As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

The College of Engineering has an outstanding opportunity for a Communications Manager to join their team.

The Communications Manager (payroll title: Public Information Specialist) is responsible for creating and executing communications strategies for the Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute (MolES) and the Institute for Nano-engineered Systems (NanoES). This position interacts regularly with institute directors, faculty and research/administrative staff, and reports to the Associate Director of Communications and External Relations.

This position also provides as-needed communications support for interdisciplinary units administered in the Collaboration Core. This support includes: designing and setting up websites, creating scocial media channels and e-mail marketing infrastructure (Marketo, mailman listservs), and guiding program/operations managers on how to maintain these communications tools.

Within the communications program, the individual in this position utilizes independent judgment and creativity to plan new approaches, develop new resources, and pursue new opportunities. Examples of these resources include websites, social media accounts, newsletters, photography/videography, and print materials. If the skills necessary to develop and produce the proposed resource are beyond the skillset of the position, this position will work with colleagues, campus service providers and/or independent contractors to accomplish the work, troubleshooting when necessary. New opportunities may include nominating institute leaders for external speaking opportunities and awards or partnering with other UW units or external partners on content or events.

This position is essential to conveying the impact and research, education, and innovation missions of the supported institutes to the UW community, wider academic communities, and other external stakeholders through effective communications programs. This position is responsible for establishing new functions and best practices related to MolES and NanoES communications and events. This position consults with Associate Director on complex problems, recommends solutions, and works to implement them. This position also establishes and uses metrics by which to measure the effectiveness of the new resources; if resources underperform, this position identifies problems and proactively suggests improvements and changes.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Internal and External Communications:

Develop and manage communications and marketing strategies for the Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute (MolES) and the Institute for Nano-engineered Systems (NanoES).

Create content for and manage institutes' websites. This includes writing web stories on faculty, students and new research and collaborations.

Write and produce regular print and email publications (e.g. newsletters, annual reports).

Establish and implement social media strategies for institutes: write copy and create interactive content, set goals for and monitor interaction with accounts, coordinate activity with related initiatives, programs, and departments.

Write copy for, design, and manage production of brand-consistent marketing materials (brochures, flyers, invitations and announcements).

Write and distribute press releases on institutes' milestones and news.

Work with Associate Director of Communications and External Relations and UW News office to place stories about institutes and their faculty and student members in relevant local, national, and international media outlets.

Collaborate with relevant UW departments to place stories about institutes in UW publications, on websites and social media channels.

Develop presentations and talking points on institute achievements and plans for directors.

Nominate directors, faculty, and students for relevant speaking opportunities and awards.

Manage photography and videography projects.

Events and Special Projects:

Manage time and resources to ensure successful execution of events and meetings such as media tours, research symposia, quarterly institute networking and/or community building events, corporate affiliates program meetings, site visits, and industry events.

Maintain strong working relationships with external affairs office, deans’ offices, central marketing and communications, advancement, and advisory boards to ensure smooth execution of events and to obtain participation and support of key constituents.

Promote events both externally and internally among appropriate units at the university, college, and department level.

Make effective use of existing institute and shared UW resources (including space, physical resources, web tools) and make recommendations for purchases that promote efficiency and/or cost savings.

Interdisciplinary Communications and Online Content Support:

Act as the lead resource for online communications best practices and strategies within the Collaboration Core communications team.

Assist with website setup and design, as well as the creation of social media channels and e-mail marketing infrastructure (Marketo, mailman listservs) for new projects and units administered by the Collaboration Core.

Provide Collaboration Core program/operations managers with guidance on how to maintain their website and advice on communications best practices with respect to social media and e-mail marketing.

Create new resources or modify existing resources available through the central or COE marketing and communications teams to assist with onboarding program managers for whom communications may be outside their realm of expertise.

Other:

Represent Institutes at appropriate meetings and events to stay up-to-date on regulations, policies, and trends affecting work and seek training opportunities related to marketing and communications.

Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelors Degree in Communications, English, and/or related field.

At least two years managing communications programs in an academic research environment or science, engineering, or technology-focused organization or company, or related field.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

Experience working in WordPress or Drupal

Advanced knowledge of MS Office: Outlook, Excel, Access, Word.

Working knowledge of Adobe products: Photoshop, Acrobat Professional, InDesign.

Ability to use social media platforms to effectively and responsibly communicate brand message.

Competence in HTML and content management systems; ability to communicate effectively about web and internet related topics with technical and non-technical audiences.

Attentive to detail and able to work independently with limited oversight.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively and cooperatively in a diverse workplace.

Demonstrated problem solving and analytical skills.

Proven organization and multi-tasking skills in a fast-paced environment.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to quickly learn and use new software packages effectively.

Competence in SEO (search engine optimization) techniques.

Experience in journalism or media relations.

Experience in website and graphic design.

Knowledge of molecular engineering and sciences, nano engineering and sciences, and quantum information science and engineering.

Knowledge of biotech and climate tech industries.

Application Process:
The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.