Communications Specialist - Engineering Administration

Communications Specialist

Office of Marketing & Communications

The Grainger College of Engineering

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Office of Marketing & Communications in The Grainger College of Engineering seeks applicants for a Communications Specialist position. The Communications Specialist is responsible for implementing a strategic communications plan for the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE). This position is part of The Grainger College of Engineering Office of Marketing & Communications (OMC) and requires developing compelling stories and promotional campaigns for external audiences and information content for internal audiences of ECE.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Communications Coordination:

• With direction from the department and OMC, implement a comprehensive communications plan for ECE in alignment with Grainger Engineering and University of Illinois brand and marketing strategies and guidelines.
• Cover and disseminate news happening within the department through ECE channels, other internal university channels and outside media. This includes actively seeking out, interviewing and writing feature stories about ECE faculty, students, staff and alumni.
• Serve as primary writer , content creator and editor for ECE communications aimed at various constituenc ies including faculty, staff, current students, prospective students, alumni,donors, faculty colleagues atpeer institutions, government laboratories, industryand foundations.
• Assist in the organization and management of communication mailing lists according to campus and college guidelines.
• Create content for and manage all ECE marketing communications channels including departmental websites, intranet, e-newsletters, social media platforms, print publications, print or digital building displays and wayfinding, and recruitment and promotional materials.
• In collaboration with ECE leadership, assist with annual planning for undergraduate and graduate student recruitment and yield initiatives and oversee the development and execution of such communications.
• Assist in developing and amplifying advancement-related communications in coordination with the college office of advancement and OMC.
• In coordination with OMC team, increase media exposure on the achievements of ECE faculty , students, staff andalumni.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the department head, leaders and faculty across the department.
• Develop public communications on behalf of department leadership including talking points, scripts, presentations, briefs and media responses.
• Work within the OMC team s project management system to manage projects, gain approvals and archive details of the work.
• Research data, facts and history related to certain projects and maintain/update new information.
• Work collaboratively with the OMC team.
• Represent ECE on college and campus committees as requested.
  
  

Marketing:

• Update and manage all content related to ECE rankings, pride points, enrollment data, career placement, etc.
• Oversee and manage photography and video projects, databases and archives. Hire and coordinate with student videographer, OMC and external providers as needed.
• Produce monthly and ad-hoc reports on goal and channel performance metrics defined in coordination with the OMC team.
  
  

Other Duties as Assigned:

• Assume additional duties related to communications tofurther the mission of ECE .
• If needed, hire, train and supervise student interns to assist with communications priorities as needed.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor s degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field.
• One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area.
• Demonstrated experience with news writing and/or storytelling.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with data analysis and market research.
• Demonstrated experience and ability to translate complex ideas into language understandable by a wide audience.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Mastery of grammar, punctuation, and spelling a high-degree of attention to detail and error-free clear, effective language. Working knowledge of the AP Style Guide.
• Detail oriented, excellent organizational skills, strong verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and exercise good judgement.
• Ability to translate complex ideas into language understandable by a wide audience.
• Ability to analyze and derive insight from data to inform decisions.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, high-paced, team-based environment.
• Ability to work on many projects simultaneously, under a deadline, and be able to function effectively under pressure with frequent interruptions and/or direction changes.
• Ability to work closely with the Director of Constituent Engagement (ECE) and Associate Director of Communications (OCM) daily to ensure strategic priorities, assignment workflow, met deadlines and produce quality work.
  
  

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

This is a full-time Civil Service Marketing Associate position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date.Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. The minimum of the salary range for this position is $45,000. A hybrid work schedule will be considered.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND DEADLINE INFORMATION

Applications must be received by November 28, 2022. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three references.In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Rachael Coleman at [email protected] . For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing [email protected] .

Requisition ID: 1012166

Job Category: Administrative

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu