Strategic Communications Specialist
University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Job Info

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Strategic Communications Specialist - 28171 University Staff

Description
University Advancement professionals build various levels of support and affinity for the institution through a coordinated effort as part of the university's primary outreach to the community and region. This includes building support and funding through community engagement and alumni outreach efforts, attendance at key events, representation on important initiatives and the creation of partnerships supporting the university's mission. UCCS Marketing and Communications helps move UCCS forward by advancing the image and reputation of the university and telling its story to key audiences. Team members build relationships with faculty, staff, students, alumni and donors to mine content that is expressed across a variety of communications platforms. The department handles strategic communications planning, media relations, issues/crisis communications, internal communications and digital and social media. Communications collaborates with colleagues in the university's six colleges, administrative units, other CU campuses and the CU Office of the President.

The Strategic Communications Specialist reports to the Assistant Director of Communications and serves as a member of the University Advancement team. The work for this position is split 50/50 between the Communications Department and the Chancellor's Office. This position will also provide the primary executive communication assistance to the Chancellor's Office, and will manage the messaging, tone and frequency of campus-wide and external communications. Up to half of this position's time will be allocated for this work. This position works with on-campus constituents to develop content for consumption by internal and external audiences. The Strategic Communications Specialist works collaboratively to develop the best way to share the message of UCCS across a variety of platforms to support the university's mission. This position will also involve professional writing in support of campus-wide external media relations and internal communication goals, contributing to Communique, the campus newsletter, and potentially assisting in producing news releases and creating social media posts.

Job Duties

Executive Communications

Work closely with Chancellor to write speeches and talking points for public appearances and campus events.

Work collaboratively with UCCS marketing and communication ensuring consistent and effective messaging.

Proactively develop messaging plans and communication strategy for messaging from the Office of the Chancellor.

Develop and manage Chancellor's social media accounts regarding timely and accurate content.

University Communications

Write weekly articles for publication on the Communique website and the campus newsletter, covering campus announcements, research, highlights and more

Edit submitted drafts from various college-based campus communicators to ensure accuracy and adherence to AP style

Monitor success of efforts and adjusts accordingly to ensure latest techniques and tools are utilized and value conveyed to university leaders.

Support the university's crisis communications team with timely and accurate communications.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Writing/editing with Associated Press style guide

Creativity and problem-solving

Ability to manage multiple projects

Speech and feature writing

Ability to understand and simplify faculty research topics

Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

Superior organization skills and attention to detail

Strong problem solving and conflict resolution skills

Understanding of communication techniques/strategies and platforms

Proven ability to create cooperative working relationships both internally and externally

Demonstrated project management skills and ability to manage and prioritize tasks from multiple departments

Ability to work collaboratively

Working knowledge of and experience with computer applications, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite/Creative Cloud and other commonly used software programs

Job Competencies

Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

Superior organization skills and attention to detail

Strong problem solving and conflict resolution skills

Understanding of communication techniques/strategies and platforms

YOU HAVE:

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  A bachelor's degree from an accredited university
  
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  Two (2) years of demonstrated experience and knowledge in professional writing
  

YOUR WORKPLACE:

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  You will have the option to work partially remote or fully on campus, as determined by your supervisor. Temporary or permanent on-campus workspace will be allocated based on your work schedule.
  
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  You will generally be expected to work Monday through Friday 8 AM-5 PM MT. However, you may coordinate a flexible or alternate work schedule through your supervisor.
  

YOUR PAY:

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  The anticipated hiring range for you: $44,794 - $57,799. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training. This salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
  

YOUR BENEFITS:

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  Amazing retirement plans (you contribute 5% and CU doubles that contribution with an additional 10% into your 401 (a) defined contribution plan or PERA Defined Benefit Plan)
  
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  22 days of paid vacation, 11 state holidays and15 days of sick leave annually.
  
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  One free college class at any CU institution per semester or three per year with the Tuition Assistance Benefit Plan available to you or a dependent.
  
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  Comprehensive medical insurance (with the lowest cost option being $0 to the employee). Health Savings or Flexible Spending accounts also available. For more information, see UCCS benefits.
  
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  Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of employment.
  
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  Free or discounted entrance to CU sporting events.
  
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  Some of the best coworkers you will ever have.
  

