Internal Communications Specialist

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

UI News Services is seeking an Internal Communications Specialist. The individual in this position will envision, draft, and execute strategic communication and marketing for internal audiences at the University of Iowa. The person in this position will work in close collaboration with writers, editors, and communicators across campus and within the Office of Strategic Communication. There is an expectation that the person in this position will maintain effective, civil, and respectful working relationships with the University of Iowa campus community and uphold the university’s commitment to creating welcoming and respectful environments for all. About the Office of Strategic Communication The Office of Strategic Communication is the central public relations and communication office at the University of Iowa. The office and its people support the university’s mission through communication that builds awareness and appreciation for the university’s people and programs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communication, marketing, journalism, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience (1-3 years) in communications, public relations, or marketing.
Experience (1-3 years) producing content in a variety of formats including print, web, social media, video, and advertising.
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 using appropriate communication channels.

Nice To Haves

Reasonable (1-3 years) experience working in higher education or in an internal communications role.
Demonstrated organizational and collaboration skills.
Demonstrated ability to think and plan across channels and develop effective communication strategies.

Responsibilities

Develop communications strategies, plans, and messaging; provide communication support for institutionally important projects and initiatives.
Curate Iowa Now email content for various internal audiences. Write email text tailored to the intended audience and select engaging and on-brand images. Build the individual email products in Dispatch.
Partner with staff and communicators in administrative units and colleges to identify, produce, and promote content that positively influences student satisfaction and perception of the institution.
Write and edit in a variety of formats (news releases, talking points, feature stories, email text, video scripts, etc.) for a range of platforms.
Create content using language tailored to a specific audience and specific platforms.
Collaborate with other campus communicators on broader communication initiatives, for special events, and during crises.
Develop relationships and build trust with campus stakeholders.
Work with administrative unit communicators to stay informed on current communications projects, needs, and issues. Research topics and issues as needed in order to effectively communicate about them.
Identify, develop, write, edit, and disseminate communications related administrative unit(s), and other people, programs, and initiatives across campus. This may include but is not limited to creating communications plans and timelines, writing news stories and institutional announcements, email communications, video scripts, website content, talking points, internal reports, and social media posts. Repurpose content for different internal audiences and channels.
Work as part of the OSC internal communications team, in close communication with internal communications specialists from other divisions and units, as well as the OSC team as needed.
Collaborate with the senior director of internal communication to envision the most strategic ways to disseminate content.
Envision, draft, and execute strategic communication and marketing plans.
Educate the university community on OSC’s mission, build and protect the university’s brand, and increase understanding and trust with internal audiences.
Assist with and serve on appropriate communication advisory groups.
Prepare regular analytics reports on internal communication efforts.