ASCENT Communications Specialist

Job Summary:

The Advancing the Science of Palliative Care Research Across the Lifespan (ASCENT) Consortium is a national consortium of experts in palliative care that will provide resources, expertise, and coordination to advance innovative, high-quality research to improve palliative care, ultimately improving quality of life for those living with serious illness and those who care for them. This position is part of a dynamic team leading the implementation of the goals and priorities of the ASCENT Consortium.

This Senior Communications Professional will be operating as the ASCENT Communications Specialist, responsible for creating, designing and coordinating all ASCENT communication materials including newsletters, the website, graphics, logos, modify study design graphic elements, lead creation of posters and graphics for publications for investigators, prepare PowerPoint slides for leadership presentations, and write and post social media content. He/she will be expected to be knowledgeable about all accessibility policies, laws and standards for webinars and in-person and virtual research meetings.

Key Responsibilities:

• Write and edit content for newsletters, social media, and website updates.

• Develop written materials for leadership presentations and public communications.

• Design graphics, logos, and visual elements for ASCENT branding.

• Modify and enhance study design graphics and other visual assets.

• Lead the creation of posters and graphics for scientific publications and presentations.

• Prepare and design PowerPoint slides for leadership and stakeholder presentations.

• Maintain and update the ASCENT website with current content and visuals.

• Write, schedule, and post content on ASCENT’s social media channels.

• Monitor engagement and adjust strategies to improve reach and impact.

Work Location:

Hybrid – this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of 1-2 days per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings.

Why Join Us:

The Advancing the Science of Palliative Care Research Across the Lifespan (ASCENT) Consortium is a national consortium of experts in palliative care that will provide resources, expertise, and coordination to advance innovative, high-quality research to improve palliative care, ultimately improving quality of life for those living with serious illness and those who care for them. You will be joining a dynamic team who is leading the implementation of the goals and priorities of the ASCENT Consortium.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation, and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options

• Dental: Multiple plan options

• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision

• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay

• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year

• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)

• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)

• Holiday Days: 10/year

• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses

• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, journalism, public relations, communications, business administration, business, or a directly related field from an accredited institution.

  • A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis.

• Two (2) years of professional level experience writing and editing content for varying media platforms (i.e. print, digital, social, etc.).

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience designing logos, infographics, posters, and publication graphics.

• Experience managing and updating websites (e.g., using CMS platforms like WordPress or Drupal).

• Experience creating professional PowerPoint presentations for leadership or public audiences.

• Experience managing organizational social media accounts (e.g., Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Facebook).

• Experience working with cross-functional teams, including researchers or investigators.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

• Knowledge of digital media content scheduling tools and analytics platforms.

• Ability to translate complex information into visually compelling slides.

• Understanding of web design principles and accessibility standards.

• Proficiency in graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).

• Familiarity with modifying scientific or study design visuals.

• Skilled in crafting clear, engaging, and audience-appropriate messaging.

• Knowledge of academic research.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.

• Outstanding customer service skills.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position.

2. Curriculum vitae / Resume

3. Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address.

Questions should be directed to: Patricia Colella, patricia.colella@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until August 27^th, 2025.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $54,254 – $69,011.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment Application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.