1738 Strategic Communications Specialist, College of Arts and Letters

POSITION IDENTIFICATION

TITLE Strategic Communications Specialist, College of Arts and Letters

CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1738

GRADE 42

CLASSIFICATION Exempt

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Dean, College of Arts and Letters

MAJOR ADMINISTRATOR Provost

GENERAL FUNCTION

The Strategic Communications Specialist, College of Arts and Letters (COAL) gathers and disseminates information and news about the College of Arts and Letters to promote faculty and student accomplishments, events, and the University’s public affairs theme. The Strategic Communications Specialist COAL uses invention, imagination, originality, and talent to write and develop print and electronic publications and edit communication materials. The Strategic Communications Specialist COAL helps lead the College of Arts and Letters’ communication team and works closely with staff and faculty in the College of Arts and Letters and Creative Services to develop stories, organize social media initiatives, and assist with the College’s annual magazine publication.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related area is required. A Master’s degree is preferred.

Experience: At least one year of experience in a similar professional setting is required. Work experience in higher education is preferred.

Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required, including an ability to write for external publications. Strong proofreading and editing skills are required. Organizational, planning, and project management skills are required. Knowledge of word processing and social media applications are required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.

Other: The scope of the job requires some evening and weekend work. Occasional overnight, out-of-town travel is required. Extended periods of time working at a computer workstation is required. The position uses computer monitors and keyboards to write and edit documents.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Helps promote a positive image of the College to key internal and external audiences by preparing and disseminating stories that feature academic programs, events, as well as student, faculty, and staff achievements.

2. Writes and edits content for various College publications and social media applications.

3. Assists in the leadership of the College of Arts and Letters communication team.

4. Leads the development of an annual publication for the College.

5. Ensures timely and effective production by working closely with writers, editors, photographers, and designers to coordinate production schedules and complete projects on time.

6. Provides visibility for the University locally, regionally, and nationally by cultivating expert sources within the College to help promote faculty, staff, and programs.

7. Supports overall office and College operations by performing professional services as assigned, such as writing for publications, coordinating special events, training and supervising student employees as assigned, and editing and approving the work of student staff as assigned.

8. Utilizes and assists in managing social medial interactions to enhance communication with the public, as well as specific target audiences.

9. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures of backgrounds.

10. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as directed by the Dean of the College of Arts and Letters.

11. Contributes to the overall success of the College of Arts and Letters by performing all other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION

The Strategic Communications Specialist, COAL is supervised by the Dean of the College of Arts and Letters and assists in supervising student employees.

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES

REVISED OCTOBER 2016

JOB FAMILY 4

Factor 1: Professional Knowledge, Skill, and Technical Mastery

Level 2.0 - 900 Points: Entry-level professional knowledge of the principles, concepts, practices, and methods of non-technical administrative and managerial functions. Knowledge permits the employee to carry out basic recurring tasks and routine portions of assignments or to carry out less demanding professional elements of assignments in areas including communications, social sciences, art and design, education, and related functions while gaining in familiarity with the University's policies and goals, business practices and/or accounting systems. This level of knowledge permits the employee to schedule and carry out the steps of a limited operation or project to complete stages of a multi-phase project. Knowledge at this level is typically acquired through a combination of formal education and/or training and experience that includes a requirement for a college degree in an unspecified field or a specific background in a non-technical area. Knowledge requirements may also include a limited amount of related work experience.

Factor 2: Supervisory Responsibility

Level 2.0 - 130 Points: Regular, but limited, supervision, training, or directing the work assignments of (a) small numbers of student, part-time or temporary workers, or (b) one or more permanent, full-time employees. The nature of supervision is largely confined to scheduling work and assigning tasks. Supervision at this level typically does not include a full range of supervisory responsibilities, and supervisory duties typically do not consume a large portion of the work day.

Factor 3: Interactions with Others

Level 3.0 - 250 Points: The purpose of interactions is to advise or counsel others to solve recurring and structured problems, and/or to plan or coordinate work efforts with other employees who are working toward common goals in situations where relationships are generally cooperative. Interactions are moderately structured and routine and may involve employees in different functions, students, and/or the general public. These types of interactions require normal interpersonal skills.

Factor 4: Job Controls and Guidelines

Level 2.0 - 250 Points: The employee carries out a group of procedures using the general methods and desired results indicated by the supervisor. Typically, standard operating procedures, handbooks, and/or reference manuals exist for most procedures, but the employee must select from the most appropriate of several guidelines and make minor adjustments to methods. Unforeseen situations are normally referred to others for resolution. Assignments are related in function and objective, but processes, procedures, or software varies from one assignment to another. Based on the assignment, the employee uses diverse, but conventional, methods, techniques, or approaches. Employees in jobs at this level may perform work that is moderately complex, but normally performed within a fairly narrow and specific functional area.

Factor 5: Managerial Responsibility

Level 3.0 - 850 Points: Work involves providing significant support services to others both within and outside of the department that substantially influences decision-making processes. Work activities are complex and others rely on the accuracy and reliability of the information, analysis, or advice to make decisions. Work activities have a direct, but shared, impact on further processes or services, affect the overall efficiency and image of the department, and may have material impact on costs or service quality within the cost center. Incumbents may be responsible for identifying areas of need and for developing proposals that request funding to fulfill those needs.