COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Communications Specialist

Arizona State University

Creative & Comms

Campus: Tempe

101139BR

Job Description

Do you thrive on transforming ideas into compelling stories? 

Are you passionate about using your prose to illustrate the impact of innovative technologies in higher education? 

Can you weave complex tech concepts into clear, concise, engaging, and inspiring messages?

If so, we invite you to consider the Communications Specialist (Writer) role within our Enterprise Technology team at Arizona State University (ASU). U.S. News and World Report has recognized ASU as a leader in innovative educational practices for the ninth consecutive year. As such, ASU offers a vibrant environment where your storytelling can support and amplify our groundbreaking projects. 

In this pivotal role, the Communications Specialist (writer) will harness the power of storytelling to enhance our technological narratives, translating complex technical concepts into engaging stories that resonate with a broad audience. Storytelling is not just an art; it's a strategic tool that drives the adoption and appreciation of our advanced IT platforms and tools, which are integral to enriching the student experience and supporting ASU’s Charter.

We seek a creative and experienced storyteller and content writer to help craft compelling narratives and brand messaging about human-centered technologies, including artificial intelligence, digital credentials, cybersecurity and more. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of storytelling techniques and can create captivating content that engages our target audience – across written narrative, social media, video production and more. The selected candidate will collaborate with our Creative x Communications team to maintain our authentic brand voice and tone and will be responsible for creating news stories, website copy, blog articles, social media posts, and marketing materials, among other assignments.

As with everyone on the ET team, our intentional focus on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging as well as culture and communications are core responsibilities in this role. With an increased emphasis on authenticity, compassion, and inclusivity, this position strives to embody and advance our ET Positive Core.

The selected candidate will start in this role on or after July 1, 2024. 

Salary Range

$49,133 – $78,614 per year; DOE

Close Date

20-May-2024

Essential Duties

• Actively engage in the creative process by participating in editorial meetings, mass e-blast production, storyboard planning, and event presentations to craft engaging digital stories focused on four core areas.
• Oversee content strategy for all internal and external communication channels, including websites, Slack, social media, and media relations, as well as events and presentations to ensure a consistent and timely narrative.
• Support the development and execution of storytelling activities to communicate a diverse portfolio of technology and initiatives internally and externally.
• Assist in building town hall meeting thematic agendas, highlighting exemplary work aligned with our quarterly strategic priorities.
• Design engaging invitations for events and create compelling email blasts.
• Collaboratively develop strategies for event communications.
• Create multimedia presentations integrating various communicative elements within a narrative framework, such as slide decks..
• Develop and refine the storytelling strategy across ongoing and new initiatives, including partnerships and programs.
• Plan, develop, and implement communication projects and programs within the unit to maintain message consistency and support strategic goals and objectives.
• Perform content and copy editing tasks.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, project leads, and team members to develop video communication content.
• Work together to develop an overarching social media strategy to enhance storytelling about Enterprise technology.
• Edit and determine the layout of materials, including decks, one-pagers, presentations, event web pages and web-based communication.
• Take responsibility for fostering culture, advancing our values, and championing engagement in all its forms -- collaborating across our teams and participating in person at ASU and Enterprise Technology events and programs. 
• Demonstrate commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment. 

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, English, Communications, Marketing, Education or a related field AND three (3) years of related work experience in the development of comprehensive and creative communication; OR seven (7) years of related work experience; OR Any equivalent combination of experience and or education from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved. Certificates from recognized programs that verify mastery of tools and techniques relevant to the assignment may substitute for up to six (6) months of experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to craft clear and engaging content.
• Ability to synthesize diverse information and perspectives quickly and effectively.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and genuine interest in technology trends, especially those impacting higher education and social initiatives.
• Demonstrated thought leadership in digital marketing and communications, including familiarity with historical contexts and current best practices.
• Experience in scripting and producing content for videos tailored to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated knowledge of marketing principles and practices, focusing on strategic and digital marketing applications in the higher education sector.
• Experience in project management principles, concepts, and practices, ensuring timely and successful project completions.
• Experience in employing various communication and marketing methods and techniques to maximize impact.
• Experience in analytical skills in communication assessment, including editing, research, and summarization.
• Experience in using media technology and resources for communication purposes.
• Experience in creativity in design and communication styles, aiming to enhance audience engagement.
• Evidence of effective interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with faculty, staff, teams, and community stakeholders.
• Evidence in having flexibility and eagerness to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to enhance departmental and university-wide initiatives.
• Experience in modeling empathy, compassion and emotional intelligence.
• Experience hiring in a values-led organization, emphasizing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
• Experience in helping foster a safe psychological space for all teammates where everyone can thrive.
• Ability to stimulate changes in individual, institutional, and corporate behaviors to create a more sustainable environment.
• Experience in leading by example in communicating, participating and encouraging support of the institution’s sustainability programs.

Working Environment

• Regular duties may necessitate swiftly shifting priorities and adapting to rapidly changing requirements, which may involve resolving conflicts.
• Must have the ability to clearly communicate written and verbally, as well as perform essential job functions.
• Availability to travel and attend in-person ASU-sponsored events throughout the greater Phoenix area is required.
• A standard workweek is from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. MST; however, the role may require evenings and weekends to cover live events and stories.
• Hybrid work schedule, as allows.

Department Statement

Enterprise Technology embraces its role as both an enabler and catalyst for advancing the vision and work of the New American University. We are a values-driven organization. Our commitments are reflected in all the work we do in pursuit of operational excellence, the experience and delight of our community, and our strategic and innovative initiatives. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

Join the team that sparks human-centered innovation.

Enterprise Technology is a rapidly reconfigurable and entrepreneurial organization at ASU that prioritizes and executes to meet the needs of our community of learners, faculty, researchers and staff. Our work emphasizes autonomy, flexibility and distributed decision-making to leverage the strengths of individuals. Together, we embrace a culture that nurtures, engages and embraces diverse voices with a shared lens of positive community impact and expanded opportunities for collaboration.

Why join us?

Mission-oriented. Everything we do is to advance ASU’s charter -- measuring who we include and how they succeed. We are staunch champions of learner success and put people first.

Flexibility. Our hybrid work environment prioritizes personal autonomy and trust around how work gets done. Staff touch base in person a few times weekly with the freedom to decide how, when and where.

Culture forward. We embrace a Positive Core culture: Belonging, Relational, Authentic, Visionary and Empowered. The Enterprise Technology fabric weaves together diversity, equity, and inclusion, which are applied in daily work and interactions. 

Scale of impact. Our work changes the world. With 180k+ learners, faculty, researchers and staff, working with Enterprise Technology means you can improve many lives and entire communities.

World-class, low cost education. Our professional development is built in! Enterprise Technology encourages staff to seek additional certificates and degrees via ASU’s top-ranked programs, which offer major tuition breaks.

Exposure to industry giants.  Enterprise Technology partners with Amazon, Apple, Cox, Verizon, Salesforce, Alteryx and a diversity of technology companies to enhance our innovations and deepen their impact.

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/relocation-services.

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Fingerprint Check Statement

This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check.

Instructions to Apply

Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.

Please provide 3-5 writing samples of your best work.

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.

Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.

ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.

Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.

IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of “equivalent combination” in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelor’s degree is equal to four years of experience.

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