Position Details
Position Information
Position Title
Communications Specialist

Requisition #
S01288P

FLSA
Exempt

Location
IIT-Mies Campus (MC), 10 West 35th St., Chicago

Department
Institute of Food Safety and Health

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Institute for Food Safety and Health (IFSH ) is a consortium among Illinois Tech, FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), and the food industry. IFSH comprises Illinois Tech scientists and staff, FDA scientists of CFSAN's Division of Food Processing Science and Technology co-located in the building, and industry member companies. IFSH is a unique and one-of-a-kind institute in the nation where FDA, academia and the industry join forces and conduct research in a neutral ground to address major national food safety and nutrition issues. The Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) is a broad-based public-private alliance of industry, academia, and government stakeholders, established by a grant from the U.S. FDA to IFSH.
The Communication Specialist, under the supervision of the Manager of Business Development and Communications, will create a wide range of digital and print communications for both the IFSH and FSPCA teams. Manage the IFSH website's ongoing communications, and multiple channels such as social media, blogs, newsletters, etc. This individual will also assist in the logistics and execution of large meetings, trainings, etc.
COMMUNICATIONS

The Communications Specialist will be responsible for heavy written, verbal, and electronic communications. Duties will require interaction with both internal (faculty, staff, and students) and external (members, stakeholders) contacts. Communication skills are essential for interviewing internal and external constituents, researching, editing, and fact-checking, as well as working with internal clients.
CUSTOMER SERVICE

This position must practice a high level of internal customer service and will work collaboratively with colleagues and partners across the university to produce various communications pieces. The Communications Specialist will provide a high level of external customer service in the creation of correspondence and messaging, targeted at external food industry companies (current members, prospective, project interests) to highlight and/or understand our work.
Special Schedule Requirements

This position primarily works between the hours of 8:30AM - 4:30PM, Monday through Friday.
EEOC Statement

Illinois Institute of Technology is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, inclusion and diversity. It is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and actively seeks applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities regardless of race, color, sex, marital status, religion, national origin, disability, age, unfavorable discharge from the military, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation including gender identity and expression, order of protection status, and/or genetic information. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.
Qualifications
Education & Experience

Minimum of 2-5 years of professional writing and editing experience required. Experience in writing, planning, executing, and evaluating communications vehicles is essential. Familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style is required. Social media strategy and skills required. Bachelor's degree in an appropriate communications-related discipline is required.
Knowledge & Skills

• Business-driven, people-focused
• Experience in project management, 2-5 years of experience required .
• Attention to detail required, efficiently achieve thoroughness and accuracy (critical thinking, problem-solving, observation, active listening, analytical, time management, organization)
• Work autonomously, without micro-management.
• Superior written and oral communication skills are required, with the ability to establish standards of quality, communicate those standards clearly, and assess the effectiveness of communications based on those standards.
• Ability to understand complex, scientific, or technical information and communicate it clearly in high-quality, effective, communication pieces.
• Strong decision-making skills along with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, as is, demonstrate an ability to think strategically and creatively.
• Proficient with Adobe Creative Suite strongly preferred. Microsoft Office and Google applications skills are required. Experience in Eventbrite and Constant Contacts (not required, willing to train).

SUPERVISION & BUDGET AUTHORITY

This position does not include any direct supervision of other staff members. However, this position might be required to supervise a student employee occasionally.
Physical Environment and Requirements

The workplace is a normal office environment. The specialist must be able to walk up and down one flight of stairs to travel between departments and may occasionally need to attend functions off campus. Approximately 90% of the time is spent working at a desk performing office functions/computer, and 10% of the time may be spent outside of the office. May possibly have to lift light boxes or containers for on-site events.
Certifications and Licenses
List any certifications or licenses that are either required or helpful in performing the job, designating whether required or preferred.

Not applicable
Key Responsibilities
Key Responsibility

Research, write, proofread, and edit various documents, brochures, reports, general correspondence, presentations, and other materials required to support internal and external communications. Design and format visual and written document tools in adherence with Illinois Tech graphic quality standards using design software. Perform project management duties around the scheduling of internal/external communications and use this skillset to assist the
manager in the planning and execution of various IFSH events, webinars, training, workshops, etc. (virtual, in person).
Percentage Of Time
50

Key Responsibility

Oversee details of multiple communications projects for IFSH and FSPCA (including basic layout, writing, editing), balance priorities, and meet project deadlines and deliverables in collaboration with staff, and faculty across the university (including the other marketing and communications teams at the university), members and stakeholders. Prepare comprehensive action plans.
Percentage Of Time
25

Key Responsibility

Manage the social media assignments for IFSH and FSPCA, including input in strategic planning. Research and implement emerging technologies to effectively communicate with constituents via social media. The Communications Specialist will oversee the website (IFSH only) content and organization, inventory of print materials, digital initiatives, video production, and other tasks. Prepare a comprehensive calendar of events, planned communication schedule, etc.
Percentage Of Time
25
Posting Information
Work Hours

Monday - Friday 0830 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Position Category
Full Time

Posting Date
03/06/2024

Closing Date
Posted Until Filled
Yes

Quicklink for Posting
https://iit7.peopleadmin.com/postings/10289