Communications Specialist

Specialist/Communications

K-State Student Union

Status: Full time; Non-exempt            
Work schedule: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.          
Supervisory responsibility: Yes (students only)    

SUMMARY OF POSITION

Responsible for executing the promotion of initiatives, activities, and events to increase the visibility of initiatives and accomplishments of the Union, in support of its mission.

KEY FUNCTIONS

Communications - Specific

35%: Maintain favorable public image for the Union and keep the general public informed of Union objectives, accomplishments and activities. Determine content topics and distribution strategies, and coordinate with others to obtain information, write, edit, and design content, with direction from the department head. Apply inclusive excellence strategies in marketing and communications deliverables.  Collaborate with the department head to develop and execute an inclusive, strategic, thorough, and effective communication plan. Utilize appropriate communication, promotion, and marketing techniques to achieve strategic goals. Maintain an annual schedule of events and opportunities to provide communication and marketing support. Research communication trends to include identifying and evaluating product characteristics, market share pricing, etc. Manage project deadlines effectively. Evaluate products, programs, and services based on stakeholder feedback and other relevant metrics. Produce materials for video streaming, advertisements, promotions, public announcements, and special projects. Manage, monitor, and execute digital communications regularly on behalf of the Union and affiliate stakeholders regarding objectives, accomplishments, and activities. Develop content for publication and broadcast media. Proofread/edit communication materials, presentations, speeches, et al. as assigned by the department head. Develop and maintain professional contacts with the university, area media outlets, vendors, consultants, Union staff, and other stakeholders in support of the Union’s mission.

Social Media - Specific

30%: Develop and maintain an appropriate and favorable social media presence for the Union and Union Program Council (UPC) accounts. Monitor performance usage reports and track search-engine results. Maintain social media management software. Keep stakeholders informed of the Union’s initiatives, activities, and accomplishments. Monitor social media groups, trends, tools, and applications and recommend actions/next steps. Shoot photography and video content.

Website - Specific

25%: Execute website content-related goals and objectives utilizing analytics and website functionality. Update website content, news/blog entries, and graphic creation on a daily basis. Implement and maintain effective website navigation. Make recommendations to the department head based on data analytics. Produce high quality audio and video productions, streaming video, and prerecorded materials.

Departmental Operations

10%: Hire, train, manage, and evaluate student position(s). Manage employee work schedules based on departmental need and in alignment with budget. Anticipate changing priorities and special projects; schedule/adjust employee workloads as necessary. Serve on both internal and external committees. Perform other duties as assigned and instructed.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education – Minimum

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and one or more years of demonstrated experience; or 
• Master’s degree from an accredited institution and six months of demonstrated experience.

Education – Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution specific to marketing, journalism, English, or related field. 
• Master’s degree from an accredited institution.

Experience – Minimum Demonstrated

• Professional marketing, public relations, communication, promotion, and/or advertising experience;
• Social media platform knowledge and skills, to include trends and immerging social, and promotional skills;
• Proficiency with Apple computer systems, Adobe Creative Suites, and video-editing software;
• Website content management tools experience and minor web coding systems; 
• Understanding of current AP writing style and design content;
• Proofreading experience. 

Experience – Preferred Demonstrated

• One or more years of supervisory experience. 
• One or more years of demonstrated work experience in a university and/or student union environment. 
• Two or more years of demonstrated experience developing and implementing communications and/or marketing strategies and plans. 
• Two or more years of evidence of strong technology skills in internet media sources. 
• Two or more years of demonstrated project management software experience. 
• Two or more years of demonstrated understanding of website and social media design. 
• Two or more years of demonstrated video-editing experience. 

Skills and Abilities 

Work in a general office environment. Remain seated/standing 75% of shift. Dexterity/movement to operate computer, camera, and other varying office equipment. Hearing for average or normal conversations and to receive information. Sight to view computer, documents, and general office equipment. Verbal and written communication to present, convey and exchange information and ideas accurately and quickly.  Move, transport and position equipment weighing up to 20 pounds. There are no significantly unpleasant physical conditions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the key functions of this position.