Communications Specialist, Workforce and Patient/Family

Overview

The Workforce and Patient Family Communications Specialist, Future Cancer Hospital plays a vital role in advancing Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s mission by crafting and delivering clear, engaging, and inclusive communications for the workforce (75%) and patients and families (25%). Reporting to the Associate Director of Workforce Communications, the Specialist ensures consistent messaging for critical initiatives, including facility relocations and care delivery updates, during the ramp-up and launch of the Future Cancer Hospital. This role focuses on developing and executing communication strategies, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and upholding Dana-Farber’s voice and commitment to equity. By fostering understanding and engagement among patients, staff, and faculty, the Specialist helps ensure a smooth transition. Additionally, this role supports the Communications and Marketing Department’s mission to position Dana-Farber as the leading cancer provider in the region and globally, as well as a trusted partner and employer of choice.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

This position’s work location is hybrid with two or three days per week remote. The selected candidate may only work remote days from a New England state (ME, VT, NH, MA, CT, RI).

Responsibilities

• Workforce Communications Expertise: Skilled in implementing internal communication strategies to keep faculty and staff informed and engaged with organizational goals, milestones, and activities. Proficient in creating engaging content for internal channels, including intranets, newsletters, emails, and digital signage, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination of information.
• Event Coordination and Collaboration: Experienced in organizing and executing internal events, such as open forums, to facilitate direct communication and feedback. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and consistency in messaging across departments.
• Patient and Family Engagement: Proficient in developing patient-focused content that enhances engagement and supports organizational initiatives. Skilled in working with clinical and administrative teams to ensure communications are clear, inclusive, and aligned with the hospital’s mission and values.
• Brand and Messaging Consistency: Acts as a brand champion, ensuring all communications reflect the organization’s voice, tone, and style. Committed to maintaining consistency in messaging and adherence to best practices across all communication efforts.
• Analytics and Continuous Improvement: Experienced in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of communication strategies using feedback and analytics. Skilled in making data-driven adjustments to improve engagement and information flow.
• Industry Awareness and Innovation : Stays informed about industry best practices and emerging trends in healthcare communications, leveraging insights to continuously refine strategies and tactics.
• Social Media and Recruitment Support: Collaborates with content teams to develop social media content that supports recruitment efforts and highlights the impact of organizational initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in communications or related field required.
• 3 years of strong writing, editing, and communications or content management experience, including internal communications.
• Experience in health care, academic, or corporate communications preferred.
• Experience with digital communication platforms, content management systems, and/or intranet tools preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Writing and Editing Expertise: Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with a strong attention to detail to produce clear, accurate, and engaging communications.
• Project Management Skills: Proven ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high-quality outcomes.
• Strategic and Creative Thinking: Strong strategic and creative thinking abilities, with a proactive approach to problem-solving and developing innovative communication strategies.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders across departments, including clinical, administrative, and leadership teams.
• Content and Analytics Proficiency: Skilled in using content management systems and analytics tools to create, manage, and evaluate communications, ensuring continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making.
• Inclusion and Equity Awareness: Deep understanding of inclusion and engagement principles, ensuring all communications reflect Dana-Farber’s commitment to equity, diversity, and fostering a welcoming environment.
• Confidentiality and Discretion: Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism, integrity, and discretion.

Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)

$72,600 - $80,100

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff that offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.