Strategic Communications Specialist (Hybrid)

The University of Connecticut is a top-ranked national university and health-system with its flagship campus located in idyllic Storrs. Designated a Carnegie Research 1 institution, UConn is the state land- and sea-grant university focused on education, research, and service to the state of Connecticut and beyond. The University serves over 33,000 students across seven campuses, 8,550 first-in-family students, and boasts numerous national championships. UConn Health is a top-ranked health provider that delivers groundbreaking medical education, research, and hospital and clinical services to over one million patients each year. In addition, UConn has nearly 300 scientists who are in the top 2 percent of researchers investigating everything from cancer to AI.

UConn continues its meteoric rise as New England's top public University with a record number of applications, continued investment in student success, health, and wellness, recruitment of top faculty, innovation in research, and top-tier athletic programs that also focus on the health and financial literacy of student-athletes. This includes the men's and women's basketball teams, which have brought home three consecutive NCAA National Championship trophies in the last three years. UConn is proud to have 26 national championships across all sports.

Guided by a new strategic plan and the public launch of its most ambitious campaign in history, Because of UConn The Campaign for UConn Nation, UConn is moving boldly into the future. The $1.5B comprehensive campaign spans all schools, colleges, campuses and UConn Health. The Campaign focuses on four pillars that will drive UConn, the state of Connecticut and the world forward. The Campaign pillars support UConn's 10-year Strategic Plan, designed to make education more affordable and a UConn degree more valuable by elevating UConn among its national peers.

• Students First: making transformative investments in financial aid, student health, career readiness, and life skills to improve time-to-degree and career outcomes.
• Academic & Innovation Excellence: driving investment in top faculty and graduate fellows and building the innovation ecosystem of the state and beyond.
• Health & Wellness of People & Planet: focusing on patient care, medical research, and development of life-changing technologies that improve healthcare outcomes.
• Husky Pride: investing in athletic excellence and supporting a thriving UConn Nation that includes more than 290,000 alumni worldwide.

Because of UConn will have a profound impact on the University. It will double the number of named scholarships, fund scientific breakthroughs and advanced lifesaving therapies, and engage UConn Nation in the life and mission of the University like never before.

We seek the top talent in the country to join Husky Nation and help us drive our mission and UConn into the future. We are committed to a caring and supportive work culture, professional and leadership development, and flexibility for high achievers with a passion for higher education.

We're looking for dedicated professionals to drive success and excellence and exemplify our values of integrity, empathy, kindness, accountability, collaboration, transparency, and a commitment to embracing the differences that make us stronger together.

The UConn Foundation is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. We celebrate different perspectives and are committed to a welcoming environment that will value your unique experiences and identity. As an organization, we strive for continued growth each and every day.

POSITION SUMMARY

In this Strategic Communications Specialist role, you will be responsible for creating internal and external communications that align with the foundation's mission of fundraising and engagement. You will also serve as an additional point of contact for all media questions and requests.

In this role, you will:

• Write, edit, and manage the production of written communications, in support of the fundraising and alumni relations communication plans. Deliverables may include, but are not limited to: annual reports, alumni and donor stories, web copy, newsletters, and other informational pieces as needed. Recommend messages, themes, story ideas, etc. Write and edit copy. Coordinate photography, design, etc. within authority levels.
• Writing assignments may include but are not limited to - alumni and donor stories, solicitation and engagement materials such as direct marketing and on-line solicitations, fundraising proposals and events support including talking points and related materials.
• Assignments may also include copy for donor recognition materials; and development and alumni related articles for University publications, e.g., UConn Magazine and UConn Today.
• Draft, edit, and distribute internal newsletters, announcements, and other content to keep employees informed and engaged. Repurpose external stories for internal use.
• Develop FAQs and talking points to support leadership in communicating with employees effectively.
• Monitor the effectiveness of internal communications and gather feedback to improve content and delivery methods.
• Develop and implement a crisis communication plan for the foundation working alongside the University Communications team. Monitor media coverage and maintain key media contacts.
• In partnership with Creative Content & Communication team leader, provide guidance, writing and editorial support to CEO, Chief of Staff, and other Senior Cabinet members as needed for special engagements or meetings.
• Work collaboratively with writing team. Work in partnership with Senior Multimedia Producer to craft interview questions for on-location shoots.
• Contribute creatively to further achieving the goals of the Because of UConn Campaign.
• Other duties as assigned.

Leadership

Provide visible leadership across the entire organization by engaging in organization-wide activities such as department meetings, all-staff meetings, and staff events.

To be successful in the role, you should:

• Be a champion for inclusive priorities both internally and externally.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrate a proven ability to write persuasive, inspirational features, and solicitations.
• Demonstrate a track record of developing strong concepts that inform the copy and design.
• Demonstrate strong copy-editing and proofreading skills.
• Demonstrate project management and collaboration skills and brings a positive, team-oriented attitude to every assignment.
• Be comfortable working in an environment where dashboards are used to measure overall performance and make data-informed decisions.
• Demonstrate competence in Microsoft Office suite, Adobe Creative Suite, digital asset management systems (DAM, i.e., Libris), and program management software (i.e., Basecamp).
• Be able to work to the demands of the position, which may exceed a 40-hour work week.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in liberal arts, communication sciences, journalism, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5 + years' experience in public relations, marketing, business communications, journalism, or a related field.
• Desktop publishing experience and knowledge of the role of the internet and other electronic media for marketing communications.
• Writing samples are required. Please submit with your application.

Salary:

The expected salary for this position is $72,000+. It will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also placing an emphasis on internal equity.

Benefits:

Benefits start from day one. We offer medical, dental, and vision plans and will make an annual contribution to your health savings account if enrolled in one of the high-deductible health plans offered by the Foundation.

In addition, there are a few other perks to being a UConn Foundation employee:

• We offer a generous contribution to your 403(b)-retirement plan to help you plan for retirement.
• We place an emphasis on work/life balance. In addition to a hybrid schedule, you will receive thirteen paid holidays, five weeks of paid time off per calendar year, and additional sick time.
• We invest in your professional development. Aside from opportunities to participate in various trainings, committees, and conferences throughout the year, you will also be eligible for tuition reimbursement after one year of employment.

Please inform a Human Resources Representative if you need any assistance completing any forms or participating in any part of the application process due to a disability.