Communications Manager

University of Washington Medical Center•Seattle, WA

1d•$60,780 - $91,164

About The Position

The Department of Chemical Engineering (ChemE) has more than 26 faculty, 16 postdocs, and 14 staff. 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 department’s 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.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism and a minimum of two years’ experience in communications, marketing, journalism or related field.
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.

Nice To Haves

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 driver’s license.

Responsibilities

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.
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 department’s social media strategy.
Create and post content on department’s 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 department’s 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.
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.
Manage and adhere to the department communications budget.
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.