Communication Specialist

Position Overview:

Reporting to the senior director of university communication, the communication specialist is a key member of the university communication team. The communication specialist will support internal communication strategies aimed at informing and engaging faculty, staff, students and parents through various communication vehicles. This individual also assists in implementing a media relations strategy focused on key strategic priorities of the university and general image/reputation building. The communication specialist will also work closely with other staff members in researching story ideas, and writing both print and online materials to support the university’s priorities and initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Coordinate internal communication strategies aimed at informing and engaging faculty, staff, students and parents through various communication vehicles
2. Manage and update the Marquette Today website, university calendar and coordinate the daily Marquette Today e-newsletter for all faculty, staff and student and a monthly e-newsletter to current parents. Responsible for coordinating and creating content for the newsletter, including top news, feature stories, campus events list, etc.
3. Manage internal and external facing social media accounts.
4. Maintain a college beat within the university community to identify newsworthy programs, activities and other developments. Based on information secured from beat partners, write items for the web, magazine and other communication vehicles as appropriate.
5. Collaborate with campus partners such as Human Resources and Student Affairs to develop and disseminate key communications and collateral.
6. Serve as the communication point person/project manager for key projects and campaigns including the annual Homecoming Week, LEAD, Mission Week or faculty/staff Excellence Awards.
7. Edit and/or proofread university communications including the work of other members of the communication team as well as university partners.
8. Participate in the communication team’s on-call, 24/7 rotation schedule for issues/emergencies.
9. Direct the work of multiple communication team student interns and manage the intern hiring/interview process.
10. Oversee the communication team’s systems and processes, including pulling metrics for various reports and regularly updating key documents, as requested.
11. Assist with major news events on campus, including news conferences, major events and the launching of new initiatives.
12. Work with members of the communication team to utilize interactive media to support the university’s overall marketing/communication priorities, including enrollment and fundraising.
13. Perform other duties and responsibilities as required, assigned, or requested.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Bachelor’s degree in communication, marketing, journalism or other similar background.
2. Two to four years of substantive corporate communication, public relations and/or media experience.
3. Significant experience with online media and ability to identify online media opportunities and effective online tactics.
4. Strong oral and written communication skills.
5. Ability to translate the needs of university clients into multiple communication formats, including print, broadcast, and interactive vehicles.
6. Proven ability to work in a team environment.
7. A demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects.
8. Writing test required.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Strong working knowledge of AP style
2. Knowledge of the Adobe Suite
3. Knowledge of Google Analytics
4. Knowledge of WordPress or other content management systems
5. Social media management skills

Marquette University offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 403(b), paid vacation and sick time, and tuition remission.