Pay Grade: 30E

Context of the Job:

The University of Delaware College of Engineering communications team seeks an experienced and creative communications professional to expand the Universitys reach and influence to both internal and external constituents. Under the general direction of the Director of Communications, the Communications Specialist II writes material to support strategic communications efforts across education, research, service, and entrepreneurial activities of the College of Engineering. The Communication Specialist II needs to have strong writing experience with print, web and social media and thrive in an environment of collaboration and innovation. The incumbent also needs to be committed to the ideals of higher education and to supporting the shared values and strategic priorities of the College of Engineering and the University of Delaware.

Major Responsibilities:

• Writes articles and commentaries about faculty and student research, education, and service; feature stories about notable individuals; news stories covering events, awards, and other College accomplishments; and case statements, technical briefs, and other print and web pieces to promote and communicate the activities and functions of the College to key audiences.
• Supports academic departments and research centers by providing content for newsletters, proposals, brochures, reports, websites, strategic email communications and social media channels.
• Collaborates with Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM) staff and with communications specialists in other units across campus to develop promising local, regional, national and international news stories; assists in preparing and distributing these stories to key outlets, including select periodicals and trade publications.
• Participates in College-level public relations; assists in developing and executing effective strategies to reach key audiences.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in English/Journalism, Communications, or a related field and four years of experience writing about science or engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Strong interpersonal skills and excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a range of professional colleagues, including administration, faculty, staff, students and partners.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
• Ability to handle multiple projects at a given time and to establish and meet deadlines in a productive manner and with attention to detail.
• Ability to research, develop, prepare, evaluate and edit the content, structure, and format of a range of written material.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint, as well as good internet research skills, required.
• Familiarity with WordPress, MailChimp and social media preferred.
• Knowledge of University policies and procedures, particularly with regard to the research grants process, preferred.