What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Specialist position at Jobs@UIOWA Careers?
UI Health Care's Marketing and Communications department has an opportunity for a skilled communications specialist to join its employee and executive communications team. The role supports the development and implementation of internal communications, including the day-to-day operation of our daily publication Noon News and online news site The Loop. The role collaborates with faculty and staff across UI Health Care, including UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital, and UI Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine to create compelling content and advise on the delivery of internal messages. The Communications Specialist will also work closely with the intranet team to support informing and engaging employees.
This position is 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.
Key responsibilities:
Initiate and create
Provide consultation and guidance on communication best practices in support of a project, program, department, or college/unit within UI Health Care.
Identify key messages and the communication vehicles to communicate these messages; promote consistency, integrity, and appropriate focus for each vehicle and audience.
Develop and execute communication plans with detailed strategies, tactics, and measurable outcomes in support of goals and tripartite mission.
Interview subject matter experts and convey complex information to various audiences.
Create core narratives on key topics and original written content.
Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including UI Health Care committees.
Provide project management support to various committees, initiatives, and programs across UI Health Care.
Edit and publish
Ensure timely delivery of daily, weekly, and ongoing communications for internal website (The Loop), daily newsletter (Noon News), digital signage, and other distribution channels.
Work with colleagues in Marketing and Communications and other departments to target and amplify messages across owned media.
Collaborate with the intranet team to design new processes for publishing content to the new intranet to drive employee awareness, understanding, and participation.
Ensure accuracy of information in final communications. Edit and proofread communications, including the work of internal, student, and freelance writers. Be an advocate for consistent, correct usage of style guidelines, including UI Health Care, UI, and AP style applications.
Continuous improvement
Actively look for ways to improve strategic communications and make practical suggestions. Research best practices on how other communicators have tackled similar problems to achieve organizational outcomes.
Seek feedback on communication approaches and effectiveness.
Provide data for assessment of effectiveness of individual communication efforts.
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or relevant field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Three years of professional experience in communications, journalism, marketing, or public relations.
Demonstrated experience developing and executing strategic, multi-channel communication campaigns that drive employee engagement and measurable outcomes.
Demonstrated ability to lead communication projects involving multiple stakeholders across departments and organizational levels, including senior leadership.
Experience creating communication plans that support organizational change, operational initiatives, employee engagement, or large-scale institutional programs.
Demonstrated ability to evaluate communication effectiveness and use insights, metrics, or audience feedback to improve future communications strategies.
Proven ability to translate complex operational, technical, or organizational information into clear, actionable communications for a variety of audiences.
Experience managing intranet-based communications, including content strategy, information architecture, governance, and user engagement.
Ability to write and edit content demonstrated through web pages, published stories, and/or communication plans.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, meet tight deadlines, multi-task, and work on several projects simultaneously.
Exceptional attention to detail with good analytical skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong team collaboration and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.
Desired:
Experience with Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Suites.
Knowledge and experience using JIRA project management software.
Knowledge and experience with web analytics software (Google Analytics).
Understanding of digital content creation for owned media.
AP style competency.
Experience with project management or change management.
Experience in health care, academics, or a large, complex organization.
Knowledge of UI and UI Health Care policies and practices.
Application Process: To be considered, applicants must upload a cover letter and resume (under the submission of relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.
Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For questions, contact Sharon Walther at sharon-walther@uiowa.edu.
This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization now or in the future.