Sr Communications Spec

Opening

Full Time 40 hours Range URG 111 Ofc University Mkting & Comms

Schedule

8 AM-5 PM

Responsibilities

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Reporting to the Director of Content with the Universitys Marketing and Communication team, the Senior Communications Specialist focuses on managing and implementing strategic marketing and communications for the University of Rochesters flagship magazine, Rochester Review. The Senior Communications Specialist develops content ideas, themes, and creative; ensures visual, verbal, and brand alignment; coordinates content strategy and production across digital, print, and social media channels; and manages the production of the magazine on time and on budget. Provides insights and expertise to shape the future of a premier publication. In addition, the position maintains a portfolio of individual projects, producing content as appropriate on significant research and institutional initiatives that engages key audiences and supports the Universitys strategic messages. The Senior Communications Specialist works with colleagues across the department and the institution to advance the Universitys brand, reputation, mission, and strategic priorities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Content Creation

• Plans, writes, and edits highly engaging, user-centered content for the magazinein print and onlineas appropriate that supports institutional strategic priorities while adhering to best practices in marketing communications. This includes identifying narratives and innovative storytelling opportunities that showcase key initiatives, programs, and priorities for the institution; accomplishments by faculty, staff, student, and alumni; and research and scholarly work that advance the Universitys reputation as a global leader in higher education.
• Creates and produces original content that appears on other comprehensive channels and platforms, including but not limited to the Universitys News Center, homepage and top-level landing pages, social media channels, enewsletters, video and audio outlets, etc.
• Contributes and collaborates as part of a team of content strategists and creators to identify and deliver on the institutions short- and long-term marketing and communications goals with a focus on goals, audiences, key messages, measures of success, and digital-forward presentations.
• Ensures all content meets the highest editorial, branding, and strategic communications standards.
• Enforces responsibility of content creators to fact-check and verify details, as well as authenticate sources.
• Synthesizes complex scholarly materials and concepts to share with a broad, non-specialist audience.

Digital Production

• Edits text, photos, videos, social media posts, and other materials for readability, digital accessibility, accuracy, grammar and spelling, tone, and search engine optimization (SEO).
• Ensures that all published content consistently follows the Universitys editorial style guide and adheres to the latest standards for digital communications and marketing.
• Uses digital project management applications, content management systems, and imaging/design applications to manage, produce, optimize, publish, and syndicate content for websites, print publications, enewsletter and email marketing campaigns, and social media.
• Coordinates (which includes, but is not limited to: assigning, editing, and art directing), guides, manages, and reviews or approves the contributions of on-site and freelance writers, editors, graphic designers, photographers, videographers, illustrators, recording producers, social media professionals, and web developers to create and publish digital stories and assets.

Project and Relationship Management

• Organizes, prioritizes, assigns, and multi-tasks a variety of writing, editing, and creative assignments; ensures alignment of content with institutional priorities and branding guidelines.
• Works closely with internal partners and external vendors to conceptualize, develop, print, and mail the print and digital versions of the magazine on a regular cadence.
• Establishes deadlines and production schedules for print and digital publication of the magazine; enforces project timetables to ensure optimal delivery of high-quality content.
• Guides, mentors, and collaborates closely with on-site and freelance content creators and contributors, including writers, editors, photographers, graphic designers, illustrators, videographers, and social media professionals.
• Consults and communicates directly with leadership, partners, stakeholders, and colleagues at the school- and unit-levels on high-priority, enterprise-wide communications projects.
• Coordinates with other communications professionals in the University Marketing and Communications office and across the University to share and promote relevant content in Rochester Review.

Strategy and Assessment

• Develops and implements the content strategy for the magazine that aligns with the Marketing and Communications teams overarching strategic goals with regard to brand and reputation enhancement, strategic initiatives, and enrollment marketing.
• Assesses, analyzes, and reports on the success of the magazines content strategy as defined by key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Stays up-to-date with trends and developments in marketing communications, particularly in the domain of online content and storytelling.
• Uses research and analytics to generate new content ideas that attract target audiences as well as to understand and measure the return on investment of the magazines content strategy efforts.

Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or related field required;
• Masters degree preferred.
• 5 years of relevant experience required;
• or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Experience working in higher education preferred.
• Understanding and compliance with HIPAA requirements required.
• Proficiency in writing, editing, publishing, and distributing content based on target audiences required.
• Keen editorial sensibility and judgment required.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communications skills required.
• Exceptional project management skills preferred.
• Ability to multitask complex assignments and projects on deadline and on budget required.
• Knowledge and familiarity with content creation and publishing tools, technology, and platforms, including WordPress, Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office products, search engine optimization, file sharing and storage services preferred.
• Experience with emerging digital, storytelling, and social media platforms and formats required.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the Universitys mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. This commitment extends to the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations.

How To Apply

All applicants must apply online.

EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled

Pay Range

Pay Range: $63,815 - $95,723 Annually

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined byconsidering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.