Communications Specialist

UIOWA•Iowa City, IA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of Strategic Communication is hiring a communications specialist with experience in project management for University Housing and Dining, serving more than 6,500 students living in 11 residence halls. The successful applicant will be responsible for identifying, proposing, and implementing strategies for communicating the benefits of on-campus living and dining, housing and dining protocols, as well as opportunities for student engagement. The role includes providing regular guidance on communication best practices and partnering with the Division of Student Life to cross-promote student support initiatives, programs, and events. The individual also will serve as the primary creator of content for the housing and dining website and make regular content updates to the site to keep it current for the student audience. The person in this position will serve as an advisor to University Housing and Dining and will be a member of the University Housing and Dining leadership team. This position is part of the Office of Strategic Communication with a dotted line reporting connection to University Housing and Dining within the Division of Student Life. Departments and units supported by these positions include: University Housing and Dining Housing administration Camps and Conferences Contracts and Assignments Assessment Move in and move out Residence Education Academic Initiatives Student Leadership Training and Selection Conduct and Care University Dining Residential Dining Catering Retail UHD Facility Operations Custodial Services Maintenance Services Capital Planning

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in strategic communications, marketing, journalism, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Experience (typically 1-3 years) in communications, marketing, or public relations.
Demonstrated vision, initiative, and ability to work as part of a team.
Superior written, verbal, and interpersonal communications skills. This includes the ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
Extensive ability to manage multiple concurrent projects or activities, effectively judging priorities and allocation of time.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite software programs (i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience with email campaign management is highly desirable.
Familiarity and experience with working in a college or university setting is highly desirable.
Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite software programs and AI platforms is desirable.

Responsibilities

Manages, writes, and edits all communications for University Housing and Dining, including but not limited to email and print newsletters, web content, brochures, presentations, signage, etc.
Establishes a common voice for UHD communications.
Works with UHD leadership to determine projects directed at students living on campus and their families, dining hall customers, and that support student success at the university.
Facilitate project meetings.
Measure project performance and success of communications using appropriate tools and techniques.
Share metrics regularly with UHD and OSC leaders and other stakeholders.
Work with OSC media relations team to manage media inquiries; write talking points as needed.
Develop messages for target audiences, both internal and external.
Use communication strategies and tools to assist in executing the University Housing and Dining strategic plan.
Suggest and develop communication strategies for executing the priorities of the vice president for student life.