Web Producer and Content Strategist

Founded in 1764, Brown is a leading institution for education, discovery, and global intellectual progress as well as one of the largest employers in Rhode Island. Working at Brown brings more than just a paycheck and generous benefits; it offers an opportunity to contribute to a greater good. Join us in supporting the pursuit of knowledge and individual growth that defines higher education and enriches our community.

Job Description:

About Brown:

Brown University is a leading research university distinct for its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose. Our students, faculty and staff are driven by the idea that their work will have an impact in the world. Brown University offers a flexible work/life balance; summer hours, winter break and a comprehensive Benefits package including time off, annual paid holidays; benefits offerings including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, wellness, employee discounts and more. To learn about Brown University’s benefits, visit the University Human Resources web page here for further information.

About the Opportunity:

The Web Producer and Content Strategist in Brown’s Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) is a creative collaborator and strong communicator who excels in developing strategies for effectively conveying complex content across web and digital platforms. Reporting to the Research Communications Manager in OVPR, the Web Producer and Content Strategist manages the content strategy for a large, complex web presence, social media channels, and various forms of digital and e-communications

The Web Producer and Content Strategist is part of a team in OVPR dedicated to elevating the profile of research across campus and among the University’s many internal and external constituencies. The incumbent leverages strong written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills to develop and maintain effective websites, collaborating and coordinating with OVPR staff to regularly update webpages and create new content using Brown’s enterprise web content management system, Drupal Cloud. The incumbent works with subject matter experts across the unit to provide editorial direction and tactical web content management support to ensure a vibrant and user-centric web presence for OVPR.

The Web Producer and Content Strategist also creates effective and engaging social media posts, highlighting the vibrancy of efforts across Brown’s research enterprise. The incumbent also develops content for newsletters, and supports content and distribution for other forms of digital outreach. The incumbent centralizes and coordinates internal communications efforts to provide timely program updates to faculty, staff and students, and also publicizes department news, events and activities through various channels.

In addition, the Web Producer and Content Strategist provides the Communications Manager with support for a range of communications initiatives for OVPR, including digital content efforts for the Office of Technology Innovations, which focuses on the commercialization of faculty research. The incumbent assists with the web and digital presence for Brown’s research magazine, IMPACT: Research at Brown magazine, including its distribution, and assists with marketing efforts for OVPR programs.

Web production, content development and support/maintenance for OVPR’s web presence

• Working with stakeholders across OVPR, develop and steward the content strategy for a user-centric presentation of OVPR’s web content.
• Manage the content for a large, complex website, collaborating and coordinating with OVPR staff to regularly update webpages and create new content aligned with an effective content strategy.
• Write, develop and edit content that is consistent with best practices and standards. In support of a user-centric presentation of content, rework and repurpose copy for a range of purposes including explanatory, administrative, regulatory, advisory and research promotion.
• Regularly assess web content for compliance with web accessibility standards, including WCAG and Section 508.
• Recommend and coordinate an effective workflow for ongoing edits and updates to webpages.
• Promote the website through related communications to internal and external audiences.
• Ensure web content aligns with University and OVPR messaging priorities and Brown’s policies and protocols relating to visual identity, image use, web hosting, copyright, vendor hiring and accessibility, including regularly assessing web content and any posted documents for ADA compliance.
• Coordinate with internal campus constituents, including the Office of University Communications, as needed for projects requiring collaboration and input from other University stakeholders.
• Regularly update skills and training in web best practices, innovation and industry standards.

Manage digital communications and social media content and strategies

• Develop, design and write content for digital communications and all social media accounts, and manage OVPR newsletters and other digital outreach. Coordinate information flow for newsletters, social media, and other forms of digital content, serving as a liaison to offices across OVPR.
• Work on production and layout of digital newsletters. Ensure contact lists are maintained accurately and materials are submitted and distributed on time.
• Execute a social media strategy for OVPR using new and existing channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn). Utilize social media tools to post regularly across all channels, ensuring consistent institutional tone.
• Amplify research news stories from news writers and communicators from across campus to highlight faculty and student research. Cover events and stories emerging from OVPR, translating them into posts and stories. Identify and/or design creative assets to pair with stories and posts.
• Monitor activity of all online communities, identifying trends and fielding issues as they arise.
• Supervise students and interns assigned to create digital content. Assist with directing and administering all duties and responsibilities including coordinating schedules, assigning projects, and evaluating work. Assist with staffing, recruiting, and training students for digital content team.
• Stay current on social media trends and new digital technologies, incorporating them into the OVPR’s social and digital strategies as appropriate. Regularly assess posted digital content for accessibility. Monitor and adjust strategies related to new technological developments and resources.
• Pursue professional development to remain knowledgeable about best practices. Attend University-wide social media meetings.

Provide digital and other support for OVPR’s marketing and engagement efforts

• Support the digital production of IMPACT Research at Brown magazine, including posting web content, serving as a liaison for design and other vendors, and assisting in managing mailing lists and content distribution.
• Support web, social and e-marketing efforts for core operations reporting to OVPR, including the Office of Technology Innovations.
• Help ensure that the OVPR communications adhere to University communications policies, and attend quarterly Brown Communicators Group meetings.
• Support outreach for OVPR’s awards programs and assist with a range of dynamic communications projects geared toward elevating Brown’s research enterprise.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public affairs or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5-7 years of related professional experience in communications, marketing, development and outreach. Experience working in university research administration is a plus.
• Proven experience in writing content for websites, with prior experience working in web content management systems, such as WordPress or Drupal
• Proven experience in social media strategy and execution

Job Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work with a diverse population of faculty, staff and students.
• Demonstrated strong communication and presentation skills with special attention to detail/accuracy and audience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including strong command of MLA, Chicago and/or AP editorial style.
• Strong web writing skills including editing and organizing content, and reworking and repurposing content.
• Demonstrated ability to develop content that is explanatory, administrative, regulatory and advisory.
• Understanding of web best practices/standards and the key elements of content strategy including web writing, editorial oversight, SEO and information architecture. Knowledge of web accessibility standards, including WCAG and Section 508.
• Strong capabilities developing and managing content in web content management systems.
• Demonstrated experience managing Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms for higher education, business, political or other clients.
• Ability to sustain a high level of productivity and work independently while being part of a collaborative team.
• Sound judgment, discretion and confidentiality in handling sensitive matters.
• Flexibility in adjusting to changing demands.
• Proficiency with Google Drive, MS Office, Google. Experience with Canva, Illustrator, and Mailchimp.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, especially Photoshop, InDesign and Premier, and the capacity to manage design vendors.
• Demonstrated ability to support a community of diverse perspectives and cultures in an inclusive environment.

All candidates are asked to submit a cover letter and resume.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown University.

All newly hired employees should be familiar with COVID-19 guidelines. For more information, please visit the Healthy Brown site.

Recruiting Start Date:

2023-05-20

Job Posting Title:

Web Producer and Content Strategist

Department:

Office of the Vice President for Research

Grade:

Grade 10

Worker Type:

Employee

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

Position Work Location:

Hybrid Eligible

Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu .

EEO Statement:

Brown University is an E-Verify Employer.

As an EEO/AA employer , Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, and caste, which is protected by our University policies.