Resume

Jessica Harper, M.A.

Professional Profile

Strategic communications leader with 20+ years of experience driving integrated, mission-focused communication strategies across health, research, academic, and public-sector organizations. Known for translating complex scientific and policy topics into clear, compelling messaging that engages diverse audiences and advances organizational goals. Brings deep expertise in content strategy, digital engagement, editorial leadership, and stakeholder collaboration, with a strong track record of building inclusive, high-performing teams and delivering measurable impact through data-informed, audience-centered approaches.

Academic Research Communications

Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Manager, Research Administration Communications
July 2025 – Present

  • Develops and executes strategies to promote ORSP services and initiatives to faculty, staff and leadership.
  • Provides updates on policy changes and develops communications plans to help researchers and staff understand and meet compliance standards.

Science & Health Communications Leadership Experience

National Institute on Aging (NIA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD

Deputy Director of Communications, Office of Communications and Public Liaison
October 2023 – July 2025

  • Directed strategic communications, marketing, and digital engagement initiatives supporting NIA’s mission to improve the health and well-being of older adults through research and public education.
  • Led a cross-functional team, including units focusing on health communications and web and design; oversaw contracts for digital and print content, design, research, and conference support.
  • Advised agency leadership on crisis communications, internal messaging, and external outreach; served as spokesperson to federal and external partners.
  • Developed data-informed strategic plans to amplify the impact of public health messaging; oversaw metrics analysis, evaluation, and continuous content improvement.

Health Communications Branch Chief
July 2021 – October 2023

  • Oversaw content strategy for NIA’s public health information, managing a team of writer-editors and communications specialists responsible for 200+ web articles and 60+ print pieces.
  • Championed user-centered design through web analytics, usability testing, and iterative improvements to ensure accessibility and effectiveness across digital channels.
  • Advised leadership on best practices in SEO, plain language, and multichannel outreach strategies.
  • Collaborated with researchers and other experts to ensure accuracy and relevance of health content.

Technical Writer-Editor
January 2020 – July 2021

  • Led communications for NIA’s Alzheimer’s and related dementias portfolio, including relaunching and promoting the federal Alzheimers.gov portal and Clinical Trials Finder tool.
  • Developed and authored high-impact health content and toolkits, such as the Brain Donation Social Media Toolkit, contributing to a measurable increase in registrations.
  • Created and implemented a content tracker, style guide and other tools to improve workflow and quality.

JBS International (NIA Contractor), North Bethesda, MD
November 2016 – December 2019

Senior Writer/Editor

  • Led print and online editorial projects for NIA, including feature articles and booklets.
  • Collaborated with researchers to translate scientific findings into accessible, accurate content.

Editorial & Content Marketing Experience

BMGI, Denver, CO
August 2013 – August 2016

Content Director

  • Led content marketing for a consulting firm focused on strategy, innovation, and operational excellence.
  • Created copy for emails, landing pages, press releases, flyers, and social media posts. Edited articles, case studies, white papers, and books (including The Innovator’s Toolkit).
  • Led content audit that contributed to a 58% increase in users over a 2-year period.

Freelance, Seattle, WA 
January 2011 – August 2013

Freelance Writer/Editor

  • Provided editorial support to clients in business management and veterinary care.

iSixSigma, CTQ Media, Bainbridge Island, WA
December 2006 – December 2010

Editor-in-Chief; Managing Editor; Editor

  • Led an editorial division, including a website, magazine, and events, focusing on continuous process improvement methodologies.
  • Assembled an editorial advisory board of industry experts and developed an awards program.

Additional Experience

  • Managing Editor | Advanstar Communications, Lenexa, KS | March 2004 – November 2006
  • Special Projects Editor | Mercor Media, Independence, MO | June 2001 – March 2004
  • Assistant Editor | BizSpace, Kansas City, MO | February 2000 – June 2001

Professional Associations

  • Member, Public Relations Society of America
  • Member, Society for Health Communication

Community Service

  • Communications Director, Bryant-Pattengill Parent-Teacher Organization (2025-Present)
  • Volunteer, 826michigan (2025-Present)
  • Copy Editor, Real Change Homeless Empowerment Project (2011-2015)  
  • Tutor, Literacy Kansas City (2004-2005)

Training and Professional Development Activities

  • Generative AI Essentials (2025)
  • Strategic Communications Campaigns (2025)
  • Building Effective Teams (2024)
  • Creating a Culture of Belonging (2024)
  • Building Psychological Safety (2024)
  • Crisis Communications (2024)
  • Data Analysis Essentials (2023)
  • Leading Projects and Teams (2022)

Education

  • M.A., Writing, Johns Hopkins University, Washington, DC
  • B.A., English, Truman State University, Kirksville, MO