Senior Communication Specialist

University of Rochester • Rochester, NY

8d • $31 - $46 • Onsite

About The Position

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Under supervision but with a significant degree of independent judgment and initiative, the Senior Communications Specialist serves a strategist, subject-matter expert, lead writer and creator of complex content for Communications Content Hub, a team responsible for planning, developing and publishing “owned” media content and “earned” media publicity to reach internal and external audiences. With limited supervision, develops and executes integrated communications plans with colleagues across Marketing and Web Services, for clinical service lines, departments, or programs that support URochester Medicine’s vision and strategic priorities. This is a part-time role with a schedule of 20 to 32 hours per week that we will agree on with the selected candidate.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism or related field and 5 years of relevant experience required
• Demonstrated proficiency in writing and editing content based on target audience required
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communications skills: comfortable talking to all levels of faculty/staff, and in front of groups required

Nice To Haves

• Understanding and compliance with HIPAA requirements and URochester Medicine policies for protecting patient privacy and other confidential information preferred
• Ability to provide context and/or reshape material as needed preferred
• Knowledge of or experience in contributing to social media platforms preferred
• Experience with HTML programming, content management systems, data analysis, metrics presentations, photo and video capture/editing, and/or graphic design preferred
• Strong organization and project management skills preferred
• Ability to work independently and within a collaborative team preferred

Responsibilities

• Develops and writes a variety of moderately complex content aimed at internal and external audiences including, but not limited to, online news and feature stories, magazine and newsletter articles, website copy, news releases and media alerts, video scripts, leadership announcements, infographics, and PowerPoint presentations.
• Identifies content needs and produces work independently, with minimal reviews by a supervisor or team member.
• Produces pamphlets, brochures, bulletins, fliers and other materials that support service lines or one-off programs (e.g., award nominations) with minimal review, with appropriate support from the Creative team.
• Serves as editor of print or online publications as needed, assuring content is well-targeted to readership, well-written and engaging, and adhering to established deadlines.
• Creates and publishes print or online newsletters as assigned.
• Maintains editorial planning calendars.
• Produces editorial guidelines and/or policies for approval.
• Interviews patients or staff members.
• Drafts newsletter articles, story summaries, and headlines.
• Copy-edits articles drafted by others.
• Serves as a communications consultant and messaging expert for faculty and leaders across the organization, participating in meetings relevant to subject-matter assignments to stay abreast of communications needs and opportunities.
• Develops and implements editorial communications plans for key programs, initiatives, and events, integrating with Marketing and Web teams as appropriate.
• Tracks progress and engagement, reporting on activities and results to leadership in a consistent frequency and format.
• Develops and supports URochester Medicine local and national publicity efforts as needed, via traditional print, broadcast and online media outlets.
• Conducts earned-media outreach via news releases, events, media pitches, phone calls, and bylined opinion pieces or feature stories.
• Responds to media queries by facilitating interviews, preparing media statements, answering questions, and performing after-hours media on-call responsibilities as part of a rotating team.
• Develops and supports coverage of complex stories such as media events with multiple speakers and major departmental announcements.
• Provides planning and message development support for organizational leadership and chairs, including speeches, talking points, announcements, memos, and other communications.
• Works with team members and supervisor to understand daily, weekly and monthly communications priorities, and directs work to align with these priorities.
• Participates in department and/or other meetings as assigned.
• Assists with writing/editing for other projects as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better.
• In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics).
• This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Senior