PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST - University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98194
About the Job
Req #: 239517
Department: DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
Appointing Department Web Address: https://psych.uw.edu/
Job Location Detail: Seattle Campus (Guthrie Hall). Eligible for up to 2 days of remote work per week.
Posting Date: 10/10/2024
Closing Info:
Closes On 10/24/2024
Salary: $5,650 - $6,350 per month
Shift: First Shift
Notes:
As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here. (https://hr.uw.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/benefits-professional-staff-librarians-academic-staff-20230119\_a11y.pdf)
As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
**The Department of Psychology has an outstanding opportunity for a Public Information Specialist to join their team.**
The Public Information Specialist will independently manage the communications and outreach activity for the Department of Psychology. This position is responsible for the department's electronic, print, and communications administration. This position will routinely exercise independent judgement and decision-making skills, set own work priorities and create content for website and print communications. The incumbent will have the skills and passion to effectively communicate the depth, breadth and impact of our innovative research and exceptional teaching and clinical work. Key responsibilities include increasing external visibility of the department, enhancing internal communications within the department and College, and ensuring consistent, coordinated messaging that aligns with Department goals.
This position requires the ability to coordinate across programs and disciplines, managing competing priorities while ensuring cohesive messaging. The incumbent must demonstrate strong attention to detail, work effectively as part of a team, and be able to prioritize tasks. Building relationships across multiple areas and projects is essential, as is serving as a trusted source of expert advice. The Public Information Specialist will collaborate closely with Department leadership, working independently and taking initiative to manage the workload and accomplish a broad range of tasks efficiently.
The Department upholds the University's missions of teaching, research and service, and effective communication with diverse constituencies is essential to fulling these goals. The Public Information Specialist plays a key role in ensuring that all communications align with the University's commitment to integrity, accuracy, and honesty. This position shares responsibility for upholding the reputation of the Department and University, ensuring that their communications reflect the highest standards of professionalism and excellence.
**DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES** Website & Social Media Communications:
- Collaborate with subject matter experts to develop, implement and update the department's website, ensuring content meets audience needs. Responsibilities include writing stories and news articles, updating event listings, and maintaining current and engaging information.
- Implement a continuous design strategy to refresh and enhance the website. Work closely with the IT Architect and Systems Manager to ensure the integrity and functionality of the website are maintained.
- Proactively research and gather content for website updates, including monitoring platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, US News, Google, and internal UW newsletters etc. for news related to faculty achievements, which can be promoted on our website.
- Manage and expand the department's social media presence by regularly posting updates, news, and acknowledgments on platforms such as X , Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Drive engagement and traffic to the department's website while raising awareness of department activities and partnerships.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest social media best practices, trends, and technologies to ensure effective communication strategies.
External Communications and Outreach:
- Plan, develop, and promote small to medium-sized cultivation and stewardship events in collaboration with the College of Arts & Sciences advancement team. This includes identifying key constituencies for guest lists, managing RSVPs, and ensuring event success.
- Coordinate stewardship activities, including but not limited to writing personalized gift acknowledgments, organizing and advertising recognition events, preparing stewardship packets for endowment donors, and coordinating student correspondence with scholarship/fellowship donors.
- Manage communications with alumni, including planning and promoting alumni events to foster engagement and maintain strong connections with the department.
- Lead the Program Coordinator in inviting and arranging visitations for speakers and guests to attend department events.
- Design and create communications materials such as posters, flyers and postcards for various departmental initiatives and events.
- Create visual content, which may include photographing events and developing graphic designs or infographics to illustrate key concepts and enhance communications.
- Collaborate with UW News to increase department's visibility through media relations, including the preparation and distribution of press releases.
- Manage the creation of the department's bi-annual newsletter (summer/winter) and fact sheet by soliciting, editing, and writing content to keep the community informed of key updates and achievements.
Internal Communications:
- Design and produce print and other visual materials, including necessary formatting for print, reproduction and/or dissemination.
- Promote both external and internal awareness of department programs, achievements, and key accomplishments.
- Provide guidance to faculty and staff on effective marketing and communications strategies, and offer support with web design ideas.
- Develop and customize communication templates to streamline internal messaging.
- Develop new communication channels for strengthening internal communications within the department.
Committee Participation:
- Serve as Chair of the Department Web Committee, leading discussions and decision-making related to the department's online presence.
- Participate in other special committee participation as needed, contributing expertise in communications and outreach.
**MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS**
Bachelor's Degree in Communications or a related field with at least two years of experience in writing, editing, communications, content management, photo editing or similar area.
_Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum requirements._
Additional Requirements:
- Understanding of style guides, understanding of website accessibility and compliance, content research, organization of a variety of source material
- Outstanding proofreading ability
- Advanced skills with Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint and Adobe Pro
- Strong skills in English grammar and spelling
- Attention to detail, logic, and accuracy
- Strong interpersonal skills and decision-making abilities
- Strong multi-tasking abilities
- Strong written and verbal communications skills
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and directions
**DESIRED REQUIREMENTS**
- Certification in web design, content strategy, or related areas
**CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT**
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select "Apply to this position". Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your "My Jobs" page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. **Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.**
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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.
Source : University of Washington