Communications Specialist

72367BR

Campus: Tempe

Communications Specialist

Job Description

UTO at ASU is seeking a dynamic content producer to develop creative and strategic communications that amplify the human impact of technology.

The University Technology Office (UTO) at ASU is a values-driven organization that enables and catalyzes technological developments and capacity to serve the ASU community -- and beyond. Connecting community members around the world, driving student success via advanced analytics and technology-enhanced learning experiences, and building smart cities for social impact are just a few of UTO’s many transformative activities that require creative direction for how they are shared. With an increased focus on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, this position strives to embody and advance our Positive Core .

Do you have a knack for illuminating ‘the story’ in everything? Where there are words, will you find a way? Do you have a passion for connecting the right messages to the right audiences?  Can you produce panels and presentations to share the stories? Consider joining the Creative and Communications (C&C) team as a Communications Specialist at ASU's University Technology Office and contribute to a bevy of articles, presentations, internal resources, eblasts, social media campaigns and more.

UTO is seeking a full-time Communications Specialist based in Arizona for the Creative and Communications team to support the storytelling efforts across four core areas: 1) engineering 2) products and projects 3) data and analytics 4) service delivery. As a storyteller and producer, you will contribute to crafting the message of UTO-driven initiatives, products and services, develop mixed media (including GIFs, short videos and more), contribute content for UTO and ASU’s digital newsrooms, core-focused e-newsletters, social media, strategic communications and more. This role will work across C&C’s Storytelling and Strategic Communications portfolio, also working closely with the Community Engagement (events) portfolio.

This role will be instrumental in driving the storytelling and raising awareness and adoption of new approaches and tools, both internally and externally, to advance the narrative of UTO initiatives, products, services and people.

Job Family

Publicity & Promotion

Department Name

Creative & Comms

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time

VP Code

UNIV TECHNOLOGY OFFICE

Grant Funded Position

This is not a grant funded position and is not contingent on future grant funding.

Salary Range

Depends on experience

Close Date

21-October-2021

Essential Duties

• Supports the development and execution of a variety of storytelling activities, helping to communicate about a diverse portfolio of technology and initiatives, both internally and externally. 
• Supports building thematic agendas for bi-annual team ‘town hall style’ meetings that feature exemplary work from across the UTO four cores. 
• Develops an UTO “State of the State” e-newsletter that centralizes vital updates coming out of the four core areas and is distributed UTO-wide.
• Creates engaging event invitations and eblasts.
• Co-develops event communications strategies.
• Creates multimedia presentations that combine a variety of communicative elements within a narrative structure, including slide decks and gifs.
• Leads the creative process, including: editorial, eblast production, storyboard planning and event/presentation to craft compelling and captivating digital stories in regards to the four core areas.
• Develops the strategy and story across a variety of ongoing and new initiatives, partnerships, programs and more.
• Plans, develops, and implements communications projects and programs for the unit to ensure consistency in message and support of goals and objectives.
• Oversees content strategy across all internal and external communications channels for the four core areas, including the UTO website, Slack, social media, media relations, events and presentations to curate a consistent and timely story. 
• Performs content and copyediting for the UTO Newsroom and ASU News stories
• Partners with key stakeholders, project leads/managers, and team members in order to develop content for video communications. 
• Collaboratively develops an overall social media strategy for cores-related events, announcements and advancing the overall UTO story.
• Edits and determines layout of materials including; slides, one pagers, presentations, event web pages and web-based communication.
• Contributes content to executive-level presentations.
• Takes responsibility for fostering culture, advancing our values, and championing engagement in all its forms -- collaborating across our teams as well as participating in UTO/ASU events and programs.
• Demonstrates commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.  
• Advances our UTO Affirmative Pledge .
  

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, English, Communications, Marketing, Education or a related field AND four (4) years of related work experience in the development of comprehensive and creative communication; OR Eight (8) years of related work experience; OR Any equivalent combination of experience and or education from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved.  Certificates from recognized programs that verify mastery of tools and techniques relevant to the assignment may substitute for up to six (6) months of experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience or desire to work in a values-led organization, emphasizing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging 
• Evidence of effective written and verbal communications skills -- must walk the walk
• Ability to effectively and efficiently synthesize a diversity of information and perspectives
• Experience creating dynamic agendas and presentation decks
• An understanding of and interest in technology trends, particularly as they relate to higher education and/or social impact
• Evidence of thought leadership in digital marketing and communications -- knowledge of historic and current trends / best practices
• Knowledge of universal design and other approaches that promote inclusivity and accessibility for all UTO content
• Experience with social media 
• Experience with layout
• Experience developing scripts and content for video production
• Ability to work independently and as part of partially remote/distributed team 
• Ability to shape and manage change in a complex and highly matrixed organization.
• Ability to model empathy, compassion and emotional intelligence
• Experience hiring in a values-led organization, emphasizing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging
• Ability to help foster a safe psychological space for all teammates where everyone can thrive
• Ability to stimulate changes in individual, institutional, and corporate behaviors to create a more sustainable environment
• Ability to lead by example in communicating, participating and encouraging support of the institution’s sustainability programs

Working Environment

• Regular activities require the ability to quickly change priorities and adapt to swiftly changing requirements, which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts.
• Ability to clearly communicate to perform essential functions.
• Regular use of standard office equipment including, but not limited to: computer workstation/laptop (keyboard, monitor, mouse), printer, copier, telephone and associated computer/technology peripherals

Department Statement

The University Technology Office (UTO) embraces its role as both an enabler and catalyst for advancing the vision and work of the New American University.  We are a values-driven organization.  Our commitments are reflected in all of the work we do in pursuit of operational excellence, the experience and delight of our community, and our strategic and innovation initiatives.

Applicant must be eligible to work in the United States; ASU UTO will not be a sponsor for this position.

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/relocation-services .

Employment Verification Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Fingerprint Check Statement

This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check.

Instructions to Apply

Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.

Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.

ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.

Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.

IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of “equivalent combination” in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelor’s degree is equal to four years of experience.