YOU SHOULD ALSO KNOW:

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  Applications are currently being accepted
  
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  Interviews will be conducted remotely using Zoom
  
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  If special accommodations are needed, please notify UCCS during the interview scheduling process
  
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  Anticipated start is January 2023
  

FSLA Exempt/Non-Exempt

This position has been determined to be exempt from the overtime of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

ABOUT US:

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is one of four campuses in the University of Colorado system and is home to almost 12,000 driven students, more than 800 experienced faculty members, and more than 800 devoted staff members. On its awe-inspiring campus, UCCS focuses on providing an academically excellent environment at a value to students across the United States, and more than 80 nations. UCCS is committed to access, diversity and student success as well as the boundless possibilities fostered by a UCCS education. More than 35 percent of the UCCS student body is racially diverse, roughly 20 percent are military-affiliated and 23 percent are the first in their family to attend college.

UCCS offers 53 undergraduate degree programs, 24 graduate degree programs, and 8 doctoral programs. UCCS is also home to the world's only Bachelor of Innovation^TM program, which allows graduates to master multi-disciplinary skills and graduate ready to create real change in the world. UCCS was recently classified as a "High Research Activity" university by the Carnegie Foundation and takes pride in being the only higher education institution in southern Colorado that explicitly includes research as part of its mission. Overall, UCCS is constantly focused of preparing students to have success in the future, and understands that every single employee on campus has a significant effect on that focus. The experience students gain at UCCS provides an incredible service to the community of Colorado Springs and the greater southern Colorado region as a whole, with UCCS contributing about $600 million each year in economic impact in El Paso County alone.

The city, which was recently ranked as the number two Best Places to Live by U.S. News & World Report in 2022, known as Olympic City USA, rests at the base of Pikes Peak, the inspiration for the song "America the Beautiful" and a must-see for residents and visitors alike. The 14,115 foot summit is just one of dozens of area attractions, including scenic trains, museums, parks, a zoo and more. With a mild climate and 247 days of sunshine each year, the Springs boasts some of the state's best recreation opportunities.


Qualifications
Please note that while the position details both required qualifications as well as preferred qualifications below, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications, have passion for the work, along with experience in a related field, you are encouraged to apply. We encourage on-the-job training for any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

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  Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
  
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  Two (2) years demonstrated experience and knowledge in professional writing
  

Preferred Qualifications:

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  Bachelor's degree in journalism, English, communications or related field
  
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  Three (3) years demonstrated experience and knowledge in executive communications for a senior leader of an organization
  
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  1 year of experience in public relations
  
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  1 year of experience with social media
  

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit. Employee is occasionally required to move. Tasks may involve using a computer screen continuously for long periods of time. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the established essential functions and meet the physical and environment demands described satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, physical and environmental conditions required of the employee on the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, physical and environmental demands.

Applicants with disabilities: If you have a mental or physical impairment, which limits one of your major life activities (e.g. walking, hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, or learning) and require special accommodations for testing or interviewing, it is your responsibility to notify the office scheduling the interview or test at least 3 working days before the interview or test date. If you need special accommodations at the work site, you must notify the appointing authority or Human Resources.
Special Instructions to Applicants: Review of applications will begin December 16, 2022 and will continue until position is filled. First round interviews will be conducted by Zoom and we anticipate interviews will begin the week of January 2, 2023. Applications submitted through email or surface mail will not be considered. Please apply at cu.edu/cu-careers (job #: 28171). Samples of work in the following category will be requested during the selection process. Official transcripts will be required upon hire. Upon request, please be prepared to provide five professional references (at least two previous/current supervisors), including their email contact information. If you have technical difficulties with your application, please contact the CU Careers help desk at 303-860-4200 #5 or cucareershelp@cu.edu. Job related inquiries should be directed to the posting contact. The University of Colorado Colorado Springs will not sponsor work visas or permanent resident applications for this position. Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, Additional Attachments - Refer to Application Materials Instructions Below Application Materials Instructions: To apply, please submit the following application materials to this posting. 1. A current resume, must include date ranges to include month and year (mm/yyyy) and whether the position was full time or part time. 2. Cover letter. 3. Provide 2 -3 examples of previous work related to job posting. Examples should include executive level speeches or ghostwritings, and news stories/letters/articles.

Job Category: Communication

Primary Location: Colorado Springs Department: C0001 -- Colorado Springs Campus - 40262 - VCUA-Strategic Communications

Schedule: Full-time

Posting Date: Nov 28, 2022

Unposting Date: Ongoing Posting Contact Name: Jacob Guilez Posting Contact Email: jguilez@uccs.edu Position Number: 00410907





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