COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT LEAD EARTHLAB
University of Washington
Seattle, WA
Full-time
Information Services / Technology (IT)
Posted on May 1, 2019
Req #: | 163155 |
Department: | COLLEGE OF THE ENVIRONMENT -EARTHLAB |
Job Location: | Seattle Campus |
Posting Date: | 12/21/2018 |
Closing Info: | Open Until Filled |
Salary: | Salary is commensurate with education and experience. |
Shift: | First Shift |
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. All of which has allowed the UW to be nationally recognized as a “Great College to Work For” for five consecutive years.
EarthLab is a new initiative at the University of Washington seeking to link and apply the amazing environmental research happening at the UW with decision makers working on solutions to environmental challenges. Stewarded by the College of the Environment, EarthLab supports application-focused interdisciplinary collaboration across and beyond the University of Washington. EarthLab focuses on addressing our world’s most pressing environmental challenges – catalyzing collaborations with partners across the private, public, and non-profit sectors. By linking knowledge and action to accomplish meaningful change, EarthLab will help develop lasting solutions that are scientifically sound, technically feasible, and economically viable, while promoting equity and justice.
The College of the Environment promotes diversity and inclusivity among our students, faculty, staff, and public. Thus, we are strongly seeking candidates whose experiences have prepared them to fulfill our commitment to inclusion and have given them the confidence to fully engage audiences from a wide spectrum of backgrounds. The University of Washington (UW) is located in the greater Seattle metropolitan area, with a dynamic, multicultural community of 3.7 million people and a range of ecosystems from mountains to ocean. The UW serves a diverse population of 80,000 students, faculty and staff, including 25% first-generation college students, over 25% Pell Grant students, and faculty from over 70 countries. The UW is a recipient of a National Science Foundation ADVANCE Institutional Transformation Award to increase the advancement of women faculty in science, engineering, and math.
EarthLab has an outstanding opportunity for a Communications & Engagement Lead to manage our efforts to connect with stakeholders from a variety of audiences on campus, in the region and across multiple formats. The Communications & Engagement Lead will bring and ensure nimble, entrepreneurial communications programming that advances EarthLab scholars, staff, and students to implement innovative projects and partnerships while rapidly responding to new opportunities. Building on the recent awareness raising activity in the fall of 2018, this role will develop a communications roadmap and implement a wide range of communications and engagement tactics.
The Communications & Engagement Lead will report to the EarthLab Executive Director and will work closely with a number of people in EarthLab and in our Member organizations. This role will also be closely connected to the College of the Environment’s Advancement and Marketing & Communications team to ensure coordination and connection in our approach and execution.
As a start-up environment, it is critical that all team members recognize the importance of remaining flexible, open, curious and available to helping whenever and however it is needed. The successful candidate will embrace the mission of EarthLab and understand how they can bring their expertise to bear in service of faculty, students, partners, donors, and others who are engaged with EarthLab. They will also embrace a stated outcome of EarthLab to place equity and justice at the core of our work. On this team, the successful candidate will value and appreciate human interaction, prioritize the interests of the team and welcome new ways to work to improve the performance of the team.
This position requires an ability to think strategically, direct and manage multiple priorities, quickly analyze a variety of communications opportunities, and make sound decisions. The Communications & Engagement Lead must be an effective time manager, have excellent judgment, and be able to keep the big picture in mind, while also knowing the details of EarthLab communications activities. Exceptional people and communication skills are central to this position since it is a highly collaborative role.
Responsibilities:
Development of core components communications strategy:
•Develop and execute an annual communications plan
•Create and use an editorial calendar
•Refine and deploy key messages for EarthLab and its member organizations
•Advise leadership on key communication opportunities and approaches
•Use experience and professional judgment to identify, plan for, and advise on decisions related to controversial, sensitive and/or time-sensitive issues
Implementation of communications strategy :
•Create and edit website content, manage revisions, and publish content
•Create and send newsletters on behalf of EarthLab and its members
•Coordinate and execute events as needed
•Write and manage production of print materials as needed
•Manage the response to media inquiries, in collaboration with other UW media resources
Coordination with University of Washington and College of the Environment Marketing & Communications and Advancement teams :
•Ensure EarthLab communications and marketing efforts are integrated with the larger College and University communications plans.
•Attend relevant UW and College MarCom meetings (Marketing Round table, Environment Communicators, etc.).
•Partner with Advancement to develop talking points, proposals, stewardship reports and communications with donors.
Coordination with Member Organizations:
•Conduct outreach to and promotion of EarthLab Member Organizations and their activities
•Serve as a resource to EarthLab faculty and staff for developing communication strategy and messaging that is aligned with UW and EarthLab brand priorities
•Develop templates and tools that can be used broadly within EarthLab members, whose staff may or may not have training in marketing and communications.
•Review and edit the work of others to ensure consistency and strategic alignment
Other duties as assigned:
•Given the start-up nature of EarthLab, all team members may be asked to pitch in on a variety of tasks to help advance our mission.
As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For detailed information on Benefits for this position, click here.
Position Qualifications:
Required
•Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, business, environmental studies or related field
•Four or more years of experience in communications and marketing
•Demonstrated excellence in storytelling and communication, both oral and written
•Able to quickly analyze and prioritize multiple competing demands, work well under pressure and meet deadlines
•Proven accuracy and attention to detail
•Able to interpret technical and scientific information for a non-technical audience
•Self-motivated and able to work independently, as well as collaboratively, with colleagues in EarthLab and throughout the University
•Excellent office computer skills, proficiency with Microsoft Office products, and willingness to learn other applications/programs as necessary
•Experience working with website content management systems (like WordPress), social media, and other digital communication tools.
•Flexible in the face of changing priorities internal to EarthLab; ability to embrace and work within a start-up environment; interest in being involved with something new and undefined
•Strong interpersonal skills and an orientation toward providing excellent customer service
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except where there are legal requirements such as license/certification/registration.
Desired
•Working proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite
•Videography and/or photography skills
•Demonstrated experience building communications capacity in a new organization
•Experience with mass email and calendaring tools, such as Marketo and Trumba
•Familiarity and understanding of University of Washington brand and marketing and communications best practices
•Understanding of and experience with UW support offices (e.g., Creative Communications) and systems (e.g., Arriba, Workday)
Conditions of Employment:
•Willingness and ability to work over 40 hours per week when necessary, especially during high-intensity, cyclical, and deadline-driven events
•Our workplace is a collaborative environment and the ability to work together as part of a team is essential.
Application Process:
The application process for UW positions 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 Workforce 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 access your “My Jobs” page. If you select 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.
The University of Washington is a leader in environmental stewardship & sustainability, and committed to becoming climate neutral.
The University of Washington is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 / 206-543-6452 (tty) or dso@uw.edu.