Communications Specialist
- 📅
- 2 days ago Post Date
- 📅
- 26002869 Requisition #
The Office of Strategic Communication is hiring a communications specialist with experience in project management for University Housing and Dining, serving more than 6,500 students living in 11 residence halls. The successful applicant will be responsible for identifying, proposing, and implementing strategies for communicating the benefits of on-campus living and dining, housing and dining protocols, as well as opportunities for student engagement. The role includes providing regular guidance on communication best practices and partnering with the Division of Student Life to cross-promote student support initiatives, programs, and events. The individual also will serve as the primary creator of content for the housing and dining website and make regular content updates to the site to keep it current for the student audience.
The person in this position will serve as an advisor to University Housing and Dining and will be a member of the University Housing and Dining leadership team. This position is part of the Office of Strategic Communication with a dotted line reporting connection to University Housing and Dining within the Division of Student Life.
Departments and units supported by these positions include:
University Housing and Dining
- Housing administration
- Camps and Conferences
- Contracts and Assignments
- Assessment
- Move in and move out
- Residence Education
- Academic Initiatives
- Student Leadership
- Training and Selection
- Conduct and Care
- University Dining
- Residential Dining
- Catering
- Retail
- UHD Facility Operations
- Custodial Services
- Maintenance Services
- Capital Planning
This is an in-person position, with an opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement after six months.
Work Modality: This position may be eligible for hybrid work within Iowa and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.
There is an expectation that the person in this position will maintain effective, civil, and respectful working relationships with the University of Iowa campus community and uphold the University’s commitment to creating welcoming and respectful environments for all.
Specific Job Duties and Tasks:
Message Development and Implementation
- Manages, writes, and edits all communications for University Housing and Dining, including but not limited to email and print newsletters, web content, brochures, presentations, signage, etc.
- Establishes a common voice for UHD communications.
Project Management
- Works with UHD leadership to determine projects directed at students living on campus and their families, dining hall customers, and that support student success at the university.
- Facilitate project meetings.
Metrics and Reports
- Measure project performance and success of communications using appropriate tools and techniques.
- Share metrics regularly with UHD and OSC leaders and other stakeholders.
Public Relations
- Work with OSC media relations team to manage media inquiries; write talking points as needed.
- Develop messages for target audiences, both internal and external.
Strategic Planning
- Use communication strategies and tools to assist in executing the University Housing and Dining strategic plan.
- Suggest and develop communication strategies for executing the priorities of the vice president for student life.
To obtain the full job description including key areas of responsibility, technical competencies, and desirable qualifications, please contact Alex-Schutman@uiowa.edu
About the Office of Strategic Communication
The Office of Strategic Communication is the central public relations and communication office at the University of Iowa. The office and its people support the university’s mission through communication that builds awareness and appreciation for the university’s people and programs.
Education Required:
Bachelor’s degree in strategic communications, marketing, journalism, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Required Qualifications:
- Experience (typically 1-3 years) in communications, marketing, or public relations.
- Demonstrated vision, initiative, and ability to work as part of a team.
- Superior written, verbal, and interpersonal communications skills. This includes the ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
- Extensive ability to manage multiple concurrent projects or activities, effectively judging priorities and allocation of time.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite software programs (i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
Desired Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience with email campaign management is highly desirable.
- Familiarity and experience with working in a college or university setting is highly desirable.
- Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite software programs and AI platforms is desirable.
Application Details
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For questions, contact Alex Schutman at Alex-Schutman@uiowa.edu
Benefits Highlights
- Regular salaried position. Pay level 4A. Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
- Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.
- For more information about Why Iowa? Click here.
About Iowa
Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success. Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance. Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation. Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.
Equal opportunity employer
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.
