Communications Specialist - Student Systems Transformation Project (Multiple Openings)

Job Description

Academic Strategy and Affairs has an outstanding opportunity for two temporary Communication Specialist's to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Senior Director of Strategy & Academic Initiatives in ASA, and as a member of the SST project team, the Communications Specialist will be responsible for communications planning and execution for the SST initiative and related ASA unit priorities.

This position will work in close partnership with Enrollment Management, tri-campus academic and administrative units, and UWIT to meet the university’s diverse, rapidly changing needs. A high degree of tact, customer service, diplomacy and confidentiality is required. 

The work is highly visible, involves providing exceptional and professional service, and contributes to the UW’s reputation, with implications for branding, marketing, and advancement work.

This position supports business processes and systems that are essential to the success of enhancing the student experience, supporting faculty excellence and innovation in teaching and learning.

Position will be hybrid on-site/remote telework, and eligible for up to 100% remote telework.

Key Responsibilities

Communications (70%)

• Design, draft and produce written and visual communications related to initiative or units

• Ensure the accuracy, consistency, and alignment across a variety of communications

• Support and execute on SST initiative change management, communication, and stakeholder engagement plans

• Develop a working understanding of business needs, guiding principles, and how changes impact each stakeholder group at a high level

• Maintain and update web content

• Maintain and update stakeholder presentations

• Conduct surveys, benchmarking research, literature reviews, focus groups, and related reports

• May contribute to a business case that clearly articulates business drivers and desired outcomes

• Other communication duties as required

Project Coordination and Administration (30%)

• Serve as project manager on communication efforts, coordinating with other units as needed

• Develop and update project plans and timelines to track progress

• Work with project partners and stakeholders to ensure goals are met on time

• Track and report change management issues as they arise

• Define and measure success metrics and monitor change progress

• Other duties as required    

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

• Bachelor's degree

• 2 years' experience in communications

Additional Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and active listening skills.

• Ability to clearly articulate messages to a variety of audiences.

• Experience managing or coordinating projects or programs or other equivalent experience from which comparable knowledge and skills have been acquired.

• Experience managing and communicating with internal and external stakeholders with professionalism and diplomacy.  

• Experience managing web content through Sharepoint, WordPress or a similar content management system

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate coursework, certificate or degree in communications, public affairs, education, business, or related field

• Familiarity with the basic internal workings of the University of Washington or a similar large, public research university

• Experience with layout and visual design with InDesign, Photoshop or similar design and publishing software

• Experience preparing mass emails with Marketo or a similar marketing automation system

About the Team

Led by Academic Strategy and Affairs (ASA), the Student Systems Transformation (SST) project is a multi-year effort to replace student information systems (SIS) and align processes across the institution. The goals of SST include: managing risk from aging technology, improving stakeholder experience, standardizing processes and simplifying system landscape, improving analytics and decision-making, and enabling innovation.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Shift:

Temporary or Regular?

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.