(Hybrid) Communications Specialist-HSC Communications and Marketing - West Virginia University

Description

The Department of University Relations at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a (Hybrid) Senior Communications Specialist for the Health Sciences Center. 

About the Opportunity

As a key member of the WVU Health Sciences Communications and Marketing team, this experienced communicator will be responsible for identifying, shaping and developing high-quality editorial content for Health Sciences news, marketing, public information and corporate communications materials. This position provides a wide range of communications assistance to the HSC Communications and Marketing Executive Director, focusing on communication for HSC Weekly and other channels including announcements, news briefs, website recruitment and marketing content, speeches, presentations, faculty and student profiles. This position will also provide support in writing/editing feature stories, press releases, fact sheets and web content using both print and digital storytelling. This position is responsible for collaborating with the HSC web team to create and manage content for centrally hosted websites, create content for the electronic message boards/InfoStation system, provide communication support for Health Sciences events and contribute to social media content for various social media platforms. This position works with various units within WVU Health Sciences to showcase the valuable programming, research and resources available here. This person will report to the director of health sciences marketing and communications, work as a member of a multi-skilled team on specific projects as assigned manages the unit’s graduate assistant and student interns. 

What You'll Do

•    Promotes wider public recognition, awareness and support of Health Sciences and the activities and achievements of students, faculty and alumni. 
•    Serves as writer and editor for Health Sciences Communications and Marketing, demonstrating a high level of writing, research and editing skills for an array of projects, including announcements, feature stories, bios, web/video content, social media communication, fact sheets, news releases, faculty biographies, scripts, talking points and other communication.
•    Coordinates Health Sciences Weekly and works closely with the Health Sciences web team to create effective written and multimedia content for employee-, patient- or research-oriented sites with an understanding of best internet practices. Ensures consistency and effectiveness of presentation for all website elements, including content and image optimization and page structure. Adopts new technologies as industry standards grow and change. 
•    Serves as contributing writer to HSC schools and units to develop story ideas that showcase the breadth and scope of Health Sciences programs, research and outreach efforts and assists with the planning, development, production and assessment of communications in all media.
•    Proofreads, edits and writes speeches and critical correspondence for Health Sciences program unit directors, administrators and chancellor, as assigned.
•    Supports Health Sciences faculty and staff with communications and events, as well as digital and ocial media strategy/communication.
•    Maintains regular and frequent contact with sources in the WVU Health System, clinics, departments and centers to solicit relevant information to highlight and promote Health Sciences achievements through distribution of news releases, opinion pieces, web features and other communication vehicles. This would include soliciting and reviewing faculty research reports, grant summaries, campus documents, specialized journals and newsletters and conducting person-to-person interviews to develop written copy meeting institutional marketing and communication objectives. 
•    Develops graphic content for electronic billboards/infostations at multiple locations. Develops multimedia content, including digital video, audio and still photography when assigned. 
•    Works closely with Health Sciences colleagues and others to ensure all materials are properly branded using the WVU brand/style/trademark guidelines. 
•    Identifies and pursues story placement on local and national levels (as appropriate) and responds to inquiries by news media when assigned. 
•    Assists, as needed, with University events when assigned. Facilitates production of publicity materials for events and other unit activities. 
•    Manages and mentors student interns/writers in developing, writing and revising content to meet deadlines. Organizes and coordinates the work of other staff and students as assigned. 
•    Develops and delivers trainings to Health Sciences faculty and staff regarding communications practices and branding.
•    Demonstrates the capacity to understand the significance of assigned areas, and places information before faculty, staff and the public in an accessible and compelling form. Coordinates with other communicators from across the University and WVU Health System to achieve this goal. 
•    Maintains positive relations with public, state and federal officials, as well as WVU constituency groups and stakeholders. 
•    Performs miscellaneous job duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, English or related field required.
• A minimum of two (2) years experience in one of the following:
  • a news, communication, marketing, advertising, or public relations program for a healthcare organization, college, news media organization, government agency, business, or other large knowledge-based organization 
    
  • interviewing, writing, editing, or media relations experience.
    

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

•   Demonstrated excellence in writing news, feature articles and/or public relations material. 
•    Demonstrated experience interviewing, writing, editing and public speaking skills, including ability to distill and clarify ideas under deadline pressure. 
•    Demonstrated knowledge of news and media relations; use of various social media platforms (Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok) as well as basic knowledge of data analytics; strong news and feature writing skills using AP Style, Chicago Style
•    Demonstrated ability to analyze media trends and create strategic media plans accordingly. 
•    Ability to manage online content, including web, social media and other digital platforms
•    Ability to work with statewide West Virginia, regional and national media including print, radio, television, web and social media.
•    Ability to work collaboratively as part of a larger team, both as a project leader or team member, depending on the particular assignment. 
•    Skill in managing projects and identifying priorities related to the Health Sciences strategic plan.
•    Skill and experience in identifying and relating to contemporary issues in light of accomplishments by University faculty and research entities. 
•    Skill in identifying the correct issues to be communicated, the appropriate audience, the method and timing of communication. 
•    Demonstrated skill in analyzing situations and providing sound professional judgment on problems dealing with public communication and marketing. 
•    Demonstrated ability to deal with sensitive and sometimes confidential issues appropriately, and work as a team in a crisis.
•    Demonstrated knowledge of various software programs, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe (Photoshop, Premier, InDesign, Illustrator)
•    Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships. 
•    Skill in organizing tasks, documents and materials with efficiency and accuracy. 
•    Ability to meet multiple deadlines and manage priorities and projects effectively. 
•    Ability to work under continuous time constraints and deadlines. 
•    Ability to work outside the traditional workweek when needed.
•    Ability to investigate and analyze information and draw conclusions. 
•    Ability to advise and guide other communicators in fulfilling their responsibilities in a collegial and supportive manner. 
•    Ability to fill in for immediate supervisor to perform various tasks when called upon, e.g. the director's absence. 
•    Demonstrated commitment to principles of community and diversity. 
•    Ability to operate the necessary computer, software, web-based and other high tech, emerging equipment and perform various communications duties using a broad range of web and publishing programs (content management systems, media monitoring/distribution systems, archival programs). 
•    Knowledge of a broad range of academic and institutional issues related to a major research University environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters Degree

• Valid US driver’s license as local and regional travel may be required. 

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and engaging working environment and actively seek candidates who bring diverse ideas, approaches and experiences.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and received an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. We value diversity among our faculty, staff and students and invite applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.

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