Public information specialist job description

The primary office location for this position is in Virginia Beach and provides an opportunity for a hybrid office/work from home schedule following position onboarding, orientation and training.
Brief Description:
Under broad guidance, the Public Information Specialist is responsible for performing a wide variety of public relations, outreach and assignments related to communication with citizens, the media, local governments, civic organizations, NGOs, contractors and others relating to HRSD field activities and initiatives including, but not limited to, Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects, maintenance and emergency repairs.
Job Requirements:
a. Education
Required
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, or related field
b. Experience
Required
a) Experience in the construction or infrastructure industry to understand the business processes and practices. Demonstrated capacity to handle the intricacies of public relations duties in the public sector and in public and interpersonal forums
b) Three to five years experience organizing, coordinating and communicating information as it relates to large projects
c) Demonstrated experience as a professional communicator applying both skills and theory
c. Training Levels
Personnel in this category are fully qualified at grade 6 with an appropriate bachelor’s degree and experience as noted above. The following training levels are established for personnel who are not fully qualified:
Grade 6a – Three years of applicable experience and ¾ hours toward Bachelor’s degree in a related field
Grade 6b – Two years of applicable experience and ½ credits toward Bachelor’s degree or completion of an Associate's degree in a related field
d. Job-specific Technical Competencies
Required
a) Broad functional knowledge of modern office practices and equipment
b) Self-directed and able to work well independently with limited managerial oversight
c) Detail-oriented with excellent time management and organizational skills
d) Effective written and oral communications skills
e) Strong administrative and clerical skills
f) Solid technical skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access) is a must. Knowledge of or willingness to learn design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) a plus
g) Effectively utilize HRSD specific software applications as necessary
h) Demonstrated ability to organize records, track large projects and follow directions
i) Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with HRSD employees, customers, consultants, contractors, locality partners and other stakeholders
j) Ability to work effectively with the general public
k) Ability to maintain composure in face of conflict
l) Familiarity with and ability to use social media sites to communicate project information
e. Job-specific Behavioral Competencies
Sets Clear Performance Goals
a) Clearly communicates expectations for results, timeliness, quality and other important parameters
b) Establishes deadlines for delivery of results
f. Special Licenses
Required
Valid driver’s license from state of residence

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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 Department of Epidemiology has an outstanding opportunity for a part-time (50% FTE) Public Information Specialist. Reporting to the department's Director of Communications, the Public Information Specialist (working title of Communications Specialist) provides a full spectrum of communication, public relations, marketing, production, and design resources to support the educational and research mission of the department. The Communications Specialist is responsible for independently writing, designing, and publishing internal and external department communications, in addition to maintaining the department website, managing department social media platforms, developing, executing and measuring communications strategies and content, supporting event planning and providing communications training for faculty and students. The Communications Specialist will support the Director of Communications to serve as a liaison between the department and other UW and external communications, media, and marketing personnel.
Content Production and Marketing

Oversee production, design, and coordination of internal newsletters and announcements

Produce regular and timely news stories and features on faculty, students, and research designed to build a positive public image for the Department

Assist in media relations activities

Measure web traffic for in-house news stories and track external media news hits

Assist with the design, creation, and ordering of departmental publications and promotional materials

Facilitate communications outreach surrounding departmental activities and events

Engage in department functions as needed to identify stories for content production

Maintain photo library and knowledge management systems

Web Development and Maintenance

Support WordPress website content management system to ensure data quality assurance.

Update and publish site content (main page slideshows, news items, research spotlights, Intranet resources, etc.)

Triage website maintenance requests, accessibility and technical issues, in coordination with Director of Communications, web development vendor, and departmental stakeholders

Facilitate trainings on WordPress and other digital tools and maintain process documentation and training materials

Maintain/update department event calendar

Identify and execute web maintenance projects

Track web analytics and other metrics to support and inform communications strategy

Assist with coordination and implementation of improvements in web design, content, and usability

Collaborate as needed with departmental IT staff, as well as UW Creative Communications, on technical website issues and updates.

Social Media Management

Manage the Department's social media accounts

Develop and execute digital media strategy

Recommend, implement, and maintain improvements in social media presence

Create and maintain social media content calendar

Track growth and engagement analytics to improve department's visibility to external audiences

Project Management and Communications Training

Support the Director of Communications in training faculty and students on effective ways to share research and to communicate with media

Develop guidance and training materials to help staff, faculty, students, and leadership to improve communications with target audiences (alumni, prospective students, and current students and faculty)

Lead project management and knowledge management for team and departmental activities

Manage procurement and budget reconciliation for supplies, subscriptions, and services to facilitate team workflow

Communications Strategy and Branding

Maintain and revise, as needed, department branding guidelines; understand and implement School of Public Health and UW branding guidelines in conjunction with department branding

Support the Director of Communications in executing the department communications strategy and following equity, diversity, and inclusion and anti-racism best practices in all communications activities

Monitor and measure the impact of communications efforts outlined in communications strategy; provide recommendations for changes in order to meet annual goals

Provide branding materials and advice to faculty and students to elevate visibility of the department and epidemiologic research

As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Public Health or related discipline.

