COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
Req #: | 173393 |
Department: | ENVIRONMENTAL AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SCIENCES |
Job Location: | Seattle Campus |
Posting Date: | 10/18/2019 |
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 six consecutive years.
The Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences (DEOHS) at the University of Washington is dedicated to creating sustainable communities where everyone has access to clean air, clean water, safe food and safe workplaces.
As part of the top-ranked UW School of Public Health, DEOHS educates tomorrow’s health and safety leaders and reaches today’s workforce with sustainable health solutions through our public service, innovative research and cross-disciplinary partnerships. Our department is ranked fifth in the world for environmental and occupational health programs.
DEOHS has an outstanding opportunity for a 50% FTE Communications Specialist to join our department’s Communications team. The Communications Specialist is primarily responsible for writing, editing and producing compelling content for the department blog, Health & Safety Matters, and for the department’s public-facing website, e-newsletter and social media channels.
The Communications Specialist plays a key role in shaping and executing the department’s content strategy and messaging. The successful candidate is passionate about writing, storytelling and creating content that is accurate, engaging, timely and relevant for our target audiences. This role calls for a creative collaborator and idea-generator who enjoys working in a fast-paced, upbeat team environment.
The Communications Specialist reports to the DEOHS Director of Communications and Public Relations and works collaboratively as part of a four-person communications team that defines and shapes DEOHS’s brand and reputation through our expertise in communications strategy, messaging, design and storytelling.
The Communications Specialist’s responsibilities include:
•Writing original content, including: conceptualizing and developing story ideas related to our core research areas (clean air, clean water, safe food, safe workplaces, sustainable communities); conducting interviews with subject-matter experts; developing blog posts, e-newsletter copy and social media text in alignment with department messaging themes and brand positioning; identifying photos, videos and graphics to visually illustrate the content; and managing the content review process with internal and external stakeholders.
•Developing social media content that drives audience engagement and assisting with the management and monitoring of DEOHS social media channels and execution of the department’s social media strategy.
•Editing or proofreading content written by other team members, department staff and freelance writers to conform to AP style and the department’s in-house style guide.
•Producing and publishing web content using our content management system.
•Actively contributing to team discussions about content and channel strategy, work planning and audience engagement.
•Ensuring that communications are on brand, appropriate and compelling for the intended audience and purpose, clearly and effectively organized, optimized for user experience and consistent with organizational goals and priorities.
•Providing guidance and support to DEOHS colleagues on communications best practices.
As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For detailed information on Benefits for this position, click here.
Requirements:
•Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations or a similar field.
•A minimum of three years of experience working as part of a team in a professional setting.
•Demonstrated excellence in written communication and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in communication.
•Ability to translate scientific and technical material into engaging content in a range of formats for a defined audience.
•Ability to be both creative and meticulous in the use of language and data while developing concise, engaging text.
•Knowledge of AP style.
•Ability to take initiative, set priorities, juggle competing priorities and meet deadlines.
•Ability to think strategically, problem-solve and suggest creative solutions in line with department and team objectives.
•Experience working with photographers, graphic designers and web designers to integrate written and visual content and design.
•Ability to work collaboratively and effectively as an individual contributor and as a member of a team.
•Detail-oriented with a commitment to delivering high-quality products in service to the department’s mission and values.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except where there are legal requirements such as license/certification/registration.
Desired:
•Familiarity with content management systems, such as Drupal or WordPress.
•Experience in a public health, nonprofit and/or higher education setting.
•Experience with G Suite. Experience with Photoshop a plus.
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.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
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.