Senior Communication Specialist

Responsibilities

• 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.
• ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Content Creation and Execution
• 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.
• Projects may be assigned, but the Senior Communications Specialist also identifies content needs and produces work independently, with minimal reviews by a supervisor or team member.
• With appropriate support from the Creative team, produces pamphlets, brochures, bulletins, fliers and other materials that support service lines or one-off programs (e.g., award nominations) with minimal review.
• 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. Work includes but is not limited to: creating and publishing print or online newsletters as assigned; maintaining editorial planning calendars; producing editorial guidelines and/or policies for approval; interviewing patients or staff members; drafting newsletter articles, story summaries, and headlines; copy-editing articles drafted by others.
• Communication Planning and Consulting

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism or related field and 5 years of relevant experience required
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 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

Preferred

• 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
• Position is expected to be available for responding to overnight or weekend work including media on-call duties on a rotating basis— approximately 3-4 weeks per year.