Communications Specialist I

Opening

Full Time 40 hours Range URG 108 Public Relations & Comns MC

Schedule

9 AM-5 PM

Responsibilities

General Purpose:

Serves as technical producer, writer and creator at the basic professional level for URMC Communications, as well as assisting with implement integrated communications programs that collectively support the goals of URMC's strategic plan.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Communications and Content Development Support

• Serves as primary technical producer for URMC Communications' electronic publications, including formatting e-newsletters and email messages, consistently ensuring on-time production and delivery according to a defined schedule.

• Works closely with URMC Communications' Content Hub to convert provided text into electronic layout via HTML editor software; coordinates proofing; incorporates content and layout edits; and publishes/distributes enterprise, service line and department-specific communications. Maintains and converts newsletters to online archives.

• Serves as a creative contributor for assigned projects and participates in and assists supervisor in developing communication plans, identifying target audiences and matching to appropriate channels, and drafting key messages.

• Under direction from supervisor, gathers information to develop content by attending meetings, interviewing members of the faculty and staff, reading published articles and other background materials. Assists in determining newsworthiness and usefulness for external and internal channels, and routes work through supervisor for editing and clearance, assuring deadlines are met.

• With supervision, develops and writes a variety of content aimed at internal and external audiences including, but not limited to, online news and feature stories, social media posts, newsletter articles, website copy, news releases, video scripts, email memos, infographics, and PowerPoint presentations. Work is reviewed by a supervisor or senior team member.

Electronic Communication Channels and Platforms

• Under direction from supervisor, serves as technical lead for a variety of services and platforms that support and deliver messages to faculty, staff and patients, including event calendars, digital signage and intranet sites.

• Ensures content and messaging are complete and appropriate for intended audiences.

• Works with content creators to build intranet sites and website shells, as needed, to support communications needs and organizational content strategies.

• Assists with training new service users/customers on technical functionality and best practices.

• Works with Content Hub and content submission owners to approve events and make quality improvements when needed for the URMC calendars.

List Management and Metrics

• Serves as technical lead for email communications through Maestro service.

Administration Support

• Provides monthly reports on e-newsletter performance and/or publicity results that analyze opens, click rates and other factors.

• Works with team members and supervisor to understand daily, weekly and monthly priorities of Content Hub, and directs work to align with these priorities.

• Participates in department meetings as assigned.

Publicity Support

• Coordinates, as needed and with guidance from subject matter experts, placement of basic news stories in print or broadcast media, such as grant award renewals, clinical outcome involving a unique patient or circumstance, or response to a question that can be answered by interviewing one staff or faculty expert. Under close supervision, work includes, but is not limited to: interviewing patients or staff members; drafting media pitch letters, suggested talking points, news releases or media statements; interacting with news reporters via email and live conversation; coordinating media interviews; and reporting on results.

Integrated Marketing Program Support

• Assists supervisor in executing promotional and/or integrated marketing programs or assists in promotional activities as part of larger programs. Activities include but are not limited to: drafting content for review including pamphlets, brochures, bulletins and fliers.

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism or related field that includes some writing experience required.

• 1 year of relevant experience required;

• Or equivalent combination of education and experience required.

• Experience in news, feature or website writing, either in broad subject areas or in a specialized field (physical sciences, social sciences, etc.) preferred.

• Demonstrated proficiency in writing and editing content based on target audience, with ability to provide context and/or reshape material as needed in a fast-paced, high-demand environment required;

• HTML and content management system experience preferred;

• Experience with data analysis and metrics presentation preferred;

• Ability to learn HIPAA privacy rules and manage HIPAA consent authorization process for stories involving a patient's personal health information required;

• PowerPoint and basic photo editing/graphic design experience skills required;

• Interest in emerging Web technologies preferred;

• Knowledge of and/or experience in contributing to social media platforms preferred;

• Strong organization and project management skills required;

• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communications skills required;

• Ability to interact with all levels of faculty/staff, and in front of groups required.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the University's mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create - and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. This commitment extends to the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations

How To Apply

All applicants must apply online.

EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled

Pay Range

Pay Range: $50,752 - $71,053 Annually

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.