Internal Communications Specialist
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- 4 days ago Post Date
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- 26003557 Requisition #
The Office of Strategic Communication is seeking an Internal Communications Specialist. The individual in this position will envision, draft, and execute strategic communication and marketing for internal audiences at the University of Iowa. The person in this position will work in close collaboration with writers, editors, and communicators across campus and within the Office of Strategic Communication.
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.
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.
Key Areas of Responsibilities
Message Development and Implementation
- Develop communications strategies, plans, and messaging; provide communication support for institutionally important projects and initiatives.
- Curate Iowa Now email content for various internal audiences. Write email text tailored to the intended audience and select engaging and on-brand images. Build the the individual email products in Dispatch.
- Partner with staff and communicators in administrative units and colleges to identify, produce, and promote content that positively influences student satisfaction and perception of the institution.
- Write and edit in a variety of formats (news releases, talking points, feature stories, email text, video scripts, etc.) for a range of platforms.
Public Relations
- Create content using language tailored to a specific audience and specific platforms.
- Collaborate with other campus communicators on broader communication initiatives, for special events, and during crises.
- Develop relationships and build trust with campus stakeholders.
- Work with administative unit communicators to stay informed on current communications projects, needs, and issues. Research topics and issues as needed in order to effectively communicate about them.
Information Management
- Identify, develop, write, edit, and disseminate communications related administrative unit(s), and other people, programs, and initiatives across campus. This may include but is not limited to creating communications plans and timelines, writing news stories and institutional announcements, email communications, video scripts, website content, talking points, internal reports, and social media posts. Repurpose content for different internal audiences and channels.
- Work as part of the OSC internal communications team, in close communication with internal communications specialists from other divisions and units, as well as the OSC team as needed.
- Collaborate with the senior director of internal communication to envision the most strategic ways to disseminate content.
Strategic Planning
- Envision, draft, and execute strategic communication and marketing plans.
- Educate the university community on OSC’s mission, build and protect the university’s brand, and increase understanding and trust with internal audiences.
- Assist with and serve on appropriate communication advisory groups.
- Prepare regular analytics reports on internal communication efforts.
To obtain the full job description including key areas of responsibility, technical competencies, and desirable qualifications, please contact Libby Kleppe at libby-kleppe@uiowa.edu.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communication, marketing, journalism, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience (1-3 years) in communications, public relations, or marketing.
- Experience (1-3 years) producing content in a variety of formats including print, web, social media, video, and advertising.
- 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 using appropriate communication channels.
Desired Qualifications
- Reasonable (1-3 years) experience working in higher education or in an internal communications role.
- Demonstrated organizational and collaboration skills.
- Demonstrated ability to think and plan across channels and develop effective communication strategies.
Application and Position Details
- In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 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 additional questions, please contact Libby Kleppe at libby-kleppe@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.
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.
