Communications Specialist - Department of Surgery

University of Iowa • Iowa City, IA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Communications Specialist plans, develops, and supports implementation of communication and promotional efforts that advance the people, programs, events, strategies, and goals of the Department of Surgery using innovative materials and methods, including print, digital, video, broadcast, social media, public events, displays, exhibitions, and news releases. This position supports department faculty, staff, and trainees in the development, drafting, editing, and submission of articles, presentations, posters, and grant proposals/applications, including oversight and coordination of department website(s) and other digital outlets and assets. Communications are focused on target audiences, including but not limited to faculty, staff, students, academic and community-based care providers, patients, prospective applicants and trainees, alumni, current and prospective donors, professional and industry partners, and other external and internal audiences and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public health, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 3 years of professional work experience in writing, editing, and publishing.
• Minimum 1 year of experience planning and using social media strategies to achieve communications, marketing, and public relations program goals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to quickly compose communications and grammatically correct documents in a concise, logical, and organized manner.
• Ability to analyze situations fully and accurately and reach productive decisions.
• Demonstrate proficiency in software applications, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, and Adobe Creative Cloud or comparable photo/video and graphic design programs.
• Experience with the principles, practices, and techniques of editing and publishing.
• Experience with electronic publication layout, production, and printing requirements.
• Experience with web-based tools for development of website content.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to design and develop web pages and/or social media content that is graphically pleasing with content that is easy to comprehend by a variety of audiences.
• Knowledge of terminology, methodology, and techniques in one or more related fields.
• Experience with academic settings and interests.
• Experience with and knowledge of graphics programs.
• Experience with website maintenance.

Responsibilities

• In conjunction with department leadership, develop and support implementation of a communication strategy to advance the prominence and reputation of the department.
• Collaborate and coordinate efforts with Marketing and Communications central team, web developers, and print services, as well as other inter- and intra-departmental stakeholders.
• Planning, organizing, and monitoring projects to ensure efficient use of communication resources to achieve project objectives with measurable outcomes.
• Identify strategic themes/messaging; research, interview, write, and edit original and creative content on behalf of the department for a variety of uses and audiences.
• Engage with faculty, trainees, and staff to develop communication pathways for news and other features.
• Prepare timely, engaging copy and graphics for newsletters, announcements, notifications, brochures, email broadcasts, social media, and web publication.
• Edit materials for style, spelling, grammar, accuracy, and appropriateness.
• Take high-impact photos, edit, integrate into communication strategies, organize, and properly archive/store along with other digital media.
• Interact in ways that enhance relations with various stakeholders including alumni, physicians and physicians-in-training, non-physician clinicians, donors, patients, and the general public.
• Interview experts and other individuals on topics of a medical, scientific, or technical nature in conjunction with the preparation of releases, articles, etc.
• Support public relations activities for departmental functions and events.
• Contribute to the department's outreach goals and presence in social networking sites, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and similar community sites.
• Use judgement, creativity, and resourcefulness in identifying, securing, and managing necessary services, materials, and partnerships for completion of projects on time and with top-quality results.
• Enjoy working in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment as a member of a team.
• Occasionally requires attendance at meetings, functions, or events outside of normal business hours such as evenings and weekends.

Benefits

• Regular salaried position located in Iowa City, Iowa.
• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life, and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans. For more information on benefits, please visit UI Health Care Benefits.
• For more information about Why Iowa? click here.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level