Senior Communications Writer

University of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

About The Position

The Senior Communications Writer is responsible for high-level communications for the UAMS College of Medicine (COM) and Dean of the College of Medicine with particular emphasis on internal communications in keeping with the organization’s mission, vision, strategies and values. This position routinely provides strategic direction on communications for the COM Dean as well as guidance for other members of the COM leadership and COM units as needed. The Senior Communications Writer researches, develops, writes, edits and formats a full range of internal and external communications materials including executive communications such as speeches, remarks, presentations, talking points, announcements, letters and messages. This position produces multiple newsletters/electronic communications, web content and other materials on behalf of COM leadership in support of the college’s mission, current issues, employee engagement and other objectives. The Senior Communications Writer collaborates with COM leadership and others on special events. This position functions as a liaison with other UAMS units, including Communications & Marketing and Institutional Advancement, and provides assistance in writing, editing and fact-checking materials produced by those units. This position requires exceptionally strong writing and communications skills as well as versatility in meeting a wide range of projects in a fast-paced environment. The Senior Communications Writer is expected to carry out a number of ongoing duties in a largely self-directed manner.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism or related field plus seven (7) years of experience writing and messaging in a high-volume, fast-paced environment required.
Exceptional writing and editing skills.
Proven track record of producing outstanding written work from original writing or editing , often on tight timelines and collaborating with others.
Ability to adapt written work to a variety of audiences and formats, and to write and edit work in a range of voices.

Nice To Haves

Experience in health care, higher education and/or public sector communications is preferred.
Basic skills in graphic design and photography preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides communications guidance and support for the COM Dean.
Researches, writes, edits and formats, as relevant, a wide range of executive communications such as speeches, remarks, presentations, talking points, email announcements, e-newsletters and correspondence.
Assists the Dean in preparing for speaking engagements.
Supports Dean’s efforts to engage with faculty, staff and students.
Supports Dean and COM leadership in a wide range of communications activities in keeping with the college’s mission, vision, strategies and values.
Responsible for developing, designing and producing multiple newsletters, announcements, electronic communications and website content on a weekly, monthly, ad hoc or other basis.
Ensures timely, accurate and effective communications relating to current issues, employee engagement, leadership priorities and college initiatives.
Works with leaders, faculty and administrative staff throughout the college to publicize and recognize honors and accomplishments, new faculty and other developments.
Contributes, posts and updates content to the college’s central webpages, in collaboration with the COM webmaster.
Serves as a liaison with other UAMS units, including Communications & Marketing and Institutional Advancement, to provide assistance in writing, editing and fact-checking news releases, brochures, reports, campaigns and other materials produced by those units.
Collaborates extensively on special projects and events such as the annual Dean’s Honor Day/Awards.
Assists with communications relating to annual events such as White Coat Ceremony, Honors Convocation and Match Day.
Performs other duties as assigned.