• To increase BRI's visibility and awareness among external audiences, contribute to strategy and program creation in promotion of BRI's mission, and seek new ways to virtually connect with communities, both locally and nationally.
• Facilitate and fulfill news media queries and interview requests to broaden public knowledge and understanding of BRI's research expertise.
• Take leading role in the organizing, coordinating, and hosting high-profile receptions and events including, but not limited to, donor cultivation and stewardship events, public education and general community group events and receptions. Act as BRI's primary representative and coordinator at all events.
• Coordinate BRI team participation and/or sponsorship of events, along with communications and team recruitment efforts for these events, jointly with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) as needed.
• Manage and maintain a portfolio/ yearly calendar of these events. Conceptualize, plan, and manage high-profile events, receptions and BRI tours including, but not limited to virtual and in-person Inside Immunology virtual and in-person Research Updates, donor cultivation and stewardship events, public education, and general community group events.
• Assist in development of annual community awareness plan that aligns and furthers the mission of BRI.
• Develop, maintain, and promote positive and professional relationships with internal staff (including scientists and laboratory staff, administration, communicators and community educators' group), board and committee volunteers, allied organizations, community leaders, vendors, contractors, media and the general public.

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Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations or related field

3+ years' work experience in public relations, journalism or communications role, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.

3+ years' work experience within Life Science, Biotechnology, Immunology, and research experien