Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

The Senior Strategic Communications Specialist is a key member of the Arts & Sciences Marketing and Communications (A&S MarComm) team. Working with the Director and Associate Director of Communications, the Senior Strategic Communications Specialist will write and edit remarks, letters, presentations, and other executive communications for Arts & Sciences’ senior leadership. They will also help develop and execute strategic communications projects to support advancement initiatives, and for a variety of internal and external audiences. This person serves as trusted liaison between A&S MarComm and other WashU communications teams.

The Senior Strategic Communications Specialist will play a central role in communicating the ambitious vision for Arts & Sciences to faculty, parents, donors, community members, and more. While the position calls for exceptional writing/editing skills, the specialist should have demonstrated experience capturing the voice of a brand or senior leader across various communications formats.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Write and edit constituent and executive communications.

• Write and edit constituent and executive communications remarks, presentations, briefings, reports, statements, and correspondence.
• Create and maintain approved assets on high-priority A&S projects and people.
• Identify and develop thought-leadership opportunities for A&S faculty and leadership.
• Serve as a trusted communications advisor for senior leadership.

Support the development and execution of strategic communications projects.

• Providing writing and editing support on high-visibility communications projects, including annual reports, videos, events, social media campaigns, and marketing materials.
• Ensure WashU and A&S brand messaging is consistently incorporated into communications projects.

Build and maintain strong relationships with key communications stakeholders

• Maintain clear and frequent communication between:
  • Arts & Sciences leadership, faculty, and MarComm staff;
  • University Advancement;
  • WashU communications teams to include the Chancellor’s Office, Provost’s office, A&S Centers and high priority academic departments.
  • Local media, as appropriate.
• Serve as a liaison between A&S MarComm and A&S Advancement on constituent and executive communications projects.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Job Location

• Normal office environment

Physical Effort

• Typically sitting at a desk or table
• Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement

Equipment

• Office equipment

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree

Certifications:

No specific certification is required for this position.

Work Experience:

Relevant Experience (3 Years)

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Washington University seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Master's degree

Certifications:

No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Work Experience:

Progressive Responsibility In The Area Of Marketing Communications (5 Years)

Skills:

Academic Research, Adaptability, Deadline Management, Diplomatic Approach, English Language, Executive Support, Fundraising Communications, Higher Education Public Relations, Interpersonal Communication, Journalism, Maintaining Composure, Matrix Management, Microsoft Office, Oral Communications, Organizational Capability, Professional Writing, Public Relations (PR), Public Relations Communications, Stewardship Education, Strategic Communication Planning, Teamwork, Time Management, Working in a Fast-Paced Environment, Written Communication

Grade

G11