Pay Grade/Pay Range:  Minimum: $48,600 - Midpoint: $60,800 (Salaried E7)

Department/Organization: 214103 - Engineering Development

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Note to Applicants: Position is eligible for remote work subject to University policy.

Job Summary: The Communications Specialist II writes and edits communications for a college, division, and/or the University. Develops and implements plans, activities, and tactics to support the goals of assigned areas. Coordinates the production of materials and resources through a variety of platforms, including digital and physical mediums.

Additional Department Summary: Plays a key part of the External Affairs team in the College of Engineering (COE). Collaborates with the COE Communications Program Manager, other COE External Affairs team members, and the Division of Strategic Communications to develop and implement communication plans and activities to support the goals of the College of Engineering and the University. Communicates with internal and external stakeholders across various media platforms (web communication, print publications, e-newsletters, social media, media releases, etc.). Creates and edits video as needed. Shoots and edits photographs. Creates, writes, and edits content for internal and external communications that require a quick turnaround. Integrates communication strategy and activities with other University operations frequently. Monitors the College’s internal workflow system to address time-sensitive news and updates as reported by faculty and staff. Builds a base of knowledge about the College of Engineering and its research and degree programs. Conducts interviews, specialized reporting, and communication with faculty, staff, and students as sources. Interacts with and reports activities involving alumni and supporters outside of the College occasionally.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of experience in journalism, public relations, marketing, and/or communications; OR master's degree and some experience in journalism, public relations, marketing, and/or communications.

Skills and Knowledge: Adept at writing long-form and short-form stories and news releases within tight deadlines. Proficiency in AP style, objective/inverted pyramid journalistic writing, and feature writing. Possesses strong proofreading and editing skills. Ability to interact with constituents and maintain relationships within the College and University. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong organizational and personal skills. Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects with varying deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, social media content creation and management, and podcasting and audio/video editing software.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.