COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST - University of Washington

Req #: 241618 Department: UW ADVANCEMENT: COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES Appointing Department Web Address: https://artsci.washington.edu/ Job Location Detail: Hybrid Eligible - Minimum 2 days in office a week Posting Date: 12/06/2024 Closing Info: Open Until Filled Salary: $6,417 - $6,917 per month Shift: First Shift Notes: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here. (https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/benefits-professional-staff-librarians-academic-staff-20230701\_a11y.pdf) As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world. UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. For over 160 years, the University of Washington has been a hub for learning, innovation, problem solving and community building. Supporting this legacy and important public mission-with the goal of making the UW the world's greatest public university, as measured by positive impact-guides everything we do in University Advancement (https://www.washington.edu/advancement/) . Bringing together development; alumni and stakeholder engagement; marketing and communications; and advancement operations, we advance the UW's impact by developing meaningful connections that foster pride, advocacy and philanthropic support. The mission of the Development team is to facilitate private resources to enhance and protect the University's reputation and support equitable community building and service. This starts with creating a culture of belonging ( https://www.washington.edu/advancement/ua-dei-visions-values-and-actions/) within our organization that values the diverse experiences and expertise of our team members, allowing everyone to thrive and to contribute their unique talents as we strive to achieve our shared goals. **The College of Arts & Sciences has an exciting opening for a Communications Specialist. This is a full-time, permanent position.** Reporting to the Director of Strategic Communications, this position is a critical member of the College's Marketing & Communications team focused on internal and external communications around the College's priorities. The Specialist will manage processes and projects, develop materials and tactics, write stories for web and print, coordinate messaging and play a vital role in fundraising communications for the College. The role will also develop and execute communication strategies with the Office of the Dean and work closely with the Executive Director of Marketing & Communications on leadership and internal communications for the College. **What You Will Do:** **Strategic & Internal Communications (40%)** -Create and implement communication plans that support the strategic priorities and objectives of the College, including support of the Dean's Office, Divisional Deans and College leadership team members. -Create and manage various communication channels for the Dean, such as blogs and newsletters targeting internal and external audience segments. -Partner with the Digital Communications Specialist to build a social media strategy for the Dean. -Develop, review and coordinate official messages and speeches from the Dean's Office. -Write, edit and produce high-quality and engaging content for various communication platforms, such as presentations, speeches, blogs, newsletters, social media and programs. -Collaborate with cross-functional teams in Advancement to ensure alignment and consistency of messaging and branding. -Measure and report on the effectiveness and impact of communication initiatives and channels. -Research and monitor industry trends, best practices and competitive insights to inform and improve communication strategies and tactics. -Ensure communications are authentic and developed through an equity lens. **Advancement & Fundraising Communications (40%)** -Produce a range of deliverables, including strategy documents, briefings, correspondence, proposals, concept papers, gift agreements and stewardship materials which advance institutional relationships with individual, corporate and foundation principal giving donors and prospects. -Develop press releases, gift announcements, philanthropic impact stories and externally facing story content. -Assist with campaign communications to College volunteers and other audiences. -Draft compelling case statements for interdisciplinary projects and College priorities to appeal to individual donors as well as foundations, corporations and other organizations. -Draft letters, thank you notes and other correspondence from academic leaders. **Project Management (20%)** -Provide project management and coordination of significant deliverables, such as communication plans, annual engagement report for constituents and other materials. -Coordinate with the College's Marketing & Communications team for production of materials. -Manage internal communications calendars and tracking/reporting systems. -Proactively manage stakeholder expectations and concerns. **MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS** Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, communications, English, journalism or related field AND three years of experience in communications, public relations or related experience. **Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.** **What You Bring:** -Demonstrated experience supporting communications with senior leadership. -Ability to manage multiple stakeholder relationships at once. -Proven ability to collaborate effectively with various constituents and cross-functional teams to align efforts with organizational goals. -Exceptional interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, with attention to detail and accuracy. -Strong analytical skills and the ability to quickly learn new and complex policy areas. -Experience uplifting marginalized voices and communicating to diverse audiences. -Values the UW's commitment to inclusiveness and demonstrates respect and commitment to diversity. **What You Can Expect:** -Writing samples will be requested during the recruitment process for this position. -Cubicle/open workspace environment that may result in higher noise levels and visual distractions. -Occasional weekend or evening hours to accommodate the workload and events. **Application Process:** The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select "Apply to this position". Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you log into your "My Jobs" page. If you choose to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed. \#UWUAJOBS University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.