How do partnerships arrange the implementation of communications plans?

Communications implementation is shaped by available resources, institutional constraints and opportunities, and the maturity of the partnership. Some RPPs work with consultants who specialize in translating research findings to non-academic audiences. Others invest in training for their researchers to learn strategies for communicating fluently with audiences beyond typical academic circles. Experienced RPPs suggest that a communications specialist is a high-priority hire as soon as the budget makes it a viable option. For partnerships that are housed in universities, university communications staff can help get the word out in creative and accessible formats, especially when the work of the partnership highlights the university’s civic mission. Of such situations, one researcher notes, “sometimes university communications offices may be inclined to use a different frame than practice partners would use to describe the work, so there’s effort on my part to be in touch with them so that press stories are truly reflective of the work.”