Communications Specialist (Temporary)

Job Description

The Department of Health Systems and Population Health (HSPop) has an outstanding opportunity for a Communications Specialist to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Communications, the Communications Specialist is responsible for managing the online media presence and visibility of the associated research centers, department, and programs. This role provides communications support for research center projects and initiatives aimed at disseminating findings of research and scientific offerings. The Communications Specialist enhances HSPop’s impact of project and research efforts with target audiences and potential funders, ultimately improving the health of individuals and communities.

The Communications Specialist generates a consistent supply of high-quality visual and written online content and adheres to effective strategies for reaching target audiences, identifying optimal distribution platforms and methods for monitoring website and social media analytics. The Communications Specialist actively manages and maintains the website, email marketing, and social media presence of the research centers, working closely with leadership to identify online content to meet their goals.

This position will be part-time at 50% FTE but may vary to as much as 75% FTE. The salary information provided below is for a full-time position and will be prorated for this part-time opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

Content Creation (65%)

• Create written articles featuring student success stories, research discoveries, faculty achievements and more for publication on research center and department websites.

• Collaborate to produce audio and video content featuring research discoveries, faculty achievements and more for publication on YouTube, social media, research center, and department websites.

• Design infographics and other visual content featuring event announcements, research highlights, and more for publication on research center and department websites and social media.

• Daily management of digital distribution channels, including website, social media, and e-newsletters.

• Create and coordinate messaging across all digital channels, driving traffic from social media channels to our websites.

• Independently identify interesting content that will appeal to our audiences and collaborate on shared ideas.

• Identify optimal media format or formats for maximum impact of each story (written, video, infographic, etc.), based on the topic and the audience.

• Identify KPIs to monitor and analyze success of content to guide strategy for future production.

• Serve as an innovative storyteller, learning our audiences and strategically tailoring content format and distribution channel to meet the audience’s preferred consumption.

Research Center Representation (25%)

• Produce content in collaboration with research center scientists and coordinators to promote the centers, research projects, and accomplishments.

• Participate and collaborate with colleagues and contemporaries in communications committees and meetings as needed.

• Manage and update research center websites.

• Create and publish content for research center social media accounts, including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

• Write and update content for various documents and applications, including annual reports, progress reports and other official reports as needed.

• Design and produce research briefs, recruitment and intervention materials, and other products for research centers in the department.

• Act as departmental representative and point of contact for potential students and employees.

Image and Branding (10%)

• Uphold primary research center, UW and HSPop brand standards.

• Maintain and refresh identity and branding of associated research centers as needed, in accordance with UW and HSPop brand standards.

• Ensure branding consistency in HSPop materials and online presence.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, or a related field.

• At least 2 years of experience in a communications-related field.

Additional Qualifications

• Excellent writing and editing skills: experience writing for publication for both professional and general audiences.

• Demonstrated experience in ideating and creating engaging content using video, photographs, and written copy to tell a compelling story designed to connect with the audience and elevate the visibility and reputation of the organization.

• Experience developing and maintaining professional social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

• Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders from underrepresented, and/or historically excluded groups and communities to promote initiatives grounded in anti-racism principles. Ability to interact respectfully, empathetically, and with cultural humility with persons of diverse backgrounds and at all levels of the university and external community groups.

• Ability to represent HSPop in a professional and congenial manner with professional colleagues both within and outside of academia.

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment and to address complex situations with creativity.

• Highly organized and attentive to detail, proactive and self-motivated, works within and meets deadlines.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications in a PC environment; knowledge of HTML.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with WordPress website content management system.

• Experience with DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere and Canva.

• Experience in a higher education, public health research or practice environment.

About the Team

Housed in the UW School of Public Health, the Department of Health Systems and Population Health (HSPop) is a dynamic academic and research department with the mission of working with partners in public health and health care to prepare leaders, design solutions, and conduct innovative research that is translated into practice and policy. The Department is steadfast in its efforts to improve and promote the health of all populations, and staff contribute daily and directly to the work of faculty, students, researchers and other staff, providing support and expertise to the Department's common cause.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$80,400.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$84,000.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-temporary-per-diem-and-less-than-half-time/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a temporary position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

50.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

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 world. In 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 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

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.