Communications Specialist

The Communications Specialist supports the department(s) by developing, publishing, and managing internal and external communications across digital and print platforms. The Communications Specialist ensures content accuracy and accessibility across platforms, maintains key communication channels including newsletters and web pages, and may lead or execute strategic communications campaigns as assigned. The associate also provides essential administrative support to ensure smooth departmental operations. 

• Oversees departmental communication projects intended for publication in various formats. 
• Regularly writes, edits, and publishes internal and external-facing communications and documents on behalf of the department in accordance with style and accessibility guidelines, and supports executive communications as assigned. 
• Collaborates with colleagues to design and execute communications campaigns to raise awareness of and foster engagement with programming, employee benefits, development opportunities, University and system policies, and more. 
• Designs, writes content for, publishes, and continuously improves HR's monthly digital newsletter. 
• Manages updates to the content, design, and structure of the department’s external- and internal-facing webpages and other digital content, ensuring accuracy of content, timeliness of delivery, and compliance with style and accessibility guidelines. 
• Regularly maintains, analyzes, and distributes accurate communications-related reports to internal partners, including senior leaders and executives. 
• Oversees administrative operations including, but not limited to, front desk operations, coordinating office supply purchases, overseeing calendar maintenance and room booking, overseeing shared email inboxes, submitting and tracking work orders, securing quotes from vendors, organizing catering, etc. 

• Perform additional duties as required by the specific needs of the department  

Direct Reports:

• Supervises part-time employees

Delegation of Work:

• Assigns work to subordinate(s)

Supervision Given:

• Supervises the work of student workers

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s degree, experience will be considered in lieu of education

Required Experience:

• Minimum of two (2) years of related job experience.  

   

• Experience designing and executing communications campaigns that support strategic initiatives. 

   

   

License/Certification:

• None 

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Human Resources, or a related field. Direct experience in communications, content creation, or digital media, preferably in a higher education, nonprofit, or corporate environment. 

Knowledge:

• Proficiency in digital publishing tools and platforms such as OMNI CMS, SharePoint, Canvas, and survey/form tools like Qualtrics and Microsoft Forms. 
• Familiarity with style guides (e.g., AP, Chicago) and accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).

Skills:

• Strong project management and organizational skills 
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in reporting and content management. 

Abilities:

• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including executives, HR professionals, and external partners  
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a university community 
• Ability comfortable with administrative tasks and operational support, including calendar coordination, front desk oversight, and vendor communications. 

Primary Work Location:

• Works in an office environment.

Physical Demands:

• Work is performed in a typical, comfortable interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any unpleasant elements; Individual has discretion in relation to walking, standing etc., and has minimal exposure to physical risks 

Commitment to Excellence - UHD

• Demonstrates a commitment to competently perform his/her job duties and responsibilities within established time frames.
• Continuously strives to improve work performance.
• Accepts responsibility for his/her commitments to the university.
• Contributes to the success of the university by consistently providing quality results in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities. 

Integrity

• Demonstrates high ethical standards of conduct in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities.
• Accepts responsibility for his/her actions.
• Respects and complies with department and university policies, procedures, and work rules. 

Respect and Cooperation

• Treats others with courtesy, respect, and dignity in the workplace.
• Promotes cooperation through open and honest communications and consideration of others ideas, thoughts, and opinions. 

Proficiency

• Possesses required job skills and knowledge.
• Demonstrates the ability to apply those skills and knowledge to competently perform his/her job duties and assignments. 

Dependability

• Takes responsibility to accomplish job assignments within reasonable deadlines.
• Willing to accept new projects and/or commitments.
• Does due diligence to complete projects within specified timeframes and/or fulfill commitments.
• Arrives to work on time prepared and ready to contribute.

Flexibility

• Willingly adjusts to changing work assignments or conditions.
• Open to changes in operational procedures, technology, and/or organizational structure.
• Views changes as opportunities for learning and professional development.
• Displays a positive attitude to encourage others.
• Promptly responds to changes in work priorities and/or unexpected circumstances or situations.

Communicates Effectively

• Communicates clearly, concisely, and with courtesy.
• Carefully listens to customer or thoroughly reads correspondence, and uses good judgment to respond appropriately. (Customers can be students, external constituents, employees, or university guests.)
• Communicates requests for further action or resources to appropriate individuals with tact. 

Computer/Automated System Proficiency

• Proficient in the use of university applications or automated systems to perform job duties.
• Complies with related policies, procedures, and work rules to maintain system security and data integrity.

Project Management

• Manages project stages from proposal to completion ensuring project objectives are met within project budget and projected time frames.
• Clearly defines roles and responsibilities of project team; ascertains and secures necessary resources; and monitors project performance.
• Keeps management apprised of project status. 

Work Leadership

• Leads the work of assigned staff.
• Assigns projects and tasks with clear instructions and understanding of work to be performed.
• Mentors and guides by sharing expertise, knowledge of work rules and procedures, and best practices.
• Follows up to ensure tasks and projects are completed within reasonable timeframes. 

Problem Solving

• Formulates plans and strategies to proactively resolve anticipated problems.
• Prudently responds to unforeseen problems through careful consideration and analysis of problem and relevant information and circumstances.
• Recognizes and apprises appropriate university administrator when resolution requires senior management input and/or approval. 

Writing Proficiency

• Demonstrates the ability to express information clearly and concisely in writing.
• Formulates and writes information to effectively communicate messages, ideas, and/or concepts for the intended recipient or audience.
• Uses appropriate words and tone, and correct grammar

Student Success Indirect Support

• Contributes to student success by assisting students with anything that supports their student experience, whether directly or indirectly.
• Helps students navigate their way through the different offices, programs, and services at the university and/or connects students with the appropriate party(ies).
• Connects students with services or resources that can help them with career exploration, goal selection, and ongoing academic assistance.
• Helps students build peer support networks.
• Encourages student participation in out-of-class activities.
• Provides encouragement and guidance to foster student success.
• Treats students with respect
• Maintains the learning environment to ensure quality and/or sound pedagogy.