"Alerted.org

Job Description

The Communications Manager is responsible for creating and executing communications strategies for the various research units in the College of Engineering’s Collaboration Core. These units include: Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, Institute for Nano-engineered Systems, and QuantumX. This position interacts regularly with institute directors, faculty and research/administrative staff, and reports to the Associate Director of Communications and External Relations.

The individual in this position utilizes independent judgment and creativity to plan new approaches, develop new resources, and pursue new opportunities for marketing and communications. Examples of these resources include news stories, websites, and social media accounts. If the skills necessary to develop and produce the proposed resource are beyond the skillset of the position, this position will work with colleagues, campus service providers and/or independent contractors to accomplish the work, troubleshooting when necessary. New opportunities may include nominating Collaboration Core faculty and staff leaders for external speaking opportunities and awards or partnering with other UW units or external partners on content and events.

This position is essential to conveying the impact and research, education, and innovation missions of the supported institutes to the UW community, wider academic communities, and other external stakeholders through effective communications programs. This position is responsible for establishing new functions and best practices related to communications. This position consults with Associate Director on complex problems, recommends solutions, and works to implement them. This position also establishes and uses metrics by which to measure the effectiveness of the new resources; if resources underperform, this position identifies problems and proactively suggests improvements and changes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Internal and External Communications (75%)

+ Develop and manage communications and marketing strategies for interdisciplinary research units in the College of Engineering’s Collaboration Core.

+ Write web stories on faculty, students, and new research and collaborations.

+ Create and distribute regular print and email publications (e.g. newsletters, annual reports).

+ Establish and implement social media strategies for units: write copy and create interactive content, set goals for and monitor interaction with accounts, coordinate activity with related initiatives, programs, and departments.

+ Write copy for brand-consistent marketing materials (brochures, fliers, invitations, and announcements).

+ Write and distribute press releases on units’ milestones and news.

+ Create email marketing infrastructure (Marketo, mailman listservs) for new projects and units administered by the Collaboration Core.

+ Create new resources, or modify existing resources available through the central or COE marketing and communications teams, to assist with onboarding program managers for whom communications may be outside their realm of expertise.

+ Provide Collaboration Core program/operations managers with guidance on best practices with respect to social media and email marketing.

+ Work with Associate Director of Communications and External Relations and UW News office to place stories about units and their faculty and student members in relevant local, national, and international media outlets.

+ Collaborate with relevant UW departments to place stories about institutes in UW publications, on websites and social media channels.

+ Develop presentations and talking points on units’ achievements and plans for directors.

+ Nominate directors, faculty, and students for relevant speaking opportunities and awards.

+ Manage photography and videography projects.

+ Maintain strong working relationships with external affairs office, deans’ offices, central marketing and communications, advancement, and advisory boards to ensure smooth execution of communications strategies and special presentations, and to obtain participation and support of key constituents.

Website strategy (20%)

+ Lead website redesign/ refresh for units as needed. Offer guidance on strategic communications, UX best practices and UW brand guidelines. Develop plan and execute it with help from designers and external developers.

+ Assist with website setup and design for new projects and units administered by the Collaboration Core.

+ Provide Collaboration Core program/operations managers with guidance on how to maintain their websites.

Other (5%)

+ Represent Institutes at appropriate meetings and events to stay up-to-date on regulations, policies, and trends affecting work and seek training opportunities related to marketing and communications.

+ Other duties as assigned.

Work Conditions:

+ Occasional travel outside UW, but within Seattle, for events hosted by institute partners. Potential for weeknight and weekend event attendance. Participation in occasional evening events.

Minimum Requirements:

+ Bachelors Degree in communications, English, or other related field.

+ At least two years managing communications programs in an academic research environment or science, engineering, or technology-focused organization or company, or related field.

Additional Requirements

+ Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

+ Ability to translate technical subject matter for a general audience.

+ Ability to use social media platforms to effectively and responsibly communicate brand message.

+ Experience designing websites.

+ Experience with marketing automation platforms; building accessible email marketing materials.

+ Experience working in WordPress or Drupal.

+ Advanced knowledge of MS Office: Outlook, Excel, Access, Word.

+ Working knowledge of Adobe products: Photoshop, Acrobat Professional, InDesign.

+ Demonstrated technical skills, including proficiency in HTML, WordPress, and Drupal or other content management systems.

+ Attentive to detail and able to work independently with limited oversight.

+ Demonstrated ability to work effectively and cooperatively in a diverse workplace.

+ Demonstrated creativity, problem solving, and analytical skills.

+ Proven organization and multi-tasking skills in a fast-paced environment.

Desired Qualifications:

+ Ability to quickly learn and use new software packages effectively.

+ Competence in SEO (search engine optimization) techniques.

+ Experience in journalism or media relations.

+ Knowledge of news and developments in biotech, quantum information science and engineering, artificial intelligence.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$78,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$91,200.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 (https://policy.uw.edu/directory/po/executive-orders/eo-81-prohibiting-discrimination-harassment-and-sexual-misconduct/) .

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 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28B.112.080) .

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