University Centers Communications Specialist

Posting Details

Position Information

Recruitment Number

1371

Number of Vacancies

1

Working Title

University Centers Communications Specialist

Classification Title

Communications Specialist

Proposed Salary to be Offered

$34,600

Appointment Percentage (Budget)

100%

Position Summary

The Communication Specialist is a full-time professional staff position which is part of the Office of University Centers within the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse ( UWL ). In conjunction with the Associate Director of Student Engagement and Leadership, the Communication Specialist is responsible for the development of content for University Centers communication outlets. This position will serve as an integral part of a collaborative team of programming and operations staff. This position will be responsible for developing social media, paper, email, and other creative content which promotes University Centers programs and services and enhances the student experience.

This individual will also assume primary advisory responsibility for COVE Graphics Garage, a design and printing service offered within the Center for Organizations, Vision, and Engagement ( COVE ). This position serves as a liaison between the University Centers, the UWL community, and the greater La Crosse community. This position will also participate in short and long-term branding projects as deemed necessary.

Duties/Responsibilities

50% Responsible for the outreach and communication of University Centers and its entities via publicity, social media networks, newsletters and webpages

• Create and distribute the Stryker Eagle newsletter in collaboration with University Centers staff and other UWL and Student Affairs partners.
• In collaboration with COVE Graphics student staff, oversee social media content for all accounts within University Centers units.
• Develop and maintain a social media content calendar.
• Assist in continued growth of student affinity towards UWL, “Stryker” mascot, and University Centers units.
• Serve as a liaison between University Centers, Student Organizations and the faculty and staff at UWL as well as greater La Crosse community.
• Assist in the review and development of policy surrounding Student Organizations, Advisors and publicity on behalf of University Centers in collaboration with University Communications
• Ensure that all University Centers websites are maintained with accurate and up to date information.
• Provide oversight on digital signage for University Centers and Student Organizations.
• Oversee student organization branding policies and procedures, including but not limited to, chalking, window painting, and bulletin board usage.
• Lead marketing and communication efforts for signature University Centers events, including but not limited to, Eagle Fest.

25% Responsible for the oversight of COVE Graphics Garage

• Oversee the hiring, training, and operations of student staff within COVE Graphics.
• Facilitate the budget, deposits, and pricing services offered n COVE Graphics.
• Conduct regular 1-on-1 and team meetings with student staff within COVE Graphics.
• Initiate and assign creative branding projects to COVE Graphics student staff.
• Conduct regular evaluations with COVE Graphics student staff.

15% Participate in University Centers and University-wide short and long-term branding projects.

• Serve as primary liaison between University Centers and the office of University Marketing and Communications.
• Serve as a member of relevant marketing and communication advisory groups as deemed necessary.
• In conjunction with Director of University Centers, assist with Student Union marketing and branding projects.
• Conduct research on higher education marketing “best practices” and report to University Centers team as needed.

10% Other duties as assigned by the Associate Director of Student Engagement and Leadership.

• Attend University functions of general importance to the student body or the University.
• Serve on Student Affairs and University committees as needed.
• Assist with coordination of large-scale campus programming including, but not limited to, Eagle Fest, Involvement Fest, and Sample the City & Volunteer Fair.
• Other duties as assigned

Position Type

Staff/Administrative

Pay Basis

Annual

FLSA

Exempt

Contingent Upon Funding

No

Is this position eligible for employment sponsorship, (H1B or PERM)?

No

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from accredited institution in communications, marketing, graphic design, or related field Or 5-7 years of related and relevant work experience
• Demonstrate experience working with student programming, graphic design and marketing services
• Possess a mindfulness of social justice, equity and inclusiveness
• Ability to develop good rapport with students and colleagues
• Demonstrate a theoretical foundation in the principles and practices of self-authorship
• Have the ability to sustain communication with diverse groups, anticipate problems, reconcile conflicts and maintain a strong philosophical base for student activities

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Adobe suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and/or other design software platforms
• Knowledge of student development and experience working with and advising college students
• Experience supervising graduate assistants, and/or student staff members
• An understanding of the importance of collaboration within the unit and the university.
• Ability to problem solve and readily adapt to change
• An understanding of university processes and business
• Ability to use and adapt to current technology and new technology and software
• Ability to interact effectively with faculty, staff, student, and external groups

Physical Demands

Reasonable Accommodations
UWL provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact hrinfo@uwlax.edu or 608.785.8013. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

All position descriptions are required to provide physical demands and working condition/environment and may not be published in the job announcement. For information on the physical demands and/or working conditions/environment for this position, please contact Human Resources at hrinfo@uwlax.edu or 608.785.8013.

