Communications Specialist

Job Description

NOTE: Applications will be reviewed beginning January 22nd.

Undergraduate Academic Affairs (UAA) shapes advances and stewards a world-class undergraduate academic experience for students at the University of Washington. Staff faculty and students in UAA deepen and enrich the learning experience for all undergraduates recognizing and supporting the unique learning path of each individual student and committing each academic program to excellence in learning and teaching.

The communications team working out of the deans office focuses its communication efforts on humanizing the UW undergraduate academic experience; being a resource and as-needed partner to UAA programs for their communications needs; supporting UAAs advancement priorities; deepening and expanding the equity lens we use in our communications work.

The UAA communications team has an outstanding opportunity for a Communications Specialist to join their team. Funding for this position is approved through June 30 2027 and may be extended with additional funding.

The Communications Specialist serves as the lead writer and content manager for much of Undergraduate Academic Affairs (UAA) external communications and select internal communications coming from the deans office. UAA is a central unit supporting nearly the entire undergraduate student population on the Seattle campus engaging students throughout their academic journey. This position collaborates with colleagues to increase awareness about and grow constituents relationships with UAA through clear creative and compelling communications predominantly written. This role requires excellent writing storytelling and editing skills sound judgment and the ability to explain complex ideas in an accessible and engaging way across platforms including web social media e-newsletters and print.

As lead writer the specialist helps shape UAAs voice and produces a range of original content including student profiles program news alumni updates and feature stories. They also edit submissions from colleagues across UAA units to ensure clarity consistency and alignment with UAAs messaging goals.

As content manager the specialist oversees the full content lifecycle from idea through publication and promotion for UAAs e-newsletters. This includes planning editorial calendar management stakeholder coordination and collaborating with designers and staff to bring projects to completion on schedule. Additional responsibilities include maintaining website content using WordPress and ensuring messaging remains current and aligned with UAA priorities.

The specialist manages multiple projects with competing deadlines and collaborates with a range of internal and campus partners. Success in this role depends on the ability to work independently; be effective at a local unit level aligned with broader institutional goals; and understand the bigger picture within a large complex organization.

They also lead the content strategy and day-to-day operations of the UAA deans office social media channels providing guidance on best practices monitoring engagement and identifying opportunities to elevate UAAs visibility through strategic and compelling storytelling.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Content creation and storytelling:

Develop story ideas for UAAs print and digital publications aligning with institutional and unit goals audience interests and current events.

Research and develop topics and story ideas conduct interviews with students faculty administrators alumni and external constituents and use sound editorial judgement to gather and verify information. Write a range of content including feature stories and articles long-form narratives news announcements student and alumni profiles and interviews. Additional content may include event promotions website copy blog posts social media content fact sheets donor communications and other materials as needed.

Serve as the primary manager writer content creator moderator and scheduler for UAAs social media channels.

Collaborate with UAA programs and other University units such as colleges schools academic departments and University Marketing & Communications to promote and share content.

Collaborate with UAAs communications director and digital media producer to create integrated digital stories and visual content.

Evaluate digital storytelling efforts using data-driven approaches.

Upload and maintain UAAs website content in Wordpress.

Support other content initiatives including web page refreshes student-written narratives social media messaging marketing collateral email campaigns advancement efforts and event-related publicity.

Ensure all content reflects the Universitys brand standards UAA voice and tone and a commitment to equity accessibility and inclusion.

Content project management and promotion:

Manage the production of UAAs external-facing advancement-focused e-newsletters each published quarterly in collaboration with program partners and the central Marketo team.

With input from the communications director guide and implement an editorial plan for each issue and maintain a clear production schedule.

Produce edit and proofread stories and layouts ensuring accuracy consistency and quality.

Coordinate with UMAC and advancement staff to compile audience data manage segmentation and oversee distribution.

Create and manage the day-to-day operations of UAAs social media channels including posting monitoring and responding to engagement.

Identify opportunities to increase audience engagement and visibility across platforms.

Track and analyze performance metrics for social media e-newsletters and the UAA website; use analytics to inform and improve content strategy.

Support the development of UAAs annual communications plan by identifying strategic opportunities and communications needs.

Stay informed of emerging communications trends and integrate relevant best practices into UAAs messaging and promotional efforts.

Other responsibilities:

Represent UAA in University-wide marketing and communications meetings roundtables and collaborative initiatives.

Identify and recommend opportunities to enhance UAAs storytelling reach and audience engagement.

Contribute to team-wide efforts by supporting special projects and emergent priorities as needed.

Deans office staff will demonstrate and integrate the following Undergraduate Academic Affairs competencies:

Accountability and integrity

Race equity and difference

Constituent focus

Collaboration and teamwork

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelors degree in English journalism communications or related field.

Four years of relevant professional experience.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements such as a license/certification/registration.

Additional Requirements:

Demonstrated ability to incorporate an equity lens in communications processes and products.

Proven organizational and time management skills with the ability to work independently prioritize tasks across multiple projects and adapt to shifting needs.

Experience writing a variety of non-fiction content including feature stories press releases blog posts social media content email invitations and website content.

Excellent writing editing proofreading and overall communications skills.

Demonstrated experience with current digital content best practices including developing content for social media and websites.

Ability to manage content-related projects with multiple stakeholders and meet firm deadlines.

Ability to interpret apply and communicate branding and content guidelines.

Experience using a content management system (CMS) such as Wordpress and optimizing copy for search engine optimization (SEO).

Proficiency with standard office software including Microsoft Office Suite.

Strong attention to detail.

DESIRED REQUIREMENTS

Experience with graphic design programs like PhotoShop InDesign and Canva.

Familiarity with Asana project management software and Wordpress content management system.

Familiarity with the AP style guide.

WORKSPACE CONDITIONS

Shared workspace environment with varying levels of noise and visual distraction; accommodations are available to support focus and sensory needs.

Hours outside of the typical 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday schedule happen a few times a year to support key unit events and priorities.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENT

Please provide a cover letter and resume detailing your relevant experience.

Your cover letter should outline your interest in the position highlight relevant experience or qualifications and explain how you would add value to the team or organization. It must be specific to this role.

Note: Semi-finalists will be asked for three samples of their writing and finalists will be asked to complete a timed editing assessment.

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.