Communications Specialist

Stony Brook University•Town of Brookhaven, NY

About The Position

The Communication Specialist plays a key role in enhancing the visibility and reputation of the School of Communication and Journalism (SoCJ) at Stony Brook University. The incumbent will work with the Dean’s office leadership team to develop, manage, and execute communication efforts, including external and internal communications. The Communication Specialist will support the dean’s office leadership team to communicate and plan student engagement programs and events, assist with recruitment efforts, and spearhead communications and marketing projects and initiatives, such as alumni and student newsletters, etc. The Communication Specialist will work in partnership with the Dean’s office to build, promote and maintain a working environment that is collaborative, transparent, creative, efficient, and inclusive. This position requires a creative, strategic thinker with exceptional writing, marketing, and digital communication skills. Outstanding oral and presentation skills are also essential. The ideal candidate will have experience working in higher education or with academic institutions and be comfortable managing diverse communication channels, including digital platforms, media relations, and internal communication efforts. This role requires the resourcefulness of a self-starter as well as the flexibility to work as a member of a goal-oriented team, while supporting the university's educational, research, and healthcare objectives. The ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and students in a diverse workplace environment is vital. High energy and passion for the mission and activities of the School of Communication and Journalism would be valuable.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (or foreign equivalent or higher).
Three [3] years of full-time experience in communications or public relations.
Experience with project management, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Experience in graphic design, digital marketing and/or website design/editing.
Professional use of social media platforms and email marketing and promotional tools, including newsletters and event promotion.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to convey complex information clearly and in engaging ways that align with the strategic objectives of an organization.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree (or foreign equivalent or higher) in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
Experience with event planning.
Experience working in higher education.
Experience with student engagement or student recruitment in a Higher Ed environment.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the school’s leadership team and faculty to create clear, consistent internal communication across departments and the campus.
Liaise with SBU’s Office of Marketing and Communication to ensure the school’s efforts are consistent with the University’s brand and visual identity across all communication materials.
Promote key messages, initiatives and events to internal stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and students.
Maintain the websites and all digital outreach material for the school and its centers, ensuring they are routinely updated and remain in compliance with federal accessibility law.
Provide guidance on effective communications policies, practices, and dissemination channels.
Participate on University-wide committees and task forces to enhance visibility and reputation throughout the university and beyond.
Collaborate with SBU's Office of Enrollment Management and Graduate School on student recruitment and yield initiatives
Craft engaging, high-quality strategically aligned content for various communication platforms, including websites, social media, newsletters, press releases, brochures, and promotional materials to help support the growth and expansion of the school’s reputation among peer institutions.
Manage the college/school’s online presence, including website content management and social media engagement.
Develop and execute communication strategies to promote academic and extracurricular events, including lectures, conferences, and other public-facing initiatives.
Use digital analytics data to monitor and improve the effectiveness of digital communications, including social, web, and email.
Pitch and plan SoCJ events including, but not limited to, guest lectures, recruitment events or meetings.
Monitor the overall perception of the School and foster a positive public perception of both units through effective public relations that influence opinion and promote ideas.
Other duties or projects as assigned as appropriate to rank and department mission.