Working conditions and environment

• On occasion, this person must be able to work extended hours.
• Some night and weekend hours are required.
• Travel for professional development is possible.

Miscellaneous Information

Information about your benefits
Your benefits add an additional 40%+ to the overall financial package from the university.
Highlights include:

• excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage.
• paid holidays and sick days.
• sick leave may be converted at retirement to pay for health insurance post-work at UWL .
• after 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career.
• benefits at UWL are highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation.

Learn more at: https://www.uwlax.edu/globalassets/offices-services/human-resources/benefits-info/fasl.pdf

Benefit eligibility is determined at point of hire. This information is provided for illustrative purposes only. Benefits are also pro-rated based on the appointment percentage.

Information about UWL and the Surrounding Region The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UW–La Crosse) provides a challenging, dynamic, and diverse learning environment in which the entire university community is fully engaged in supporting student success. Grounded in the liberal arts, UW-La Crosse fosters curiosity and life-long learning through collaboration, innovation, and the discovery and dissemination of new knowledge. Acknowledging and respecting the contributions of all, UW-La Crosse is a regional academic and cultural center that prepares students to take their place in a constantly changing world community.
For more than a decade UW-La Crosse has been named one of Kiplinger’s 100 Best Values in Public Universities and has appeared prominently on theU.S. News & World Reportlist of “America’s Best Colleges” for more than 15 years, and is ranked #4 on its list of the Best Regional Public Universities in the Midwest.

With a student population of roughly 10,500, the university offers 91 undergraduate programs, 21 graduate programs, and 2 doctoral programs through the following three colleges, the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities, the College of Business Administration, and the College of Science and Health, as well as the School of Education. There are over 600 full-time faculty and instructional academic staff, 75 percent of whom hold terminal degrees. UW-La Crosse boasts a retention rate (freshmen returning as sophomores) of 84 percent, graduation rate (degree within six years) of 70 percent, and is among only 12 institutions cited nationally by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities for its success in linking campus culture and university leadership to outstanding graduation rates.

UW-La Crosse’s strategic plan Sustaining Excellence continues to move our community forward through its four pillars: increasing community engagement, achieving excellence through equity and diversity, investing in our people, and advancing transformational education. More information about the ongoing work of Sustaining Excellence is available at www.uwlax.edu/info/strategic-plan .The UW-La Crosse campus is in southwestern Wisconsin, nestled in a residential area of the City of La Crosse and positioned as part of a larger metro area with a population close to 140,000. The area, known as the 7 Rivers Region, is famous for its exceptional natural beauty which includes the Mississippi River on one side, majestic bluffs on the other, and views of rolling farmland and forested valleys in between. Abundant water, woodlands and varying terrain provide ample opportunities for year-round outdoor recreation. Only a couple of hours from Minneapolis or Madison, La Crosse enjoys the affordability and charm of small town living with larger city benefits. Three colleges, two world-class medical institutions, the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra, a restored nineteenth century downtown business district, and a number of galleries and art centers have made La Crosse a regional center for culture, entertainment, medical care, shopping, sports and recreation. More information about the La Crosse metro area can be found here: Choose La Crosse .

Learn more about UW-La Crosse here: https://www.uwlax.edu/human-resources/services/talent-acquisition-and-employment/finalist-welcome/

AA/EO Statement
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. We strongly encourage women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans to apply. UWL, in compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or protected veteran status.

DEI Statement
UW-La Crosse’s diversity and inclusion efforts are guided by our adherence to Inclusive Excellence. We define Inclusive Excellence as “… our active, intentional and ongoing commitment to bridge differences with understanding and respect so all can thrive." The goals of Inclusive Excellence are to increase the retention of diverse faculty, staff and students while encouraging a campus climate that is inviting and welcoming to all. UW-La Crosse strives to promote acceptance of all facets of diversity from racial/ethnic diversity to diversity of thought and experience. UW-La Crosse ranks 6th nationally among the Top LGBTQ -Friendly Colleges for 2018-19 by AffordableCollegesOnline.org ( ACO ).
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWL Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see https://www.uwlax.edu/police/annual-security-report/ or contact the University Police Department at 608.785.9000.

