Communications Specialist

Job Description

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Req #: 239882 Department: REHABILITATION MEDICINE Job Location: Harborview Medical Center Posting Date: 10/15/2024 Closing Info: Closes On 10/30/2024 Salary: $4,645 - $6,342 per month Other Compensation: Shift: First Shift Benefits: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here. As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills, and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.
US News & World Report consistently ranks the University of Washington Department of Rehabilitation Medicine among the top programs in the country. We are among the nation’s leading recipients of research and training funding from the National Institutes of Health, Department of Defense, and the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, including the TBI and Burn Model Systems grants. We have a long history of innovative clinical and research programs, strong research infrastructure, active mentoring of junior faculty and a rich network of potential clinical and research collaborators among faculty within and outside our department.
The department offers four graduate degree programs, including master's degrees in Occupational Therapy and Prosthetics & Orthotics, as well as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, and a PhD in Rehabilitation Science.
Under the general direction of the Communications Manager, the Communications Specialist will support the day-to-day execution of the department’s communication and marketing activities, as well as provide communications-related support to the department’s Philanthropic initiatives.
This role is focused on content creation, social media management, editing, and assisting with internal and external communications efforts. The individual hired must engage professionally, diplomatically, and empathetically with people from a range of backgrounds and perspectives: from students to UW leadership, patients to major donors, government or new agencies to the general public. In managing the department’s social media, the individual must represent the face of the department in a fast-paced and widely varying arena.
The Communications Specialist will support the Department of Medicine’s initiatives to rebuild, reimagine, and expand its communications and marketing strategies, tools, and activities in order to elevate awareness of and make a strong case for the department’s and UW’s important work in the field of rehabilitation medicine in markets locally, nationally, and internationally.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Content Creation

Write, edit, and publish digital content for the department’s newsletters, websites, and social media channels. Projects will also include print materials such as brochures and posters.

Ensure messaging aligns with department and UW branding. Ensure that all content is accurate.

Ensure that all content reflects diverse perspectives, and is written clearly, inclusively, and in accordance with accessibility standards.
Social Media Management

Maintain and update the department’s social media accounts.

Plan and execute social media campaigns and track analytics to optimize engagement.

Ensure that social media content meets accessibility standards.
Advancement Writing

Under the direction of the Communications Manager and Advancement staff, write thank you letters, cases for support, and stories about giving to support the department’s fundraising efforts.
Copyediting

Edit department materials for style and adherence to brand standards.

Conduct review of department website to ensure consistency of style; and create plan for regular, ongoing review of digital and print content for style and accuracy.

Maintain and update department style guide as needed to ensure consistency of style.
Website Maintenance

Assist with updating website content, organizing site structure, and implementing minor changes under the direction of the Communications Manager.

Ensure that the website meets accessibility standards.
Graphic and Photo Editing

Basic photo editing and graphic design to support communication materials.
Project Support

Assist with the production of marketing materials, including flyers, emails, and reports for the department’s various divisions, research centers, and special projects.

Support video production efforts as needed.
Brand Management and Communications Assistance

Work with internal teams to ensure communication materials meet deadlines and adhere to brand standards.
Administrative Tasks

File management, documentation, reporting, and other administrative tasks to ensure efficiency.
Other Duties as Assigned

Assist with projects and activities as needed.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Rhetoric, Writing, Humanities, or related degree.

Two years of experience in a professional communications, journalism, or other publishing of PR/Marketing role comprising content creation and editing, web and social media management, basic graphic and photo editing, and project management.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience providing professional communication services focused on rehabilitation medicine or other health-sciences fields and/or higher education.
Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are access ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected] .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law .

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