Communications Specialist

$63,208 - $65,000/Yr

Gonzaga University - Spokane, WA

Full-time - Entry Level

Spokane, WA

Educational Services

About the position

The Communications Specialist at Gonzaga University is a pivotal role that combines writing, editing, and project management to enhance the university's communication efforts. This position is integral to the Marketing & Communications content team, focusing on creating compelling stories that align with the university's strategic goals. The specialist will be responsible for producing content across various channels, including web, print, news, video, and social media, ensuring that the university's mission and values are effectively communicated to both internal and external audiences. In this role, the Communications Specialist will manage the production of the Spirit newsletter, collaborating with an advisory group to ensure diverse representation and conducting interviews to gather stories. The specialist will oversee all aspects of publication management, including production schedules and distribution, while also providing editorial support for other university publications such as Gonzaga Law and Gonzaga Magazine. Additionally, the specialist will support the News/Media team by writing press releases and responding to media inquiries, further enhancing the university's public relations efforts. The position requires strong project management skills, utilizing web-based systems to keep tasks organized and coordinated with various partners. The Communications Specialist will also play a key role in internal communications, working closely with Human Resources to disseminate important messages to faculty and staff. This includes attending campus events for coverage and managing messaging for electronic readerboards on campus. The role is designed for a highly skilled individual who is passionate about storytelling and committed to promoting Gonzaga University's mission of leadership and service.

Responsibilities

• Produce the Spirit newsletter 8-10 times per year.
• Consult with an advisory group to ensure cross-campus representation, conducting interviews and providing photography for stories.
• Manage all aspects of the publication, including production schedule, working with layout and web partners, and distribution.
• Provide editorial support for University publications such as Gonzaga Law, Gonzaga Magazine, Report of the President, Campus Map & Visitors Guide, and the daily Morning Mail.
• Support the News/Media team through writing press releases and responding to media requests as necessary.
• Project manage communications work, utilizing MarCom's web-based project system to keep tasks organized and coordinated with partners.
• Serve as a primary partner for internal communications, working closely with Human Resources and other areas for pertinent messaging to faculty and staff.
• Attend important campus events for coverage and understanding of programs, leaders, achievements, and needs for communications.
• Manage all messaging for the electronic readerboards on the campus perimeter, including writing announcements and choosing graphics as appropriate.
• Assist the Senior Director of Strategic Communications with reputational topic research as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English, public relations, or related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years' experience writing and editing for publications, media, web, and news, or seven (7) years of relevant experience if substituting experience for education requirements.
• Demonstrated prowess in project management systems (e.g., Wrike, Asana).
• Working knowledge of layout principles.
• Ability to edit and publish in a web content management system.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of Associated Press Stylebook.
• Digital newsletter management experience.
• Layout expertise.
• Photography skills.
• Experience writing for marketing collateral.

Benefits

• PPO Medical plan administered by Premera Blue Cross.
• Employer-paid dental programs through Delta Dental.
• Vision coverage through VSP.
• Employer-paid Life Insurance and optional employee-paid Life Insurance through Lincoln Financial.
• TIAA 403(b) Retirement plan including free onsite financial planning and advising.
• Employee Assistance Program through Supportlinc.
• Zagfit Wellness program with access to GU's onsite fitness center and Spokane Transit Authority (STA) bus passes.
• Accrual of 4 hours of sick time per pay period.
• Vacation time starting at 5 hours per pay period.
• 17 paid holidays.
• Long Term Disability and Tuition Waivers available after the first year of employment.