Ohio State University

Director, Research Communications

Columbus Campus Full time

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Job Title:

Director, Research Communications

Department:

Marketing and Communications | Media and Public Relations

The Director of Research Communications will oversee and guide the university’s efforts to promote the research and scholarship produced by its faculty, staff and students, with the goal of increasing awareness of Ohio State’s academic and research preeminence and status as a top-ranked research university. Leads the Research Communications staff by helping them identify compelling research stories, editing their written work, and strategically identifying and securing media opportunities. Works closely with the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge and other colleges and units to promote research, identify research communications risks, and develop plans to mitigate negative impacts. Oversees Research Communications content on social media sites, including X and Facebook. Works with Ohio State News OnCampus staff to produce research-related content for the newsletter. Manages office accounts for Newswise, EurekAlert, The Conversation, AP Campus Insights, Public News Service and other news distribution systems. Covers research as a beat reporter for several colleges and departments. Serves as primary communications representative at various major science meetings, interacts with national and international reporters, produces news releases highlighting Ohio State research presentations and assists with press conferences. Functions as primary university communications representative with public affairs operations at the National Science Foundation and other government agencies.

Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in communications, journalism or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience; minimum seven (7) years of experience working with members of the news media and the ability to identify appropriate news angles and positioning; excellent writing and editing skills; knowledge of appropriate print, broadcast, and social media outlets; understanding of standard research focused newswires and media relations tools. 

Desired Qualifications
Twelve or more years of higher education research communications, including both writing and editing, and direct work with science reporters and publications; progressive leadership experience with large research organizations and academic medical centers; proven ability to guide and mentor faculty researchers and early- and mid-career communications professionals; experience working collaboratively with national governmental and nongovernmental research organizations, including NSF, NIH, the national science academies, National Association of Science Writers, and similar organizations; ability to think creatively in a changing media landscape and leverage internal and external relationships continuously improve distribution and promotion of Ohio State research.

Function: Marketing and Communications

Subfunction: Research Communications

Career Band: Managerial

Careel Level: M3

Additional Information:

The targeted hiring range for this position is $129,500 to $146,870/year.

Location:

University Square South (1032)

Position Type:

Regular

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:

First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check.  A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability. 

As required by Ohio Revised Code section 3345.0216, Ohio State will: educate students by means of free, open and rigorous intellectual inquiry to seek the truth; equip students with the opportunity to develop intellectual skills to reach their own, informed conclusions; not require, favor, disfavor or prohibit speech or lawful assembly; create a community dedicated to an ethic of civil and free inquiry, which respects the autonomy of each member, supports individual capacities for growth and tolerates differences in opinion; treat all faculty, staff and students as individuals, hold them to equal standards and provide equality of opportunity with regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.