Research Communications Coordinator

Position Description

 

Position Summary

The Research Service Line (RSL) at the Michael E. DeBakey Veteran Affairs Medical Center (MEDVAMC) is seeking a Research Communications Coordinator (RCC). This position is responsible for coordinating internal and external communications in support of research programs, including, but not limited to, publications, websites, newsletters, reports, social media, and informational materials. In collaboration with the Program Director and Administrator of the Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases (CTRID), the RCC assists in the day-to-day communications activities in support of VA research.

The ideal candidate has outstanding interpersonal skills, and exceptional written and oral communication skills.  The RCC will work with a variety of audiences to include research leadership, administrators, principal investigators, and research staff. The RCC must demonstrate proactive engagement in building relationships and generating effective communications tailored to research audiences.

Key Responsibilities

Communications & Content Development

  • Manage and update RSL, CTRID, and related websites; serve as point of contact and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure engaging, accurate content
  • Draft and edit newsletters, reports, PowerPoint presentations, meeting minutes, and infographics.
  • Collect and submit VA-funded research publications and presentations to VA Office of Research & Development (ORD) in compliance with VA policies.
  • Develop content for social media and internal announcements to enhance outreach and stakeholder engagement.
  • Provide layout, editing, and creative direction for other research communication materials or projects, as assigned.
  • Design and maintain visual displays, including bulletin boards, flyers, digital signage, publication displays, and faculty/trainee galleries.

Program & Event Coordination

  • Chair or co-chair CTRID/VA research-related scientific or educational events.
  • Coordinate and manage virtual, hybrid, and in-person meetings, including technical troubleshooting.
  • Support recruitment by scheduling interviews and coordinating logistics for candidates and faculty.
  • Assist CTRID Leadership in maintaining the curriculum calendars, disseminating educational content, and collecting program reporting data.
  • Manage the weekly CTRID/VA research seminar series: invite speakers, maintain the calendar, obtain CME credit, coordinate logistics, and provide technical support.

Administrative & Technical Support

  • Create and maintain research email subgroups and communication distribution lists.
  • Provide administrative support to the CTRID Director and Administrator.
  • Track timelines and content for recurring communication deliverables.
  • Serve as the Continuing Medical Education (CME) accreditation coordinator.
  • Maintain an organized inventory of promotional materials; ensure timely updates and restocking.
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

  • Education: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
  • Experience: Minimum 4 years of experience in communications, research administration, or related field.
  • Skills:
    • Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills.
    • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
    • Highly organized and detail-oriented; able to set priorities, manage time efficiently, and adapt to changing needs.
    • Strong project management and problem-solving capabilities.
    • Ability to think both creatively and analytically.
    • Responsive and reliable: follows through promptly and accurately on requests.
    • Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills; ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
    • Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, OneDrive, Forms, SharePoint, Outlook), Canva, and Adobe Acrobat/Creative Cloud.
    • Basic knowledge of digital marketing platforms (e.g., social media, email marketing tools).

Preferred

  • Education: Bachelor's degree in a degree program for Marketing, Communications, Health, or a related field.
  • Experience: Experience in research or academic medical settings.
  • Skills:
    • Scientific writing, editing, and content development experience.
    • Familiarity with website content management systems and social media strategy.

Work Conditions

  • Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4:30 pm
  • Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days/week on-site, 2 days/week may be virtual).
  • Environment: Office-based
  • Physical:
    • Prolonged periods (sitting or standing) at a computer.
    • Occasionally walk between meeting locations across the VA campus.
    • Occasionally lift/carry/push/pull objects up to 10 lbs.

Benefits & Pay

Benefits

  • A benefits package including medical, vision, dental insurance and paid leave is available.

Salary

  • Salary commensurate with experience

 

As a condition of employment, completion of a background/suitability investigation is required.