Lead Communications Specialist

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

220 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14627

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

100027 Ofc University Mkting & Comms

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 113

Compensation Range:

$77,216.00 - $115,824.00

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

GENERAL PURPOSE:
Reporting to the Director of Content with the University’s Marketing and Communication team, the Lead Communications Specialist spearheads and implements integrated strategic marketing and communications for the University of Rochester’s flagship magazine, Rochester Review. The position directs the content ideas, themes, and creative; ensures visual, verbal, and brand alignment; drives content strategy, production, and syndication across digital, print, social media, and paid channels; and manages the production of the magazine on time and on budget. Provides insights and expertise to shape the future editorial direction and supporting workflows of a premier publication undergoing a comprehensive redesign and relaunch at a pivotal moment for the institution. In addition, the position maintains a portfolio of individual projects, producing content as appropriate on significant research, marketing, and institutional initiatives that engages key audiences and supports the University’s strategic messages and marketing goals. The Lead Communications Specialist works with colleagues across the department and the institution, including academics and administration, to advance the University’s enterprise-level brand, reputation, mission, initiatives, and strategic priorities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Content Creation

• Plans, writes, and edits highly engaging, user-centered content for the magazine—in print and online—that supports institutional strategic priorities while adhering to best practices in marketing communications. This includes identifying narratives and innovative storytelling opportunities that showcase key initiatives, programs, and priorities for the institution; accomplishments by faculty, staff, student, and alumni; and research, scholarly, and interdisciplinary work that advance the University’s reputation as a global leader in higher education. 
• Creates and produces original content that appears on other comprehensive channels and platforms, including but not limited to the University’s News Center, homepage and top-level landing pages, social media channels, enewsletters, video and audio outlets, etc. 
• Serves as a high-level subject matter expert who sets content priorities while collaborating as part of a team of content strategists and creators to identify and deliver on the institution’s short- and long-term marketing and communications goals with a focus on goals, audiences, key messages, measures of success, and digital-forward presentations.
• Ensures all content meets the highest editorial, branding, and strategic communications standards.
• Enforces responsibility of content creators to fact-check and verify details, as well as authenticate sources.
• Synthesizes complex scholarly materials and concepts to share with a broad, non-specialist audience.
• Supports local, national, and international publicity, marketing, and communications efforts.

Digital Production

• Leads and manages the integrated digital presence for the magazine across multiple content management systems and platforms. Identifies and recommends opportunities for content collaboration and sharing across units.
• Edits text, photos, videos, social media posts, and other materials for readability, digital accessibility, accuracy, grammar and spelling, tone, and search engine optimization (SEO).
• Ensures that all published content consistently follows the University’s editorial style guide and adheres to the latest standards for digital communications and marketing.
• Uses digi