What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Specialist position at Illinois Institute of Technology?
Position Details
Compensation: $28.00/hour
Position Type: Part-time (Non-Exempt)
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 5 hours per day, between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM. Specific daily hours will be determined during the interview process.
Work Location: The Institute for Food Safety and Health (IFSH), 6502 S Archer Rd, Bedford Park, IL 60501
Benefits: Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our competitive benefits package located here.
Summary
The Institute for Food Safety and Health (IFSH) is a consortium among Illinois Tech, FDAs Human Foods Program (HFP), and the food industry.
The IFSH is comprised of Illinois Tech faculty, scientists and staff with FDA scientists of HFPs 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, first established by support from the FDA to IFSH.
The Communication Specialist, under the supervision of the FSPCA Program Manager, will create a wide range of digital and print communications for FSPCA programs. Work with the FSPCA websites ongoing communications, and multiple channels such as social media, blogs, newsletters, etc.
Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
40% - 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 management in the planning and execution of various FSPCA communication activities such as events, webinars, training, workshops, etc. (virtual, in person).
25 % - Oversee details of multiple communications projects for 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.
25% Manage FSPCA social media assignments, including input on strategic planning. Research and implement emerging technologies to strengthen communication with constituents through social media and email.
10% Support FSPCA website content and organization, maintain inventory of print materials, and assist with digital initiatives, video production, and other related communications projects.
Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in a communications-related discipline required.
- 25 years of professional writing, editing, and project management experience required.
- Experience developing, executing, and evaluating communication strategies across multiple platforms, including social media.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific or technical information into clear, high-quality communications.
- Familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style required.
- Strategic, business-driven, and people-focused mindset with sound decision-making skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications required; Adobe Creative Suite strongly preferred.
- Experience with Eventleaf, Constant Contact, and other preferred communication tools (training available).
- Familiarity to AI writing tools that can provide efficiency and review.
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.
Service Standards and Performance Expectations
- Demonstrates strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy, thoroughness, and quality in all deliverables.
- Works autonomously and effectively without micromanagement.
- Successfully manages multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining organization and timeliness.
- Produces communications that align with established quality standards and organizational objectives.
Physical Qualifications
- The workplace is a normal office environment.
- 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 have to lift light boxes or containers for on-site events up to 20 lbs.
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.