Communications Specialist
University of Houston-Downtown
Houston, TX 77002
$47,731 - $50,000 a year
Description
Communications Specialist
Description:
The Communications Specialist supports the department(s) by developing, publishing, and managing internal and external communications across digital and print platforms. The Communications Specialist ensures content accuracy and accessibility across platforms, maintains key communication channels including newsletters and web pages, and may lead or execute strategic communications campaigns as assigned. The Communications Specialist also provides essential administrative support to ensure smooth departmental operations.
DUTIES
- Oversees departmental communication projects intended for publication in various formats.
- Regularly writes, edits, and publishes internal and external-facing communications and documents on behalf of the department in accordance with style and accessibility guidelines, and supports executive communications as assigned.
- Collaborates with colleagues to design and execute communications campaigns to raise awareness of and foster engagement with programming, employee benefits, development opportunities, University and system policies, and more.
- Designs, writes content for, publishes, and continuously improves HR's monthly digital newsletter.
- Manages updates to the content, design, and structure of the department's external- and internal-facing webpages and other digital content, ensuring accuracy of content, timeliness of delivery, and compliance with style and accessibility guidelines.
- Regularly maintains, analyzes, and distributes accurate communications-related reports to internal partners, including senior leaders and executives.
- Oversees administrative operations including, but not limited to, front desk operations, coordinating office supply purchases, overseeing calendar maintenance and room booking, overseeing shared email inboxes, submitting and tracking work orders, securing quotes from vendors, organizing catering, etc.
MARGINAL DUTIES
- Perform additional duties as required by the specific needs of the department
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Direct Reports:
- Supervises part-time employees
Delegation of Work:
- Assigns work to subordinate(s)
Supervision Given:
- Supervises the work of student workers
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education:
- Bachelor's degree
- Experience will be considered in lieu of education
Required Experience:
- Minimum of two (2) years of related job experience
- Experience designing and executing communications campaigns that support strategic initiatives
License/Certification:
- None
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Human Resources, or a related field
- Direct experience in communications, content creation, or digital media, preferably in a higher education, nonprofit, or corporate environment
Knowledge:
- Proficiency in digital publishing tools and platforms such as OMNI CMS, SharePoint, Canvas, and survey/form tools like Qualtrics and Microsoft Forms
- Familiarity with style guides (e.g., AP, Chicago) and accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG)
Skills:
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in reporting and content management
Abilities:
- Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including executives, HR professionals, and external partners
- Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a university community
- Ability comfortable with administrative tasks and operational support, including calendar coordination, front desk oversight, and vendor communications
WORK LOCATION AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Primary Work Location:
- Works in an office environment
Physical Demands:
- Work is performed in a typical, comfortable interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any
unpleasant elements - Individual has discretion in relation to walking, standing etc., and has minimal exposure to physical
risks
All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.
The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.