Communications Manager

Job Description

The Department of Chemical Engineering (ChemE) has more than 26 faculty 16 postdocs and 14staff. The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race color creed religion national origin citizenship sex pregnancy age marital status sexual orientation gender identity or expression genetic information disability or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

The Chemical Engineering (ChemE) department has an outstanding opportunity for a COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER. This position requires polished writing skills graphic design expertise project management experience adherence to the UW brand and message platform and the ability to communicate with diverse audiences. This employee will produce editorial and marketing materials as well as provide strategic operational support to the Chair and Chemical Engineering Programs. To be successful in this role the communications manager must develop a deep understanding of the departments strategic objectives research strengths markets and competitive challenges and be able to translate technical concepts into accessible and engaging narratives. The Communications Manager reports to the Administrator.

Editorial Content (35% FTE)

• Identify solicit research write and edit content to explain and promote the work of ChemE.

• Manage production of news and feature stories print and e-newsletters and other ChemE publications including writing editing and design.

• Ensure accuracy and quality of content. Research and acquire images figures photos and illustrations.

• Manage editorial calendars brand adherence and use of style guides.

• Coordinate coverage and promotion with other campus units when applicable.

Marketing (35% FTE)

• Design related communications to highlight ChemE programs and research and to cultivate donors and investors.

• Create publicity materials (flyers digital graphics email announcements social media posts calendar entries) for department events.

• Collect and evaluate data and analytics to measure impact and inform communications strategy and decision-making.

• Create manage and maintain content on the ChemE website.

• Responsible for ensuring accuracy timeliness usability accessibility tone and clarity.

• Serve as site administrator.

• Create and manipulate images for home page banners news items articles infographics etc.

• Use site analytics and insights to prioritize updates and improve functionality. Provide training to content contributors and offer technical and editorial feedback.

• Develop and implement the departments social media strategy.

• Create and post content on departments social media channels (Instagram LinkedIn Youtube)

• Create and manage distribution of marketing emails using the Marketo email platform.

• Manage the UI for the Benson lobby touch displays.

• Ensure content is accurate and up-to-date.

• Identify opportunities to improve functionality and to leverage the displays for brand promotion.

• Manage the departments digital photography and video content.

• Take and edit photos or arrange for professional services for publications and events when appropriate.

• Develop and implement marketing and communications strategies and materials to support department recruitment and program promotions including but not limited to flyers one-sheets emails and digital promotions.

Strategy (25% FTE)

• Working with department leadership develop and implement communications strategies that increase awareness strengthen the brand advance the goals and raise the ranking of the UW ChemE department.

• Collaborate with the department faculty and staff as well as professionals in the College of Engineering to ensure consistent coordinated communication of university college and department messaging.

• Audiences include alumni donors industry partners and professionals chemical engineers nationwide prospective students and current university and department personnel.

• The individual in this position regularly collaborates with the Chair staff and advancement officers and interacts directly with major donors faculty students service providers and UW marketing & communications officials.

• Provide briefing documents and talking points for leadership.

• Provide counsel to department personnel on marketing and communications strategies in line with mission and business objectives.

• In partnership with the Assistant to the Chair plan and execute advisory board meetings faculty retreats special seminars and development events.

• Compose correspondence to donors on behalf of the chair; work with College advancement officers to update donors of department news and accomplishments.

• Compose correspondence to donors on behalf of the chair; work with College advancement officers to update donors of department news and accomplishments.

• Manage and adhere to the department communications budget.

Professional Growth (5% FTE)

Professional development is very important to the culture of the department and it is essential that employees demonstrate accountability for their own professional growth and competency by seeking opportunities and activities that improve skills to support the department.

The Communications Manager will stay current on emerging information and technologies by attending workshops/trainings and developing relationships with peers.

It is expected that new ideas and best practices will be incorporated into solutions and plans so the entire department can benefit.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelors Degree in Communications Marketing Journalism and a minimum of two years experience in communications marketing journalism or related field.

Additional Requirements

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Experience using AP Style and an internal style guides.

• Ability to remain current on UW editorial standards as well as emerging technologies as needed for role.

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a diverse team.

• Demonstrated experience with current social media and digital marketing platforms and best practices.

• Experience with content management systems (Drupal Wordpress)

• Strong project management and time management skills. Ability to operate independently and accomplish complex initiatives within deadlines.

• Demonstrated organizational proficiency and project organization skills. Self-motivated proactive adaptable work style with the ability to learn quickly and to work with a variety of topics and people.

• Ability to develop adhere to and successfully communicate branding and content guidelines.

• Ability to make appropriate decisions based on relevant information and experience.

• The ability to be present at events after business hours with advanced notice

• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (SharePoint Word Power Point)

• Proficiency in visual layout and design tools (Canva Adobe InDesign and Photoshop)

• Ability to communicate successfully with stakeholders at all levels throughout a complex diverse organization.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in event planning and execution.

• Experience in website and publishing software understanding of basic HTML

• Experience working with faculty and managing complexities of cross-department or interdisciplinary units.

• Knowledge of video content creation and editing.

• Possession of a valid Washington State drivers license.

Working Environment

This position may require working more than 40 hours per week and must be able to work a flexible schedule on occasion (with advance notice).

Compensation Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Temporary or Regular

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier return they enjoy outstanding benefits opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity intellectual excitement artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race color creed religion national origin citizenship sex pregnancy age marital status sexual orientation gender identity or expression genetic information disability or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process contact the Disability Services Office at or .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.