Communications Specialist, Department of Design

Illinois, USA (Hybrid)

$52K/yr – $56K/yrMid Level5+ years expFull time

Posted 1 day ago

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Job Summary

Own and execute Department of Design communications programs across content strategy, storytelling, web/social management, events, and editorial operations, while coordinating multi-channel campaigns, stakeholder input, and analytics to maximize visibility and engagement.

  • Own content calendars and campaign plans
  • Lead editorial meetings and coordinate media materials

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • Communications Strategy
  • Create, manage and execute effective communication strategies for multiple and versatile departmental programs, projects and initiatives to raise visibility of department and to reach its desired audience.
  • Implement content calendars and campaign plans that support key departmental initiative (e.g., showcases, exhibitions, recruitment periods) and adjust based on performance insights.
  • Maintain a steady pipeline of content ideas through active stakeholder engagement and editorial planning.
  • Draft and pitch story ideas, respond to media inquiries, and coordinate press materials in collaboration with college/university communications staff.
  • Content Development & Storytelling
  • Propose, research, write, edit, and publish original content highlighting Design students, faculty, programs, projects, exhibitions, and initiatives across web, email, and social platforms.
  • Create compelling written, visual, and multimedia posts and stories.
  • Web & Social Channel Management (Design-owned channels)
  • Maintain and publish content for the Department of Design website (CMS-based) and department social accounts, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and alignment with college and UT standards and brand.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree. 5 years of professional experience
  • Demonstrated communications experience including developing and executing communications strategies, writing and editing for digital channels and managing multiple projects with deadlines.
  • Demonstrated experience with building and maintaining content priorities and editorial calendar.
  • Experience sourcing and coordinating photographers/videographers, developing shot lists, managing timelines and deliverables, and organizing assets for future reuse across channels (web/social/marketing materials).
  • Required Competencies: Initiative; Effective Communications; Teamwork; Service Excellence; Accuracy and Attention to Detail; Decision Making and Critical Thinking
  • Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred

  • More than five years’ experience of relevant professional experience.
  • Experience managing content on a large website and applying information architecture/content strategy principles.
  • Professional journalistic writing experience for digital channels and/or online marketing/communications experience.
  • Experience coordinating multimedia production (photo/video) and working with external creative vendors.

Benefits

  • 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage
  • Retirement contributions
  • Paid vacation and sick time
  • Paid holidays
  • Other services and perks .

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