Communications Specialist

Responsibilities

• Monitors reach and effectiveness of communication campaigns, projects, and initiatives
• Provides project management and execution of communications programs, initiatives, and tactical plans
• Writes, edits, and publishes content for various communication projects and marketing platforms to align with strategic initiatives and established communication campaigns
• Communicates with stakeholders to verify requests and identify editorial resources
• Plans editorial content according to established goals and objectives
• Serves as the lead communications partner for assigned Wisconsin Union areas by identifying communications needs, developing and implementing plans, advising stakeholders and coordinating projects and deliverables
• Supports media relations for assigned areas by developing press materials, responding to inquiries, coordinating interviews, preparing spokespeople and maintaining relationships with journalists and campus communications partners
• Leads the day-to-day management of most Wisconsin Union social media channels, including editorial planning, content development, publishing, community management, social listening and performance analysis
• Monitors social media conversations for questions, emerging issues, misinformation, safety concerns and reputational risks and coordinates appropriate responses or escalation
• Stays informed about social media platform changes, audience behavior and digital communications practices, and recommends appropriate updates to Union social media strategies and protocols

Requirements

• At least two years of communications or public relations experience that includes writing and editing for organizational audiences
• Demonstrated ability to produce clear, accurate and audience-centered content across multiple formats, including press or news-style writing and social media content
• Knowledge of Associated Press style and strong command of grammar, spelling, punctuation and proofreading
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate contributors and approvals, meet deadlines and adapt when needs change
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues, leaders, subject matter experts, students and communications partners
• Demonstrated sound judgment when handling public-facing communications, sensitive information, online interactions and time-sensitive issues
• Experience using social media in support of an organization or company’s goals, mission and operations

Preferred

• Experience developing and implementing communications plans for programs, events, organizational priorities or emerging issues
• Experience using social media publishing and listening tools, platform analytics and web analytics to evaluate and improve communications
• Experience with WordPress or another content management system
• Experience creating accessible digital content and basic photo or short-form video content for social media
• Experience using tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud and/or Canva, or related platforms

Benefits

• This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. For a summary of benefits, please see: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/fasl.pdf