Communications and Marketing Specialist

Job Description:

About Brown:

Brown University is a leading research university distinct for its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose. Our students, faculty and staff are driven by the idea that their work will have an impact in the world.
Brown University offers a flexible work/life balance; summer hours, winter break and a comprehensive Benefits package including time off, annual paid holidays; benefits offerings including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, wellness, employee discounts and more. To learn about Brown University’s benefits, visit the University Human Resources web page for further information. 

About the Opportunity:

The Robert J. & Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science is committed to supporting research and facilitating collaborations in brain science across the Brown University community and beyond. Our mission is to promote discovery and innovation in brain science by supporting a diverse community of experimentalists, theorists, engineers, and clinical scientists. We do this by recruiting and retaining world-class faculty, creating an outstanding collaborative training environment, seeding innovative projects, supporting collaborative teams, and raising the visibility and reputation of Carney researchers.

Responsibilities:

The Communications and Marketing Specialist develops internal and external communications for the Carney Institute for Brain Science and affiliated centers in collaboration with the Associate Director of Strategic Communications. The incumbent supports a broad and evolving communications portfolio focused on elevating the profile and impact of the Carney Institute, including the following primary responsibilities: developing communications and marketing materials; managing website content and social media platforms; compiling communications for annual reporting; and supporting institute events. 

The Specialist will create engaging multi-channel content highlighting the Institute's research, teaching, and outreach efforts for internal and external stakeholders. The incumbent leverages excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills across a range of Carney communications, as well as a strong ability to translate scientific concepts into content for public and non-technical audiences.

The Specialist serves as a primary liaison to research faculty and trainees in the Carney Institute and collaborates closely with stakeholders in the Office of University Communications, Division of Advancement, the Warren Alpert Medical School and other units that are partners or collaborators in elevating education and research. The Specialist is a trusted member of the Carney Institute administrative team working toward Institute goals and priorities. The incumbent will network with other communications professionals across Brown and affiliated partner organizations to foster collaboration and adopt best practices and messaging strategy. The incumbent handles confidential information and is expected to maintain and secure privacy.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public affairs, or a related field is required. 

• 3-5 years related professional experience in marketing, communications, development, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• Degree in science or significant number of undergraduate level courses in science preferred.

• Demonstrated experience in creating multi-channel storytelling content across written and visual media. 

• Interest in communicating life sciences required.

• Higher education or non-profit work experience is preferred.

Job Competencies

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including strong command of AP editorial style.

• Versatile written and visual storytelling skills with a demonstrated track record of adapting tone, style, and format to suit diverse audiences and channels.

• Demonstrated ability to design story packages and communications tailored to the full range of print and digital media.

• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva or similar design tools.

• Ability to translate scientific content and concepts from first-hand interviews with scientists into accurate, engaging, accessible content for a lay or non-technical audience.

• Flexibility in pivoting between detail-oriented creative and administrative tasks in alignment with evolving priorities and institute needs.

• Knowledge and command of evolving social media platforms.

• Ability to organize and keep track of large amounts of media.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work with a population of faculty, staff and students from a diverse range of backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences. 

• Ability to sustain a high level of productivity and work independently while being part of a collaborative team.

• Sound judgment, discretion and confidentiality.

• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office Programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), web-based programs and tools, Gmail and related Google applications, and related systems.

• Capacity to manage design vendors.

Salary Grade: 9

Additional Information:

• Applicants are asked to include a resume and cover letter.

• Workload can be unpredictable with hard deadlines. Successful incumbent will have the ability and willingness to work outside of the normal business hours including nights and weekends on occasion.

• All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.​

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-08-11

Job Posting Title:

Communications and Marketing Specialist

Department:

Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science

Grade:

Grade 9

Worker Type:

Employee

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

Position Work Location:

Hybrid

 

Submission Guidelines:

The designated Position Work Location for each position determines the approved modality of work. Positions are classified based on the operational and business needs of the department and may be designated as on-site, hybrid, or remote.

Employees with a designated position work location as remote must reside and perform their work in a state where Brown University is registered to do business. Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C.

Please note that to be considered for a staff position at Brown University, you must submit a separate application for each position you wish to be considered for. Applications are reviewed only for the specific position to which they are submitted and are not automatically considered for future openings.  

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact [email protected].

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement:

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.