Communications Specialist - University Housing

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign•Urbana, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

University Housing provides an essential element of the Illinois experience, with hundreds of employees across seven units working together to build and maintain safe, healthy and welcoming homes for our residents. We value the many diverse voices, opinions, experiences and identities of the Illinois community, and our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is woven into each of our interactions, programs and decisions. Housing Information & Marketing focuses on meeting the communications and logistical needs of current and potential residents. Staff respond to resident concerns, facilitate the signing of contracts, operate the logistics of room selection and resident placement. Together, team members tell the Housing story by providing graphic design, analysis, reporting, photo/video, writing and communications services across the department. HI&M staff also support other Housing units by providing strategic services like occupancy planning, assessment, marketing strategy and more. This position works as a content manager and creator for the Housing Information & Marketing team within University Housing. In collaboration with team members, implements a cohesive content strategy across media formats in support of the mission and units of University Housing. Produce content to elevate a broad spectrum of programs including Family & Graduate Housing, Residence Life, Dining Services, staff initiatives, and more. All University Housing staff foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment within University Housing.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field.
One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area.
Ability to produce accurate content under tight deadlines
Detail-oriented and able to fact-check information and write with accuracy.
Knowledge of digital content marketing and SEO.
Familiarity with how to utilize the AP Stylebook and/or in-house style guides.
Basic knowledge of social media management.
Ability to teach, manage, and mentor student employees.
Familiarity with using a web CMS (content management system).
Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in a communications environment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in English, marketing, communications, advertising, journalism, or a closely related field to the position.
Two years of professional work experience in writing, marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, storytelling, publishing, or other experience in a related professional area to the position.
Experience creating marketing or communications content for higher education, student, or other broad audiences.
Experience in storytelling and interviewing.

Responsibilities

Create and edit content for print, web, video, and other multimedia projects for University Housing units.
Create content in collaboration with the Senior Communications Coordinator, including but not limited to stories, blogs, articles, emails, websites, scripts, storyboards, postcards, brochures, social media, and presentations.
Proofread and edit content for accuracy, consistency, clarity, and grammatical correctness.
Collaborate effectively with teammates, partners, stakeholders, faculty, staff, and student employees.
Collaborate with team members to develop key messages, ensure content and design unification, and ideate for video projects.
Ensure adherence to campus-wide brand guidelines.
Utilize data to assess content strategy efforts and inform future decision-making.
Collaborate with Senior Communications Coordinator and Associate Director of Communications and Marketing to make and execute communication plans.
Keep up with professional development and maintain a relevant understanding of current content, audience, and higher education trends.
Strategically manage University Housing social media channels and oversee student employees responsible for executing a cohesive social media plan.
Work to implement social media strategy, developed collaboratively with the Senior Communications Coordinator and Associate Director of Communications and Marketing.
Supervise and mentor student employees, who carry out the day-to-day operations of University Housing social media accounts.