UI Health Care's Marketing and Communications department has an opening for a skilled
Communications Specialist for the employee and executive communications team to develop and implement messaging and communication strategies that support the business goals and tripartite mission of University of Iowa Health Care. This includes high-impact executive-level communication support. The Communications Specialist will also collaborate with the new intranet team to inform and engage employees throughout UI Hospitals & Clinics, UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital, and UI Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine.
Position Responsibilities
Initiate and create
- Provide consultation and guidance on communication best practices in support of a project, program, department, or college/unit within UI Health Care.
- Develop and execute communication plans with detailed strategies, tactics, and measurable outcomes in support of goals and tripartite mission.
- Create core narratives on key topics and original written content, including enterprise-wide communications, web sites, feature stories, presentations, and talking points.
- Discuss organizational challenges and opportunities credibly with leaders to form more effective communication solutions.
Edit and publish
- Finalize and distribute communications for internal web site (The Loop), daily newsletter (Noon News), digital signage, and other distribution channels.
- Work with colleagues in Marketing and Communications and other departments to target and amplify messages across owned media.
- Collaborate with the intranet team to design new processes for publishing content to the new intranet to drive employee awareness, understanding, and participation.
- Ensure accuracy of information in final communications. Edit and proofread communications, including the work of internal, student, and freelance writers. Be an advocate for consistent, correct usage of style guidelines, including UI Health Care, UI, and AP style applications.
Continuous improvement
- Actively look for ways to improve strategic communications and make practical suggestions. Research best practices on how other communicators have tackled similar problems to achieve organizational outcomes.
- Seek feedback on communication approaches and effectiveness.
- Provide data for assessment of effectiveness of individual communication efforts.
Required Qualifications
Minimum two years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or journalism.
- Ability to write and edit content demonstrated through web pages, published stories, and/or communication plans.
- Demonstrated experience in working with stakeholders to collate information and build out narratives based upon a given direction.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, meet tight deadlines, multi-task, and work on several projects simultaneously.
- Exceptional attention to detail with good analytical skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong team collaboration and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Desired Qualifications
- Three to five years of communications experience desired.
- Experience with Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Suites.
- Knowledge and experience with web analytics software (Google Analytics).
- Understanding of digital content creation for owned media.
- AP style competency.
- Experience with project management or change management.
- Experience in health care, academics, or a large, complex organization.
Application Process: To be considered, applicants must upload the following and mark each attachment as a “Relevant File” to the submission.
- Resume
- Cover letter
- One writing sample highlighting the audience and goal of the piece
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.
Successful candidates will be subject to a criminal background check. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For questions, contact Sharon Walther at sharon-walther@uiowa.edu.
This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.
Additional Information
- Classification Title: Communications Specialist
- Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
- Schedule: Full-time
- Work Modality Options: Hybrid within Iowa
Compensation
Contact Information
- Organization: Healthcare
- Contact Name: Sharon Walther
- Contact Email: sharon-walther@uiowa.edu