| | 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. All of which has allowed the UW to be nationally recognized as a “Great College to Work For” for six consecutive years.
UW Facilities manages the University’s buildings, infrastructure and land, with more than 1,100 employees in a variety of fields. The Asset Management group includes Campus Architecture & Planning, Capital Planning & Portfolio Management, Engineering Services, Real Estate, and Sustainability. The Operations group includes Project Delivery, Maintenance & Construction, Campus Utilities & Operations, Building Services, Transportation Services, and Safety. The Finance & Administration group includes Partner Resources, Finance, Procurement & Sourcing, and Communications. Business Innovation & Technology and Emergency Management are the other two main units within Facilities. Together we lead the way to preserve the University’s legacy and boldly innovate for the future.
The Communications team develops and implements strategic messaging and marketing for all of UW Facilities, one of the largest and most diverse groups of employees on campus.
We have an outstanding opportunity for an Executive Communications Specialist .
The Executive Communications Specialist develops internal and external communications on behalf of the UW Facilities Vice President and Associate Vice Presidents, including urgent and planned messaging, talking points and presentations. As a member of the Communications team, this position also assists with operational communications to UW Facilities (UWF) partners and customers.
This position requires polished writing skills, including writing in the voice of different individuals and the ability to communicate with people of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Strong organizational, collaborative and tactical abilities are a must. This position reports to the Assistant Director of Communications and works alongside the other members of the UWF Communications team.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Executive Communications (70%)
•Draft, design and finalize presentations for submission to University leadership, faculty, state agencies, and other University groups, including the Board of Regents.
•Draft, edit and send email communications to UW Facilities staff and others on behalf of the UWF Vice President and Associate Vice Presidents.
•Respond to rapidly changing events as needed, coordinating between UWF executives and other staff to draft and send urgent communications.
•Coordinate and collaborate with University Marketing & Communications (UMAC) staff, including with communications staff for University leadership as needed.
•Draft, design and finalize talking points and presentations for all-hands employee meetings.
•Lead planning and execution for assigned projects, providing ongoing status updates and proactively solving problems as they arise.
•Assist in the development and execution of strategic communications strategy for UW Facilities.
•Manage competing interests and priorities of multiple stakeholders with diverse lines of operation, balancing urgent and long-term needs.
•Ensure consistent tone and messaging that is in alignment with UW Facilities vision and with University standards, values and branding.
Operational Communications (25%)
•Research, write and edit digital and print communications to explain and promote the work of UW Facilities. Topics may range from campus construction projects and new parking processes to earthquake drills and sustainability initiatives.
•Send email and other operational communications to customers, including urgent notifications, planned service interruptions and policy changes. Update web pages as needed.
Teamwork and University Engagement (5%)
•Positively promote the organization by demonstrating a high level of professionalism and support for organizational values and expectations.
•Maintain strong working relationships with campus partners.
•Other duties as assigned.
Core Competencies
•Demonstrate personal integrity and trustworthiness.
•Manage stressful situations and changing priorities effectively.
•Anticipate, recognize and resolve problems.
•Be responsible and accountable.
•Use organizational skills and provide attention to details.
•Maintain a positive, optimistic, and success-oriented attitude.
•Exercise professionalism, which includes being tactful and courteous.
•Exhibit a professional work ethic.
•Continuously promote a safe work environment.
Requirements include:
•Bachelor’s degree.
•Four years’ experience in communications, public affairs, journalism or a related field, including at least one year supporting executives or senior leaders.
•Demonstrated ability to communicate successfully with stakeholders at all levels throughout a complex, diverse organization.
•Strong writing and presentation design skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
•Ability to plan, schedule and manage multiple, complex projects on tight deadlines in a fluid, fast-paced environment with shifting deadlines and priorities.
•Ability to exercise independent judgment as well as work collaboratively as a member of a team.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
Desired:
•Experience working at a large university or other large, complex organization.
•Familiarity with the University of Washington.
•Experience with e-mail marketing software and web content editing.
•Knowledge of video creation and editing.
•Graphics experience, including familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud.
•Possession of a valid Washington State driver’s license.
Conditions of Employment:
•Due to the ongoing COVID-19 prevention efforts, this position is currently a teleworking one. A return to campus will not occur until the University returns to normal operations.
•The following conditions will apply once normal operations resume:
oMust be able to work in a non-smoking environment.
oThe majority of work is performed in an open, shared office environment, however the employee also must be able to work from other locations as needed, including outdoor sites with exposure to the elements and a variety of mechanical or otherwise non-typical interior spaces.
oMust be able to efficiently and effectively travel locally to alternate work sites as needed.
oMay be required to lift up to 40 lbs.
oProfessional travel may be required.
•While usual hours fall within standard business hours, the employee must have the flexibility to deal with emergency situations, meetings or other scheduled work that may fall outside normal work hours, including weekends.
•Reliable and predictable attendance is required.
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.
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 may include Work 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. |
