Communications Specialist II (Hybrid) - Arts and Sciences

Washington University in St. Louis • Goodwell, OK

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Communications Specialist II serves as the strategic lead for all communications efforts across two of the University’s high-profile initiatives: the Weidenbaum Center and the Frick Initiatives. This is a senior-level, high-impact role responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy that elevates the visibility, credibility, and reach of both initiatives among academic, policy, and public audiences. This role is responsible not only for promoting activities but for translating the work of the Weidenbaum Center and the Frick Initiatives into clear evidence of impact and public value for academic, policy, and civic audiences, while maintaining the distinct identity and voice of each. This individual will oversee all aspects of content creation, digital presence, stakeholder engagement, and brand management with exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Policy, or a related field
• Minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in strategic communications, preferably in an academic, policy, or mission-driven environment.
• Demonstrated experience building and managing websites, email campaigns, newsletters, and social media platforms.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Proficiency with CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress), email marketing tools, and social media management tools.
• Experience with design tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar).
• Familiarity with analytics tools (Google Analytics, email and social metrics).
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree
• A strategic thinker capable of operating at a high level while executing with precision.
• A detail-oriented professional with a commitment to producing polished, high-quality work.
• A creative and proactive communicator with strong visual and digital instincts.
• A highly organized project manager who can manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Comfortable working across two major, high-visibility initiatives within the University.
• Strong editorial judgment and ability to identify what work should be elevated across audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously refine a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with institutional priorities, programming, and grant initiatives.
• Serve as the primary steward of messaging across both the Weidenbaum Center and the Frick Initiative.
• Ensure consistency, clarity, and quality across all communications platforms and outputs.
• Prioritize external-facing visibility among policymakers, civic leaders, donors, and the broader public, in addition to academic audiences.
• Work with internal teams to translate program outcomes and key performance indicators into clear, compelling public-facing narratives.
• Lead the development and ongoing management of a high-quality, best-in-class websites.
• Design, build, and maintain intuitive, visually compelling, and content-rich web experiences.
• Regularly update content including events, publications, faculty profiles, and institutional initiatives.
• Optimize user experience, accessibility, and performance.
• Plan, design, and execute all email communications, including newsletters, event invitations, and institutional updates.
• Manage audience segmentation and distribution lists to maximize engagement and impact.
• Analyze performance metrics and refine strategies accordingly.
• Develop and execute a robust social media strategy across platforms (LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, etc.).
• Create and maintain a content calendar aligned with events and key initiatives.
• Produce engaging, high-quality content and actively manage audience engagement.
• Monitor analytics and continuously improve performance.
• Lead the development, writing, editing, and production of both digital and print publications.
• Oversee the creation of high-quality annual reports (e-version and hard copy), ensuring polished and professional output.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to gather and synthesize content.
• Develop compelling promotional strategies to ensure strong attendance and engagement at events.
• Create high-impact marketing materials across digital and print formats.
• Support event branding, messaging, and post-event communications.
• Write, edit, and curate content for diverse audiences--including students, faculty, policymakers, donors, and the public—translating research, programming, and funded projects into accessible and engaging formats.
• Ensure all content meets a high standard of quality, accuracy, and professionalism.
• Maintain a strong editorial voice aligned with institutional goals.
• Serve as project manager for communications initiatives, coordinating timelines, deliverables, and stakeholders.
• Collaborate across teams, including leadership, faculty, and external partners.
• Potentially supervise student workers or junior staff.

Benefits

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
• Free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
• 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child.
• Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs.
• Adult care resources.
• Covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees