Communications Specialist

The Communications Specialist supports the development, coordination, and execution of internal and external communications across digital and print platforms. This role develops clear, consistent, and engaging content; maintains key communication channels such as newsletters, intranet and web pages; provides communications partnership to departmental leadership; and supports strategic initiatives that advance the university’s priorities. The Specialist also provides essential administrative support to ensure smooth departmental operations. 

• Develops, writes, edits, and publishes internal and external communications in alignment with brand, style, and accessibility standards; supports executive and leadership communications as assigned. 
• Coordinates communication projects intended for publication across multiple formats, including newsletters, web pages, presentations, announcements, videos, and event materials. 
• Serves as content coordinator for internal communication channels (e.g., web pages, email newsletters, digital signage, SharePoint sites, events, and presentations). 
• Designs, writes, and produces monthly digital newsletters; continuously refines format and content based on analytics and stakeholder feedback. 
• Maintains and updates internal- and external-facing web pages, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and timely posting of information. 
• Develops content such as articles, talking points, video scripts, PowerPoint presentations, FAQs, and employee messaging that supports UHD priorities, programs, and initiatives. 
• Supports the planning and communication of institutional announcements, change initiatives, employee programming, and key institutional updates. 
• Collaborates with partners across departments and divisions to tailor messaging for targeted audiences. 
• Ensures consistency of tone, message alignment, and accuracy across communication platforms. 
• Tracks engagement metrics and develops recommendations to enhance communication strategies and improve reach and clarity. 
• Provides administrative coordination to support daily departmental operations, which may include maintaining shared email inboxes, coordinating office supplies and vendor quotes, arranging room bookings, and scheduling support as needed. 
• Provides administrative coordination for front desk operations, office supply, catering and vendor purchases, shared calendar maintenance, space reservations, and work orders. 

• Performs all other 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:

• Supervise 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 required

• 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.