Redbook Position

Yes

Division/College

Student Affairs Division

Description of College / Department / Program / Division / Unit

The Division of Student Affairs’ role is to enhance and support students learning experience here at UWL . We work closely with faculty, staff, community members, alumni and most importantly, students to provide quality programs and services which promote learning, leadership, involvement, service and the celebration of diversity. The Division includes a number of departments: Campus Child Center, Counseling and Testing, Student Health Center, Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreational Sports, Residence Life, Student Life, University Centers, and the Vice Chancellor & Dean of Students office. The staff of the Division is truly student-centered and concerned about the holistic development of the student.

University Centers serves the community by providing a welcoming environment that facilitates learning opportunities, embraces diversity, and enriches the campus experience. University Centers provides operational oversight to the Student Union, the Whitney Dining Center, the Center for Organizations, Vision, and Engagement (the COVE ) and the Leadership and Involvement Center ( LIC ). University Centers also provides a wide variety of services, spaces, and amenities including the Information Center, Eagle ID Program, Dining Plans, Campus Food Pantry, and more.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Detail Information

Posting Date

05/03/2023

Continuous Recruitment

Yes

Continuous Recruitment First Review Date

Close Date

Special Instructions

Application deadlines
This is a continuous recruitment. Applicants will be reviewed as they are received and continue until the position is filled.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWL is a state agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWL will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBC & Reference Check Policy
All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

Position Contact Name

Jacob Hart, Associate Director of Student Engagement & Leadership

Position Contact Email

hrinfo@uwlax.edu
Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identities of finalists must be revealed upon request. See Wis. Stat. §. 19.36(7).
   • I wish for my name to remain confidential until the university is no longer able to do so.
   • I waive my right to keep my name confidential through the application process.
2. * Are you currently employed by or have you been employed by a UW System institution or a State of Wisconsin agency during the last seven (7) years? Please answer yes or no. If yes, provide the institution or agency name, your supervisor and contact information, including phone number and email address.
   • Yes
   • No
3. * After you retire from a Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) employer, you may return to work with a WRS employer as a rehired annuitant, provided certain requirements are met. There are no restrictions on what type of position a rehired annuitant can hold. Under the WRS, there is no limit to how much you may earn as a rehired annuitant. (Learn more: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/life-events/empcha/ra/). Are you currently collecting an annuity from the Wisconsin Retirement System, (WRS)?
   • Yes
   • No
4. * Are you an alum of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
   • Yes
   • No
5. * Are you legally eligible to work in the United States?
   • Yes
   • No
6. * Will you now or in the future require visa sponsorship for employment at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse? (UW-L and UW System institutions pay for some or all of the sponsorship costs. Some candidates may require an H1B or another form of employment sponsorship to work in the US. This question is asked so that if you are the successful candidate, Human Resources can work with your work unit to begin the process of obtaining this visa).
   • Yes, I will require sponsorship prior to employment.
   • Yes, I will require sponsorship for continued employment if hired.
   • No, I do not require sponsorship and am eligible to work in the US.
7. * Were you ever found to have engaged in any sexual violence or sexual harassment in a previous work assignment? (Required under UW System Administrative Policy 1275)
   • Yes
   • No
8. * Are you currently under investigation or have ever left employment during an active investigation in which you were accused of sexual violence or sexual harassment? (Required under UW System Administrative Policy 1275)
   • Yes
   • No
9. * Please provide your most recent employer, supervisor name and contact information, including phone number and email address. (Pursuant to UW System Administrative Policy 1275, UW System requires reference checks related to sexual harassment and sexual violence to be conducted at a minimum with a final candidate’s most recent employer and with all previous UW System institution and State of Wisconsin agency employers from the past seven years. UW-L will notify you prior to contacting your supervisor).
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
10. * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
    • Chronicle of Higher Education Web Site
    • Discipline-Specific Publication/Web Site
    • HERC Web Site
    • HigherEdJobs.com Web Site
    • Job Center of Wisconsin Web Site
    • Minority Publication/Web Site
    • University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Social Media (i.e. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter)
    • University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Web Site
    • La Crosse Tribune
    • Personal Referral
    • LinkedIn
    • Indeed
    • WinonaDailyNews.com, LaCrosseTribune.com, ChippewaHerald.com, Journaltimes.com, Kenoshanews.com, Madison.com
    • Department of Workforce Development (WISC)
    • Other

Required Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
3. Reference Contact Information

Optional Documents