Senior Communications Specialist

Job Summary

The Senior Communications Specialist is an integral member of the CU Engineering communications and marketing team and works as part of a team of unit communicators assigned to departments and programs across the college.

The Senior Communications Specialist leads the development and implementation of critical communications for the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department and other departments and programs as assigned, with a focus on reputation, recruitment, engagement/retention and advancement. The position works closely with departmental leadership to create, manage and coordinate internal and external communications. This position also coordinates the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department’s Alumni Student Mentor Program.

As a member of the college communications team, the position coordinates with college and university communications specialists to produce consistent and coordinated messages in compliance with college and university branding guidelines and advises other college and department communicators as time allows. The position will work with scientific and/or highly technical content and provide high-quality, creative analytical services for the departments.
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

Founded in 1893, CEAS at CU Boulder is the second largest of seven schools and colleges at one of the nation's top public research institutions. As Colorado's flagship university, CU Boulder has selective admissions standards and a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs.

The college’s mission is to generate new knowledge in engineering and related fields, and to equip students from diverse backgrounds to become leaders and citizens responsible for the betterment of individuals and society. Our vision is to be a recognized world leader for excellence and innovation in engineering research and education, with an emphasis on inclusive excellence, active learning and global society.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Chemical and Biological Engineering Communications

• Serve as the primary communications liaison to the ChBE department. Lead the development and implementation of a department communications plan and determine the best channels for messaging.
• Plan, write, edit, design and produce communications for the department, including publications, website content, marketing materials, digital newsletters, recruitment and fundraising materials, event promotions, digital screens and presentations.
• Act as a liaison to the college creative team to facilitate video and photography requests.
• Serve as point of contact to disseminate department and program-specific information and opportunities to students. Communicate industry, career and professional development opportunities to graduate and undergraduate students through a weekly email.
• Coordinate participation in the Alumni Student Mentor Program (ASMP), soliciting, matching and facilitating communication between student and alumni participants.
• Help with and publicize events such as research symposia, graduation and career fairs.
• Gather and analyze alumni career/employment data to show where recent graduates are now.

College Communications

• Act as the primary contact for other departments and programs as assigned. Develop unit subject matter expertise, attend relevant meetings and participate in communities.
• Provide communications and marketing support, including digital newsletters, news articles, web updates and marketing content. Engage the college communications team as needed to advance unit communications and marketing priorities.
• Collaborate with communications and marketing team and unit leadership to develop and implement annual communications and marketing plans.
• Collaborate with the college creative team on externally facing content, photography and video projects, as well as posts for the CU Engineering social media channels.

What You Should Know

All University of Colorado Boulder employees are required to comply with the campus COVID-19 vaccine requirement . New employees must provide proof of vaccination or receive a medical or religious exemption within 30 days of employment.

What We Can Offer

The starting salary is $58,000.

Benefits
The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits , including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder .

Be Statements
Be creative. Be informed. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication, public relations or marketing, or other relevant field.
• Three years of professional-level experience in journalism, communication, public relations or marketing in higher education environment.
• A combination of relevant education, training and/or experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

What You Will Need

• Demonstrated commitment to promoting diverse and inclusive communications and communities.
• Sensitivity to and appreciation of cultural, political and geographical differences with ability to work well with faculty, staff and students from around the world.
• Strong organizational, prioritization and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize and achieve key objectives. Ability to adapt to changing situations and priorities.
• Ability to understand and integrate technical information from multiple organizations.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced and complex environment.
• Ability to adhere to the engineering communications team values of integrity, collaboration, high quality, innovation and professionalism.

What We Would Like You To Have

• Five years of professional-level experience in journalism, communication, public relations or marketing.
• Familiarity with applications for creating and distributing electronic newsletters.
• Knowledge of social media sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
• Knowledge of graphic design tools (specifically Adobe Creative Suite) for production of printed materials.
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions and to address and resolve conflicts.
• Experience working with engineering students in a higher education environment.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. A current resume.
2. A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by July 8, 2022 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs .

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu