Communications Specialist

University of Washington Medical Center•Seattle, WA

2d•$66,000 - $75,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Communications Specialist is responsible for managing the Department’s internal and external communications and marketing in conjunction with UW Medicine’s Office of Communications and Marketing. Reporting to the Vice-Chair of Finance & Administration and under the direction of the Department Chair,this position collaborates closely with Departmental staff, faculty, and leadership to carry out the mission of the Department. Core responsibilities include: written and digital content management, managing internal Department communications, and brand management. The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine is recognized nationally and internationally for its excellent programs with 16 annual one and two year rotating faculty positions, numerous joint and adjunct faculty in clinical care, teaching and research. The Department includes more than 50 full-time M.D. and research faculty, 27 residents, interns and fellows, 150 clinical faculty and 61 research and administrative staff. The Communications Specialist is a highly visible position within the Department, playing a key role in the Department’s strategic communications, marketing, and brand management. The person in this position must, therefore, have an in-depth understanding of the Department’s mission, goals, and stakeholders. The Communications Specialist works collaboratively with Department leadership, IT Staff, and UW Medicine’s Office of Communications and Marketing and must demonstrate exceptional communication skills.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field.
Two years of experience in marketing, communications, or a related field
Superior writing and editing skills for a broad spectrum of communication channels
Excellent proofreading and editing abilities
Proficiency with social media, including Twitter (X) and LinkedIn
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain cooperative, effective, and professional working relationships
Ability to set priorities, take initiative, problem-solve, and handle multiple projects
Desire to support the Department’s mission of improving the health of its constituency.
Equivalent experience can substitute for the degree requirement.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Teams, Google Cloud Services, and Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat) or ability and willingness to learn
Experience working in higher education or within a complex organization
Experience with basic graphic design work for print, web, and email
Familiarity with Google Analytics, SEO, html, and social media.

Responsibilities

Produce original content for use across multiple channels, including the Departmental website, newsletters, annual report, and social media—that provides a robust and compelling narrative around UW Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine
Collaboratively curate and edit content from Departmental and partner sources
Manage editorial calendar in partnership with multiple Departmental stakeholders
Coordinate upkeep of dynamic and static website content in conjunction with the Department’s Information Technology team
Support social media channels to increase awareness of Departmental activities, build partner relationships, engage key audiences, and integrate with the Departmental website
Research, write, and edit original content to communicate the Department’s activities and mission, for distribution via its website, newsletters, annual report, etc.
Partner with the Vice Chair of Research and research coordinators to develop original content highlighting research activities across the Department.
Partner with the clinical vice chairs to develop original content highlighting clinical research as well as clinical activities and initiatives across the Department.
Own the production and coordination of weekly and monthly newsletters
Work collaboratively with the Chair’s Office and the Assistant to the Chair to support communications needs
Contribute to new hires and event announcements, as well as other cross-departmental communications
Assist with the development of executive leadership presentations and communications
Maintain library of brand resources, including PowerPoint and Word templates, logos, and images
Assist in the development of departmental communication styles and standards while adhering to UW and UW Medicine standards
Maintain regular communication with UW, UW Medicine, and other marketing contacts to stay current on information and shared resources.
Performing other related duties and managing special projects, as assigned, to support the mission and strategic initiatives of the Department.