Senior Communications Specialist - WUIT

Position Summary
The senior communications specialist will contribute to the effective execution of internal communications associated with change management and organizational transformation efforts related to the Enterprise Data Management program.
The senior communications specialist will work as part of the Enterprise Data Management team and play a central role in developing and implementing plans to create awareness, understanding, engagement, acceptance and adoption of the new system, as well as new ways of working.

Job Description

Ability to travel to on- and off-campus locations. Work outside typical office hours as needed.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Communications Planning

• Develop communications plans in support of an end-to-end change management strategy in support of the Enterprise Data Management program. Activities may include, but are not limited to, leading brainstorm and ideation sessions, participating in stakeholder outreach, setting measurable objectives, assessing results, and making recommendations regarding resource needs.

Communications Implementation and Evaluation

• Manage the day-to-day implementation of communications in support of components of the Enterprise Data Management program.
• Ensure the right messages get to the right individuals at the right time by identifying and leveraging existing communications channels and recommending new channels if needed.
• Ensure communications are consistent in terms of messaging and visual branding.
• Proactively identify and elevate issues and concerns in a timely way.

Content Development and Management

• Independently, and at times in collaboration with others, prepare communications (speeches, presentations, briefings, web content, articles, email content, video scripts, progress updates, podcasts, etc.) for a variety of internal audiences and relevant communications channels.
• Review and edit content developed by other members of the Enterprise Data Management team, as needed.

Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of internal communications experience and/or experience developing and executing communications in support of change management initiatives in large, complex environments.
• Higher education and/or IT experience is a plus, as is consulting/agency experience.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, planning, problem-solving and project management skills.
• Strong time management, attention to detail, ability to manage multiple priorities and ability to forecast and plan work across teams, while maintaining a landscape view of priorities, values and vision.
• Passionate storyteller with superior writing and editing skills and sensitivity to nuance and tone.
• Proficient design skills, comfort with Adobe Creative Suite including InDesign and excellent eye for creating and reviewing visual communications.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability and sensitivity in interacting with – and developing compelling communications for – a racially, culturally and socioeconomically diverse range of stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, campus colleagues, alumni, community partners, donors and prospective donors and senior-level administrators and external advisors. Commitment to continuous learning about cultural humility and equity.
• Energy, vision, initiative, creativity, empathy, humility, tolerance for ambiguity, ability to embrace and navigate change, sound judgment, diplomacy, tact and sense of humor.
• Enthusiasm and ability to work in a dynamic, highly collaborative environment with multiple functions, audiences and priorities.
• Ability and willingness to work evening and weekend hours for special projects, events and deadlines in service to the institute’s mission.
• Experience in using CRM systems to develop and manage constituent relationships. Experience in using data from these systems to develop and execute targeted communications via e-mail campaign management systems.
• Experience with project management software or online tools.
• Ability to identify, learn, integrate, utilize and train others on electronic tools that enhance work productivity and effectiveness.
• Experience or proficiency with video editing software would be a plus.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, business administration, English, or related field.
• Three years of progressive responsibility in related area.

Grade
G11

Salary Range
$50,500.00 - $86,200.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.

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