Career Center

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 UW Information School has an outstanding opportunity for a Marketing & Communications Specialist. The Marketing & Communications Specialist is responsible for day-to-day management and production of the iSchool's social media and email marketing programs. This position also provides general support across the entire communications program, contributing to brand management, marketing and promotional efforts directly impacting the iSchool’s academic and research mission.
Reporting to the Director of Communications, the Marketing & Communications Specialist plays a creative and critical role in efforts to inform, engage, cultivate, and recognize iSchool audiences.

The individual in this position must work effectively both independently and in teams, collaborating with a wide variety of colleagues and stakeholders to successfully drive the mission of the iSchool as outlined above. This role requires a diverse set of skills including organizational and project management skills with the ability to plan, schedule and manage multiple projects under tight deadlines; sound judgment, creativity, and the ability to communicate with people of different cultures and ethnic backgrounds.

In the iSchool, there is an expectation that all faculty and staff will step up where they see an opportunity to apply their special expertise or talents, speak up when they identify opportunities or concerns, and lead by taking actions that exemplify the iSchool’s core values. Leadership within the iSchool is expressed in diverse ways reflecting the variety of styles and cultures that are represented by our faculty and staff.

What you’ll be doing:

Content Management and Writing:

•Social media content production and management, including writing, editing and adapting text, images and video elements to optimize content engagement with target audiences across the iSchool’s social media platforms.
•Lead efforts to evolve and operationalize the iSchool social media program by formalizing goals, adding new channels, and creating pathways to generate more compelling content.
•Serve as a staff writer, pitching story ideas to the Assistant Director of Content and writing features, event summaries and profiles.
•Contribute to communication materials and campaigns to reach and engage prospective students, donors, alumni and other target audiences. Sample projects include: writing student stories, social media outreach, writing/editing/sending prospective student emails, editing and revising promotional materials (e.g. program websites and brochures).
•Update and maintain content and structure on the iSchool website; support research websites through strategic counsel, project management, copyediting and graphics/visuals support.
•Participate on the iSchool Communications Review Board and other committees/forums that address the role of communications and marketing across the iSchool and UW.

Email Marketing:
•Coordinate and oversee email marketing efforts for the iSchool by managing a school-wide email calendar, setting engagement goals, and tracking analytics to assess performance.
•Review and approve all iSchool email messages sent through Marketo (UW Advancement’s email automation platform), ensuring that all messages meet marketing goals, brand requirements and editorial standards, and are free of errors.
•Write, configure, and edit iSchool email marketing messages, including the bi-monthly alumni newsletter, schoolwide event invites, and other materials.
•Consult with email marketers across the iSchool on goals, brand alignment, and best practices; serve as a project manager for email campaigns as needed.
•Seek to be expert in UW email marketing best practices and capabilities.

Coordination and Administration:
•Participate in team efforts to operationalize and continuously improve the Communication program.
•Provide input on marketing and communications plans/budgets.
•Help build, manage, and maximize impact from the iSchool’s digital photography and video content library.
•Support attendance and promotion, brand building, and storytelling efforts for and around iSchool events, including Capstone and Convocation, among others. Sample projects include: writing/sending email invitations, promoting events on the website and social media, and shooting photos for social media.
•Help with office duties, such as tracking print materials, credit card charges and equipment, updating documentation, and scheduling.
•Respond to requests for information and develop collaborations as needed.
•Participate in meetings, committees, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
•Other related work/projects as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:
•Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, marketing or a related field; or comparable degree/experience.
•Two to three years’ experience in communications or related field.
•Excellent storytelling, writing and editing abilities and demonstrated expertise in the application of writing and editing styles, e.g., AP Style.
•Demonstrated experience managing Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram in a professional environment.
•Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive relationships; actively contributes as a member of working teams.
•Self-motivated, proactive, adaptable, quick learner with keen attention to detail; able to work at high standards in a high-energy environment.
•Demonstrated experience with computer-based work, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and knowledge of basic HTML.
•Ability to perform basic data analysis using standard tools and systems.
•Values the iSchool and UW’s shared commitment to inclusiveness; demonstrates respect and commitment to diversity and equity.

Desired Qualifications:
•Demonstrated experience managing email marketing campaigns, producing, and writing messages, and managing audience lists.
•Prior project management experience.
•Knowledge of/proficiency in marketing/management tools including Asana, Wrike, Google analytics, Sprinklr, Tweetdeck, Marketo, Slate, Tandem Vault, Wordpress, or Drupal.
•Demonstrated experience and expertise in video production, storytelling and/or editing.
•Photography, graphic design, or illustration skills.

What’s in it for you:
•Full benefits, including medical and dental insurance and retirement plan.
•Paid vacation and sick leave, as well as 11 paid holidays a year and one personal day.
•Subsidized transit pass.
•Work for an exciting, cutting-edge school within the University of Washington.
•Hybrid work schedule (if desired).

As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs.  For detailed information on Benefits for this position, 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 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.