Communications Specialist II

University of Rochester•City of Rochester, NY

1d•$29 - $41•Onsite

About The Position

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive. This role acts as a key staff member for an academic or research program, facilitating and coordinating the program. It involves applying various communication strategies to create an impression, raise awareness, and encourage a preference and response by the target audience for the department. The specialist will assist in developing research, create communications materials for, and participate in professional conferences, and provide public relations support. They may also provide specialized administrative support such as fundraising or day-to-day administration of a broad range of programs and activities of an academic program or research center. Additionally, the role assists in curriculum development for workshops and inservice training, conducts in-service training, conferences, and workshops, and participates in the program budgeting and accounting process. The specialist will develop clear, concise content for press releases, website updates, print materials, and social media networks, ensuring consistent and effective messaging across all platforms.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required.
2 years of relevant experience required.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite programs such as Power Point, Word, Excel and Outlook required.
Excellent written & verbal communication skills required.
Willingness to learn new systems and improve workflow efficiencies required.
Strong Organizational Skills required.
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines required.
Strong sense of responsibility and ability to complete tasks with minimal supervision required.

Responsibilities

Plans, manages, and executes strategies for the communications team that raises awareness and drives engagement.
Writes and develops compelling content.
Identifies and creates compelling, audience-aligned digital and print content that communicates and supports the University’s strategic goals, initiatives, and priorities, as well as other relevant needs as defined by leadership.
Synthesize complex scholarship, industry concepts, or important messaging for a broad, non-specialist audience, and collaborates closely with in-house editors, photographers, video producers, graphic and web designers, and others to execute on content deliverables.
Provide insights and recommendations based on data to enhance future campaigns.
Develop and execute comprehensive social media strategies aligned with overall marketing and business goals.
Sets clear goals for the team and aligns unit goals with advancement goals.
Leads project management for communications projects, including social media.
Pursues and coordinates content distribution and promotion creatively and strategically, including through search engine optimization and marketing; local, national, and international news media coverage; social media engagement; internal communications channels; and other methods and avenues as appropriate.
This requires staying current with the latest issues, trends, and best practices in an ever-changing multimedia communications landscape.
Stay informed about industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging platforms to ensure a competitive edge.
Create compelling and shareable content for various social media platforms, including but not limited to text, image, video, and interactive content.
Ensure content aligns with brand guidelines and resonates with the target audience.
Use social media analytics tools to track key performance indicators (KPIs) and generate regular reports on social media performance.
Work closely with marketing, communications, and other relevant teams to ensure social media strategies align with broader marketing initiatives.
Collaborate with influencers, partners, and brand advocates to amplify the brand's reach.
Manage Website ensuring it is updated.
Develop and implement comprehensive event strategies that align with organizational goals and objectives.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand event requirements and expectations.
Create and manage event/conference budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to financial constraints.
Negotiate with vendors and suppliers to secure cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.
Oversee all aspects of event/conference coordination, including setup, onsite management, and breakdown.
Ensure that events/conferences run smoothly and that any issues are addressed promptly and effectively.
Handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion.
Maintain a high level of confidentiality in all interactions and communications.
Support Departmental leaders in various projects and initiatives.
Coordinate and collaborate with other administrative staff while leading projects.
Builds and maintains relationships with key constituents across campus in order to consult, advise, or execute on communications plans and projects with a high degree of professionalism, judgment, and understanding of their needs and goal.
The position functions as an important liaison between these.
Liaise with other departments and team members to facilitate effective communication.
Utilize office software and tools for efficient task management.
Stay updated on relevant technology to enhance productivity.
Performs other related duties as requested