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Communications Specialist

Employer
University of North Dakota
Location
Grand Forks, North Dakota (US)
Salary
$40,000/year

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Industry
Education
Role
Other
Job Type
Long-Term
Hours
Full Time

Job Details

Description

This position will assist with information dissemination to diverse audiences of the Center for Rural Health’s various programs and projects, and the Rural Health Research Gateway specifically. This individual will assist with writing and editing CRH products, including reports, press releases, and fact sheets, along with developing an online newsletter. Will work closely with web/graphics team, communications staff, and numerous project teams. Will be responsible for editing email alerts and working with Rural Health Research Centers as part of Gateway, as directed. Responsible for maintaining and expanding social media plan and calendar. Will maintain the CRH’s contact database and attend conferences and work exhibits.

Department

The Center for Rural Health (CRH) connects resources and knowledge to strengthen the health of people in rural communities.  For over 40 years, we have worked with the public and private sectors expanding a circle of partners to develop creative solutions to critical health issues. The Center is located at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Grand Forks. Our approach is multi-disciplinary, as we create solutions to complex challenges. CRH works with communities, healthcare organizations, healthcare providers, policy-makers, researchers, Tribal nations, and rural health stakeholders.

Duties & Responsibilities

Information dissemination to diverse audiences.

  • Ensure accurate, complete, and usable information is available on the CRH and Gateway websites.
  • Maintain communication with the Rural Health Research Centers and other CRH programs to maintain accuracy of websites.
  • Collect and manage content for monthly CRH-Update newsletter, and develop draft version each month for editing.
  • Manage CRH contact database by regularly updating contacts and contact lists
  • Schedule web content updates for CRH projects; work with web and project staff to complete updates.
  • Write/edit press releases as directed.
  • Assist in the development and writing of informational materials (examples include but are not limited to stories, articles, blogs).
  • Assist with other dissemination activities as needed.

Development and support of media relations.

  • Promote CRH programs and Gateway activities.
  • Track, post, and update on social media pages as directed.
  • Maintain and grow social media calendar. Initial editing of reports, policy briefs, press releases, and other information dissemination materials and products as needed.
  • Identify and contact state/national organizations for resource sharing and promotion of Gateway and Center for Rural Health.

Project support and coordination.

  • Work with and contact presenters for webinars on identified rural health topics under the Rural Health Research Gateway.
  • Provide support in the area of communications and information dissemination as it relates to the delivery of specific grant-related tasks.
  • Manage bio-narratives for CRH staff by updating them yearly for existing staff and creating them for new staff.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Track information dissemination efforts.

  • Assist in managing the workflow within the CRH communication office for project completion to meet deadlines.
  • Track efficacy of social media posts and utilization.
  • Track use of the Rural Health Research Gateway and e-mail alerts through web tracking systems.
  • Track news impacts, CRH and Gateway promotional activities, and other information dissemination activities.

Required Competencies

  • Solid problem-solving and decision-making skills. 
  • Strong aptitude with technology and demonstrated ability to learn/use new computer software applications and digital communication technologies.
  • Strong written communications skills, including writing copy for media, print, and the web.
  • Excellent interpersonal and verbal communications skills.
  • Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to be self-directed. 
  • High level of attention-to-detail and the ability to generate timely work products.
  • Ability to prioritize, multi-task, take initiative, and to collaborate effectively as part of a team.
  • Be willing to travel occasionally to national, regional, or local events/meetings.

Minimum Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, technical communications or related field.  Will consider any bachelor's degree if applicant has similar work experience. 
  • Experience writing communications materials for various audiences; must demonstrate strong grammar and spelling skills.
  • Experience proofreading and editing communications materials. 
  • Experience with social media management tools and software. 
  • Experience with information dissemination via electronic mediums such as social media sites and electronic newsletters. 
  • Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite, in particular MS Word.
  • Experience using style guides, for example Associated Press, Chicago Manual of Style, APA, MLA or others.
  • Applicant is required to provide the following writing samples (as attachments) at the time of application:

1.  Professional email to an organization asking if they would be interested in promotional materials for their upcoming rural health conference.

2.  Imagine this article was newly released, https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/rural-monitor/volunteering-seniors/. Write posts for Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to promote the article and engage the audience.

3.  A portfolio of additional writing samples that demonstrate writing ability, preferably as it relates to outreach/marketing.  Acceptable items to include: press release, marketing plan, newsletter/magazine article, webpage copy, academic paper, or similar.

  • Successful completion of criminal history records check.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience tailoring communication messages for specific audiences.
  • Experience working with basic HTML.
  • Media relations experience.
  • Project management experience.
  • Knowledge of rural health issues.
  • Multimedia experience.

Minimum Hiring Salary/Position Classification $40,000/year minimum. Can range higher based on experience and qualifications. Full-time, Benefited, Exempt. This position is partially grant-funded

Work Schedule/Start Date Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.

Benefits Includes single or family health care coverage (premiums paid for by the university), basic life insurance, EAP, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual and sick leave. Optional benefits available: supplemental life, dental, vision, flexible spending account, supplemental retirement plans.

To Apply For full consideration, all application materials must be fully submitted by 11:59PM on the closing date.

Additional Information To find out why living and working in Greater Grand Forks is way cooler, check out Grand Forks is Cooler.

All information listed in this position announcement will be used by Human Resources, the Hiring Department, and EO/Title IX for screening, interviewing and selection purposes.

Confidentiality of Application Materials

Pursuant to NDCC 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the top three finalists who will be invited to campus.

EEO Statement

The University of North Dakota is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or other protected characteristic. Women, minorities, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants are invited to provide information regarding their gender, race and/or ethnicity, veteran’s status and disability status as part of the application process. This information will remain confidential and separate from your application.

Veteran’s Preference

Veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date. Proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 or NGB 22 and if claiming disabled status, a current letter of disability from the VA dated within the last 12 months.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University of North Dakota publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years’ of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at UND.edu. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the UND Police Department located at 3851 Campus Road, Grand Forks, ND, 58202.

Company

The University of North Dakota is one of the largest employers in the region. The University provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes full health insurance premium coverage for single or family plans, a retirement plan, tuition benefits for employees, as well as for the spouse and dependents of the employee, on-campus training programs, exclusive internal recruitment opportunities, as well as many other benefits.

Company info
Website
Location
264 Centennial Drive
Stop 7127
Grand Forks
ND
58202
United States

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