Public Information Specialist

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

8d•$46,812 - $70,224•Hybrid

About The Position

The School of Nursing is hiring a Public Information Specialist for the de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging. Reporting to Professor Basia Belza, this role plans, develops, coordinates, disseminates, and evaluates the Center’s communications and engagement activities, including event planning. The specialist independently develops and implements communications strategies and materials for audiences such as faculty, students, researchers, community partners, healthcare professionals, and the general public. The position creates and edits articles, newsletters, web content, social media, annual reports, event materials, and other marketing communications; manages and enhances the Center’s website and digital presence; and develops stories and scholar spotlights about research, student and faculty accomplishments, healthy aging initiatives, and health equity priorities. It leads communications and promotional activities for Center events and programming, including Ignite Aging, and evaluates audience engagement and event effectiveness to recommend and implement improvements. As a key communications resource, the specialist collaborates with faculty, staff, University partners, and external organizations to increase visibility, strengthen partnerships, expand community engagement, and communicate the impact of the School of Nursing’s healthy aging research and programs. The position requires independent judgment, strong writing and editing, project management, strategic communications expertise, and the ability to manage multiple initiatives and deadlines while adapting to evolving communications technologies and platforms. The position follows a hybrid arrangement, with at least three days per week on campus and flexibility for additional on-campus work as needed. Occasional evening or weekend work, attendance at in-person events at UW and community locations, and local travel may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or business, and one year of work experience in an office setting. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except where legal requirements apply.
Ability to work effectively with faculty, students, staff, community partners, and members of the public.
Successful completion of applicable University of Washington pre-employment requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience or interest in gerontology.
Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, Catalyst, Facebook, cVent, RedCap, and Zoom video/teleconferencing services, along with comfort, interest, and skill in learning new technologies.
Experience photographing group events.

Responsibilities

Create and disseminate Center materials for print, web, and email, including flyers, newsletters, and the Center’s annual report.
Plan and promote Center events and activities, including communications for programming such as Ignite Aging.
Highlight student and faculty work in aging through interviews, articles, and social media posts.
Maintain and enhance the Center’s website and social media presence.
Evaluate the effectiveness of Center communications and events and implement changes as needed.
Review and edit materials produced by Center faculty, students, and collaborators.
Provide other administrative support.