Position Vacancy Announcement
3/22/2013; FY2013.USBHET.HlthCommAssoc
Health Communications Associate
University Research Co., LLC
Position ID:
Hours:
Location:
Salary:
FY2013.USBHET.HlthCommAssoc
Full-time; 40 hours per week
Rockville, Maryland
Commensurate with required experience and qualifications
University Research Co., LLC (URC)
URC is a global company dedicated to improving the quality of health care, social services, and health education
worldwide. With a non-profit affiliate, the Center for Human Services (CHS), URC manages projects in over 45 countries,
including the United States.
Established in 1965, URC offers a range of technical assistance to strengthen health and social systems and service
quality by empowering communities and health workers to identify and scale up locally appropriate solutions to critical
problems. Internationally, we expand access to and improve the quality of services addressing maternal, newborn, and
child health; infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria; reproductive health and family planning; food and
nutrition; and vulnerable children and families. In the US, we focus on improving communication related to issues like
substance abuse, with a particular focus on reaching underserved populations.
URC’s mission is to provide innovative, evidence-based solutions to health and social challenges worldwide. Please join
us in carrying out our mission (http://www.urc-chs.com/).
Division & Project Overview
Founded in 1968, the Center for Human Services (CHS) is the nonprofit 501-(c)-3 affiliate of the Maryland-based
University Research Co., LLC (URC), and a leader in public health consulting. URC and CHS work spans over 30
countries around the globe, including offices in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Roles and Responsibilities:
The Health Communications Associate position provides expertise in the conceptualization, planning, and
implementation of strategic health communications for a well established Federal client. In a part-time capacity, this midlevel professional will primarily provide multi-faceted support for a major Federal contract to enhance underage drinking
(UAD) prevention and awareness efforts in communities throughout the United States and its Territories. The Health
Communications Associate must demonstrate flexibility with changing project needs. A formal background or relevant
work experience in health communication programs is therefore a must to contribute to the team’s objective for creating
population-wide behavior change. In this role, the Health Communications Associate is primarily responsible for the
application of a variety of health communication principles in the execution of Project tasks and activities, including but not
limited to strategic design, development and pretesting of messages and materials, implementation and monitoring, as
well as evaluation.
Reporting to the Deputy Project Director, the Health Communications Associate will be responsible for the following:
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Contribute to the development of UAD prevention print- and Web-based materials, required reports, special
projects, and training programs.
Create content development plans and work with key staff to implement strategies for promoting print- and Webbased UAD prevention products.
Coordinate with Web team to develop new information architecture across contract Web sites, including updating
and repurposing content.
Track and contribute to relevant news on UAD prevention, coordinating with staff to promote contract national
prominence and influence.
Work with key outreach staff to identify and pursue opportunities for external promotion of UAD prevention-related
activities and the client as a national leader on preventing underage alcohol use.
Contribute to the development and maintenance of contract’s knowledge base on UAD by analyzing and sharing
compelling information on relevant Federal activities that align UADPEI activities with existing initiatives and avoid
duplication of efforts.
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Provide quality control (not limited to editing or proofreading) services for health communication products and
ensure that Web-based materials are compliant with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Contribute to dissemination of information to special populations and hard-to-reach communities affected by
underage alcohol use and key stakeholders through various contract activities, including conferences, meetings,
and trainings.
Assist with carrying out team duties and other assignments, including quick-turnaround assignments for the client,
as needed.
Minimum Qualifications:
Required Experience & Qualifications
 Master’s degree in public health or related field with three years of health communications experience.
 At least one year of substance abuse prevention experience.
 Excellent time management, organizational and interpersonal skills with a keen eye for detail, demonstrated
writing, and communication skills.
 Excellent demonstrated public speaking, leadership, and teaching capabilities, with ability to make quality,
independent decisions and handle confidential information.
 Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines, with high volume and multiple interruptions.
 Strong knowledge of computer applications including MS Office and online communications and applications.
Desired Experience & Qualifications
 Flexibility in work schedule to meet program needs. Should be innovative and able to lead tasks.
 Familiarity with government contracting environment preferred.
 Requires the ability to work well on a team with diverse populations, and forge relationships with constituencies at
the Federal, State, and local levels.
Note: To be considered, the candidate must be eligible to work full-time in the United States for an indefinite period.
Relocation assistance for this position cannot be provided.
To Apply:
For immediate consideration, please visit URC’s Career Opportunities page at www.urc-chs.com/careers.
Please cut and paste your cover letter and upload your CV where indicated. Also, please complete your application form
and attach a completed USAID Form 1420 Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet as well.
Due to the large number of inquiries we receive, only candidates who have met the required experience & qualifications
for this position will be contacted. No phone calls please. However, since we are active around the world in the field of
public health, we may wish to retain your CV in our database for other/future opportunities, unless you direct us otherwise.
Thank you very much for your interest.
URC is an E-Verify Employer
URC is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
We value and seek diversity in our workforce.
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