American University - Washington, DC
posted 5 months ago
The Communications Specialist (CS) at American University will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing both internal and external communications strategies for the Office of Research's strategic initiatives. Reporting directly to the Director of Research Services & Communications, the CS will work closely with the Special Assistant of Strategic Initiatives to design, support, and manage various research communications. This includes creating and maintaining websites, producing original graphic designs, crafting newsletters, and managing email communications and social media outreach. The role requires a strong ability to conduct research, analyze information, and define stakeholder audiences effectively. The ideal candidate will demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, and creativity, with the capability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment. The strategic initiatives may encompass a range of disciplines offered at the university, necessitating comfort in collaborating with researchers on translating research into actionable insights. In terms of essential functions, the CS will be responsible for digital content development and strategy, which involves conceiving, researching, and writing articles and profiles that align with the strategic goals of the Office of Research. This includes evaluating and measuring the performance of the content strategy. Additionally, the CS will develop and execute a sophisticated email newsletter strategy, producing and editing public newsletters while utilizing analytics tools to enhance effectiveness. Social media content and strategy will also be a key focus, requiring the planning, production, scheduling, and publishing of engaging content to foster connection and increase engagement. The CS will utilize various applications to create graphic designs, audio, or video content, and will measure the success of each campaign to make data-driven adjustments as necessary. The position also involves supervisory responsibilities over student employees, ensuring that they are supported and guided in their roles. The expected work hours for this full-time position are 35 hours per week, with a salary range of $65,000 to $73,000 annually. The role requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent, along with 3-5 years of relevant experience, while a Master's degree and 4-6 years of experience are preferred.