Communications Specialist II, Biden School of Public Policy and Administration
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer which encourages applications from Minority Group Members, Women, Individuals with Disabilities and Veterans. The University's Notice of Non-Discrimination can be found at http://www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html
Job No: 499639
Work Type: Staff
Location: Newark/Hybrid
Categories: Communications & Public Relations, Full Time
Salary Grade: 30E
CONTEXT OF THE JOB
The Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration (Biden School) provides undergraduate and graduate education, research and public service in the fields of leadership, urban affairs, public policy, public administration, energy and environmental policy, disaster management and public health. It is the home of nine graduate degrees, two graduate certificate programs and three undergraduate programs. The Biden School supports a full body of faculty, staff and students in research, student support services and finance and administration. The Biden School also hosts six research centers (Biden Institute, Center for Applied Demography and Survey Research, Center for Community Research and Service, Center for Energy and Environmental Policy, Center for Historic Architecture and Design and the Institute for Public Administration) and provides administrative support to the Community Engagement Initiative.
The Communications Team within the Biden School provides communications and marketing support and services for all units, programs and centers across the school. Under the general direction of the Director, Communications (Biden School), the Communications Specialist II is responsible for a variety of communications duties to ensure the success and efficiency of Biden School communications, and in support of the school’s mission and strategic direction. The Communications Specialist develops or acquires print and online materials and advertisements, and monitors the school's website and social media pages, to ensure that utilization is consistent with the school's effective communication, marketing, image management and recruitment goals. While the bulk of the portfolio for this position is executed in the digital realm, the Communications Specialist II will also work on non-digital projects in support of Biden School communications and marketing objectives.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support all Biden School units by providing communications, marketing strategy and content development to reach key audiences.
- Coordinate with faculty, departmental leadership and the Director, Communications, to translate strategic goals into focused marketing objectives with observable, measurable and defined outcomes.
- Manage the Biden School website and work with Biden School stakeholders to implement creative and innovative content for a variety of digital communications platforms; repurpose content from a variety of internal and external sources for multi-platform distribution; monitor digital traffic to ensure online content is reaching target audiences.
- Create content for and manage email marketing communications and maintain lists of key contacts/target audiences.
- Manage the Biden School social media presence, including Facebook, Instagram Twitter. Ensure social media content aligns with and supports UD brand and multimedia policies and is aligned with UD and Biden School priorities.
- Implement advertising and marketing projects under the direct supervision of the Director, Communications, and with input from Biden School administration. These efforts may be targeted toward student recruitment, alumni engagement and/or school prominence.
- Collaborate with UD Undergraduate Admissions to support recruitment and yield of a diverse and qualified undergraduate applicant pool. This includes regular content creation and communications support for Biden School participation in university and/or school-specific undergraduate recruitment events.
- Collaborate with Biden School staff on recruitment and admissions efforts for Biden School graduate programs. Tailor and manage recruitment efforts to attract a qualified and diverse applicant pool.
- Participate in summarizing and disseminating scholarly information by the faculty, students and professional staff to a broader audience.
- Provide ongoing support for the advocacy and public awareness activities of the Biden School, including collaborative efforts with affiliated research centers and other partners. Work with liaisons from the school's centers and institutes to ensure continuity and brand consistency across all printed and electronic materials.
- Provide communications support for major Biden School events and the school's participation in major University events.
- Assist with alumni and development related communications, as directed by the Director, Communications, and Office of Development and Alumni Relations.
- Provide support for internal school communications (targeted to current students, faculty and staff).
- Stay current with university branding standards and marketing policies and serve as a resource for faculty and staff.
- Provide communications support as needed as part of the Biden School Communications team.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing, journalism or related field with 3-5 years of direct experience in journalism/public relations, communications, marketing, or advertising, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Public policy subject matter expertise preferred.
- Writing and editing experience as well as effective web authoring skills and the ability to evaluate and edit the content, structure and format of a range of written and visual materials, aligned with audience behaviors, goals and key messages to drive engagement.
- Knowledge of student marketing and recruitment, university and higher education admissions processes, and student services and programs.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines, multi-task, work independently and work as a team member to achieve common goals.
- Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
- Experience with a variety of digital communications tools, including mobile, email, social media, and web communications.
- Experience with web editing tools, social media platforms, digital content management systems and the Adobe Creative Suite.
- Familiarity with web standards, accessibility, usability and content management.
- Experience working with the Microsoft Office and Google suites.
- Excellent spoken and written communications skills, analytical and presentation abilities, and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures and backgrounds.
- Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value.
Notice of Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.
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