At least 3 years of experience with:

Project management or coordination

Content management systems

Social media community management

Demonstrated ability to communicate professionally, clearly, and empathetically in all forms of communications, e.g., verbal and written, one-on-one, and in groups.

Experience working independently, remotely, and as both a member and leader of a team.

Demonstrated ability to solve problems, take initiative, set priorities, and handle multiple projects efficiently and effectively.

Strong interpersonal skills and customer service.

Ability to quickly learn and apply new or unfamiliar technologies.

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

Desired

Proficiency and experience with:

Wordpress and Marketo,

Asana or other project management tools

Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator)

Photography/graphic/web design/video editing experience

Experience working in an academic environment.

Knowledge of public health

Application Process:

The application process for UW positions 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 Workforce 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.

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 Department of Epidemiology has an outstanding opportunity for a part-time (50% FTE) Public Information Specialist. Reporting to the department's Director of Communications, the Public Information Specialist (working title of Communications Specialist) provides a full spectrum of communication, public relations, marketing, production, and design resources to support the educational and research mission of the department. The Communications Specialist is responsible for independently writing, designing, and publishing internal and external department communications, in addition to maintaining the department website, managing department social media platforms, developing, executing and measuring communications strategies and content, supporting event planning and providing communications training for faculty and students. The Communications Specialist will support the Director of Communications to serve as a liaison between the department and other UW and external communications, media, and marketing personnel.
Content Production and Marketing

Oversee production, design, and coordination of internal newsletters and announcements

Produce regular and timely news stories and features on faculty, students, and research designed to build a positive public image for the Department

Assist in media relations activities

Measure web traffic for in-house news stories and track external media news hits

Assist with the design, creation, and ordering of departmental publications and promotional materials

Facilitate communications outreach surrounding departmental activities and events

Engage in department functions as needed to identify stories for content production

Maintain photo library and knowledge management systems

Web Development and Maintenance

Support WordPress website content management system to ensure data quality assurance.

Update and publish site content (main page slideshows, news items, research spotlights, Intranet resources, etc.)

Triage website maintenance requests, accessibility and technical issues, in coordination with Director of Communications, web development vendor, and departmental stakeholders

Facilitate trainings on WordPress and other digital tools and maintain process documentation and training materials

Maintain/update department event calendar

Identify and execute web maintenance projects

Track web analytics and other metrics to support and inform communications strategy

Assist with coordination and implementation of improvements in web design, content, and usability

Collaborate as needed with departmental IT staff, as well as UW Creative Communications, on technical website issues and updates.

Social Media Management

Manage the Department's social media accounts

Develop and execute digital media strategy

Recommend, implement, and maintain improvements in social media presence

Create and maintain social media content calendar

Track growth and engagement analytics to improve department's visibility to external audiences

Project Management and Communications Training

Support the Director of Communications in training faculty and students on effective ways to share research and to communicate with media

Develop guidance and training materials to help staff, faculty, students, and leadership to improve communications with target audiences (alumni, prospective students, and current students and faculty)

Lead project management and knowledge management for team and departmental activities

Manage procurement and budget reconciliation for supplies, subscriptions, and services to facilitate team workflow

Communications Strategy and Branding

Maintain and revise, as needed, department branding guidelines; understand and implement School of Public Health and UW branding guidelines in conjunction with department branding

Support the Director of Communications in executing the department communications strategy and following equity, diversity, and inclusion and anti-racism best practices in all communications activities

Monitor and measure the impact of communications efforts outlined in communications strategy; provide recommendations for changes in order to meet annual goals

Provide branding materials and advice to faculty and students to elevate visibility of the department and epidemiologic research

As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Public Health or related discipline.

At least 3 years of experience with:

Project management or coordination

Content management systems

Social media community management

Demonstrated ability to communicate professionally, clearly, and empathetically in all forms of communications, e.g., verbal and written, one-on-one, and in groups.

Experience working independently, remotely, and as both a member and leader of a team.

Demonstrated ability to solve problems, take initiative, set priorities, and handle multiple projects efficiently and effectively.

Strong interpersonal skills and customer service.

Ability to quickly learn and apply new or unfamiliar technologies.

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

Desired

Proficiency and experience with:

Wordpress and Marketo,

Asana or other project management tools

Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator)

Photography/graphic/web design/video editing experience

Experience working in an academic environment.

Knowledge of public health

Application Process:

The application process for UW positions 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 Workforce 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.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.