Communications Manager

Job Description

The Department of Chemical Engineering (ChemE) has more than 26 faculty, 16 postdocs, and 14 staff. The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No.

81.

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER . This position requires polished writing skills, graphic design expertise, project management experience, adherence to the UW brand and message platform, and the ability to communicate with diverse audiences. This employee will produce editorial and marketing materials as well as provide strategic operational support to the Chair and Chemical Engineering Programs. To be successful in this role, the communications manager must develop a deep understanding of the department’s strategic objectives, research strengths, markets and competitive challenges, and be able to translate technical concepts into accessible and engaging narratives.

The Communications Manager reports to the Administrator.

• Identify, solicit, research, write and edit content to explain and promote the work of ChemE.

• Manage production of news and feature stories, print and e-newsletters, and other ChemE publications, including writing, editing and design.

• Ensure accuracy and quality of content. Research and acquire images, figures, photos, and illustrations.

• Manage editorial calendars, brand adherence, and use of style guides.

• Coordinate coverage and promotion with other campus units when applicable.

• Design related communications to highlight ChemE programs and research, and to cultivate donors and investors.

• Create publicity materials (flyers, digital graphics, email announcements, social media posts, calendar entries) for department events.

• Collect and evaluate data and analytics to measure impact and inform communications strategy and decision-making.

• Create, manage, and maintain content on the ChemE website.

• Responsible for ensuring accuracy, timeliness, usability, accessibility, tone and clarity.

• Serve as site administrator.

• Create and manipulate images for home page banners, news items, articles, infographics, etc.

• Use site analytics and insights to prioritize updates and improve functionality. Provide training to content contributors and offer technical and editorial feedback.

• Develop and implement the department’s social media strategy.

• Create and post content on department’s social media channels (Instagram, Linked In, Youtube)

• Create and manage distribution of marketing emails using the Marketo email platform.

• Manage the UI for the Benson lobby touch displays.

• Ensure content is accurate and up-to-date.

• Identify opportunities to improve functionality and to leverage the displays for brand promotion.

• Manage the department’s digital photography and video content.

• Take and edit photos — or arrange for professional services — for publications and events when appropriate.

• Develop and implement marketing and communications strategies and materials to support department recruitment and program promotions, including but not limited to flyers, one-sheets, emails and digital promotions.

• Working with department leadership, develop and implement communications strategies that increase awareness, strengthen the brand, advance the goals and raise the ranking of the UW ChemE department.

• Collaborate with the department faculty and staff, as well as professionals in the College of Engineering, to ensure consistent, coordinated communication of university, college and department messaging.

• Audiences include alumni, donors, industry partners and professionals, chemical engineers nationwide, prospective students and current university and department personnel.

• The individual in this position regularly collaborates with the Chair, staff, and advancement officers, and interacts directly with major donors, faculty,…