Communications Specialist

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The University of Washington's University Marketing & Communications (UMAC) department is seeking a Communications Specialist to lead branding, marketing, and communications efforts that advance the reputation, resources, and relationships of the University. This role is crucial for informing, connecting, and engaging University faculty, staff, and communicators through strategic internal communications. The specialist will be responsible for producing and distributing high-visibility newsletters and information channels, curating content on impactful research, institutional priorities, achievements, and higher education issues. Additionally, the role involves developing content for other UMAC channels like UW News and UW Insider, identifying compelling stories, maintaining editorial standards, and delivering timely, accurate, and engaging communications to enhance awareness of the UW's impact.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree AND two years of experience in media relations, journalism, public affairs, or related field.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated ability to build strong working relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience producing newsletters or recurring editorial publications.
Experience with email distribution, content management, or digital publishing platforms.
Familiarity with AP Style and digital content best practices.
Strong writing skills demonstrated through news stories, feature articles, or institutional communications.
Experience using analytics and engagement metrics to evaluate communications effectiveness.
Experience working in higher education, nonprofit organizations, government, or other complex mission-driven institutions.
Knowledge of higher education issues, trends, and media coverage.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary editor, producer, and coordinator for key University internal communications products, including UW Today, UW in the Media, UW Morning News Scan, and other assigned platforms.
Identify, curate, prioritize, and package content that informs audiences about University achievements, priorities, initiatives, and issues affecting higher education.
Draft, edit, proofread, manage the review process, and publish newsletter content, ensuring accuracy, clarity, consistency, and adherence to University editorial standards.
Coordinate with communicators, faculty, staff, and campus partners to gather content and identify timely communication opportunities.
Maintain editorial calendars and publication schedules to ensure timely and reliable delivery of recurring communications products.
Utilize email marketing and content management platforms to prepare, distribute, and monitor communications.
Analyze readership, engagement, and performance metrics to inform content decisions and improve newsletter effectiveness.
Recommend enhancements to newsletter formats, content strategies, and audience engagement approaches.
Research, write, and edit stories, profiles, news briefs, and feature content for various University communications platforms.
Collaborate with communications colleagues and subject matter experts to develop compelling storytelling opportunities.
Conduct interviews with faculty, staff, students, and University leaders as needed.
Maintain high standards for editorial quality, accuracy, style, and consistency across all communications products, including providing a timely review schedule.
Collaborate with communications professionals across the University to identify emerging stories, institutional priorities, and audience needs.
Support enterprise-wide internal communications initiatives by developing content and communication materials for faculty and staff audiences.
Provide recommendations to improve internal communications strategies, processes, and channels.
Monitor higher education, media, and University trends to identify relevant topics for internal audiences.
Perform other duties as assigned.