Public Information Specialist

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The School of Nursing seeks a Public Information Specialist for the de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging. Reporting to Professor Basia Belza, this position plans, develops, coordinates, disseminates, and evaluates communications, engagement activities, and event planning for the Center. The specialist independently develops and implements communications strategies and materials for audiences including faculty, students, researchers, community partners, healthcare professionals, and the public. The role 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, accomplishments, healthy aging initiatives, and health equity priorities. The specialist leads communications and promotion for Center events and programming, including Ignite Aging, and evaluates audience engagement and event effectiveness to guide improvements. Working with University and external partners, the position supports the Center’s visibility, partnerships, community engagement, and communication of the impact of healthy aging research and programs. The work 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 work arrangement, with at least three days per week on campus at the University of Washington and additional campus attendance as needed. Occasional evening or weekend work, in-person event support at UW and community locations, and local travel may be required. This is a regular position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or business.
One year of work experience in an office setting.
Strong writing and editing skills.
Project management and strategic communications expertise.
Ability to manage multiple initiatives and deadlines and adapt to evolving communications technologies and platforms.
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, and RedCap, as well as Zoom video and teleconferencing services; 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 annual report.
Plan and promote Center events and activities, including 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 created by Center faculty, students, and collaborators.
Provide other administrative support.
Coordinate communications, digital outreach, marketing, event planning and promotion, and storytelling initiatives to increase Center visibility, engagement, and partnerships.