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

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

Salary Range

$53,100.00 - $90,600.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [email protected] or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.