Communications Specialist

Summary and Scope of Position:                                                                                

Reporting directly to the Director of Marketing, the communications specialist is, first and foremost, an exemplary writer, editor, and communicator. The communications specialist is the main producer of editorial content for the college, including news, media relations, and publications, to elevate the reach and reputation of the college. The communications specialist will serve as the primary media contact and will serve as a key member of the marketing and communications team. The specialist is an important partner for both faculty and staff, serving as a liaison between departments and the marketing and communications team, and ensures that communications capture the college’s mission, brand identity, and voice. The person in this position helps by promoting organizational initiatives and developments, ensuing that information flowing to (and from) faculty and staff—and to other constituents, where appropriate—remain consistent, accurate and authentic. 

Responsibilities:                                                                                      

• Establishes, executes and assesses a media relations plan to successfully promote faculty and staff research and expertise, as well as major institutional news and announcements. Secures earned media coverage that strengthens the college’s reputation.
• Help develop the editorial strategy and produce interesting and important written and digital stories closely aligned with the mission of the college. Covers those stories in a highly integrated manner across multiple platforms. Serves as a liaison between the marketing and communications team.
• Work with campus partners to ensure consistent messaging and effective dissemination of information.
• Create and maintain annual editorial and communications planning calendars and lead editorial and content planning meetings. 
• Assist with writing, editing, and sending major internal communications, as needed. 
• Serve as a writer, editor, and proofreader for major college publications, marketing materials, philanthropic proposals, sell sheets, and other print and digital communications for external audiences. 
• Assist in developing remarks, talking points, scripts, or presentations.
• Assist in developing and executing internal crisis communication plans to ensure timely and accurate information is provided during emergencies.

Qualifications:                                                                               

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, English, or other relevant discipline.
• At least 5-7 years of experience writing and/or developing internally focused marketing communications plans, preferably in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Exemplary written and oral communications skills.
• Ability to work independently, quickly, and on deadline.
• An understanding of organizational internal communications.
• Ability to be both a strategist and a tactician, developing communications plans while clearly understanding how to execute them. 
• Familiarity with higher education, with specific preference for a knowledge and affinity for the liberal arts ethos.
• Ability to develop effective interpersonal relationships.

Other Duties:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Job responsibilities and activities may be modified or changed at any time with or without notice.  Job descriptions will be audited periodically by the Ursinus Human Resources department to ensure they are up-to-date and reflect the essential responsibilities and duties of the job.

Ursinus AA/EO Statement:

Ursinus is an AA/EO employer.  Ursinus College does not discriminate on grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, creed, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, disability, or other classification protected by applicable law in the administration of any of its educational programs or activities or with respect to employment.