Communications Specialist

103326BR

Campus: Tempe

Communications Specialist

Job Description

Are you a skilled storyteller? Do you love to learn about new research and share that knowledge with others? ASU’s School of Human Evolution and Social Change seeks an energetic, detail-oriented, skillful writer and creative content creator for the role of Communications Specialist. Under general direction from the Manager of Marketing and Communications, this position uses a variety of tools and platforms to share the School’s research and human-interest stories with key audiences, including students, community members and the media. The Communications Specialist will produce informative and inspiring news stories, press releases and other marketing copy and graphics; maintain a robust presence on social media; and build and send frequent email newsletters. The ideal candidate will also be able to assist in other areas, such as writing and designing printed collateral, video and photography.

Job Family

Publicity & Promotion

Department Name

Shesc

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time

VP Code

EXEC VP/PROVOST

Scope of Search

Open

Grant Funded Position

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

Salary Range

$52,000 - $55,000 per year; DOE

Close Date

19-August-2024

Category

02

Essential Duties

This role contributes in three primary areas, with an emphasis on writing and storytelling.

• Editorial
  • Creates and maintains a high-volume and diverse editorial schedule, focused on the School’s discoveries, students and impacts.
  • Identifies story leads, conducts interviews, researches and writes news stories and press releases, and enhances coverage with images, video or audio. Coverage areas include science/research, student achievements and alumni profiles.
  • Fields internal and external requests for coverage and coordinates with manager to respond and prioritize.
  • Writes marketing copy and provides copy editing/proofing for various projects, including web pages, posters and brochures.
• Social Media
  • Assists in the development of a social media content strategy for the School.
  • Creates and schedules regular posts that grow audiences and engagement.
  • Responds to social media interactions in a timely and professional manner.
  • Monitors key performance indicators and reports to supervisor.
  • Generates fresh content ideas based on the School’s priorities and audiences.
• Marketing
  • Coordinates content for frequent internal and external email newsletters.
  • Uses mass email platform to design, build and send newsletters and other email blasts.
  • Maintains distribution lists for key audiences, including students, employees, alumni and the general public.
  • Ensures all content is accurate and complies with ASU brand/style requirements.
  • Understands, reinforces and helps shape a consistent voice for the School, and strategic variations for different audiences.
  • Interfaces with and conducts regular check-ins with faculty, key stakeholders, project leads and fellow team members.
  • Collaborates with supervisor to design printed collateral or guides the work of external design and printing vendors.
  • Takes photos as needed.
  • Assists with special events, including event promotion and on-ground support, as well as other activities outside of core job functions.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, English, Communications, Marketing, Education or a related field AND three (3) years of related work experience in the development of comprehensive and creative communication; OR seven (7) 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

• Evidence of effective communication skills.
• Experience with taking complex information and creating relatable, easy-to-understand content.
• Experience producing news stories for digital or print audiences.
• Experience with Associated Press style.
• Experience with mass email tools such as Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Pardot or Mailchimp.
• Experience in independently learning new skills and platforms.
• Experience with social media platforms for journalistic or marketing use, including Instagram, YouTube, X and Facebook.
• Organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated knowledge of photography and/or video production a plus.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, InDesign and/or Illustrator preferred

Working Environment

• Activities are primarily performed in a regular, climate-controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting.
• Candidate must have visual acuity and manual dexterity associated with daily use of a desktop computer.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach and lift up to 20 pounds.
• Works from general instructions on standard job duties and specific directions/instructions on new assignments.
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate to perform essential functions are required as well as an ability to use a telephone, computer (monitor, keyboard and mouse), printer, fax and copy machine.

Department Statement

Known for its leadership in innovative education and research, the School of Human Evolution and Social Change includes one of the nation's top-ranked anthropology programs and the largest and most research-productive transdisciplinary anthropology faculty in the nation. Staying true to our four-field anthropological origins means we remain committed to leveraging a long-term, comparative, and holistic perspective on human origins and diversity as a way to understand and address complex problems, now and for the future, and a deep concern for community engagement and social justice. In addition to anthropology, our students can earn degrees in global health, museum studies and environmental social science. We are also known for our high-quality study abroad, field school programs and research apprenticeship opportunities for our ~1,000 undergraduate majors and ~200 graduate students.

We offer a dynamic, collegial, and challenging work environment due to the pace of innovation, complex array of research and academic programs, and high-profile initiatives. SHESC is the largest social science unit in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, ASU's largest and most diverse college. For complete information, see http://shesc.asu.edu/.

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.

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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.

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.