Syracuse University is hiring: Senior Content Specialist in City of Syracuse

Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.

Staff Level: S4

FLSA Status: Exempt

Hours:
Standard University business hours:
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs to include evening and/or weekend assignments.

Job Type: Full-time

Campus: Not Applicable

Job Description:
The senior content specialist will work, as part of the Division of Communications, to conceptualize, develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies that prioritize the campus community audience. They will report to the director of internal communications and will work to provide students, faculty and staff more visibility to the University’s initiatives, progress against goals and engagement opportunities. They will work to better educate and inform internal and external stakeholders and foster a sense of camaraderie and pride among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and prospective students and families. They must be an effective communicator with excellent writing skills and a strong collaborator. The senior content specialist is expected to produce high-volume, high-quality content akin to a newsroom writer/producer. They will be especially savvy with content creation, including in support of the University’s app, SU News, SU Today and other priority digital communication platforms. This individual will also play a key role in contributing to the SU News social media channels to facilitate increased engagement.

Education and Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations or marketing.
• Candidate should have four (4) plus years of experience working in a strategic communications environment with a focus on content creation and digital communications tools/platforms.
• Experience with email communications systems, content management systems, social media channels and management systems, and other technologies designed to support communications strategies.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, excellent strategic communications capabilities and a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with leadership, supervisors and colleagues.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word and PowerPoint.
• Calm under pressure. Can manage stressful situations in a solution-oriented way with a positive attitude. Comfortable working irregular hours.
• Must also have the ability to oversee and execute multiple projects simultaneously while working effectively under the pressure of last-minute deadlines and changing priorities.
• Is proactive and takes initiative.
• Functions effectively, both independently and as a member of a team, with a willingness to assist with routine and last-minute projects.
• Must be outcome driven, resourceful and committed to collaboration.
• Higher education experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities:

• Write and edit critical digital communications materials, such as news stories; Q&As; email communications; key messages; web content; digital signage; and other essential documents.
• Work in the SU News website platform, WordPress, to edit and post content and refresh the homepage.
• Work closely with colleagues, business units and other teams to ensure effective prioritization and planning annually of key initiatives that require strategic communications.
• Ensure resources are in place to partner with other units to build communications plans that help them advance their strategic priorities.
• Assist in managing, monitoring and creating content for SU News social media channels to amplify priority messaging, original team content and content from campus communicators.
• Edit, set up and send various University wide and partner units’ email communications, including urgent messaging, to the University’s various audiences, including students, faculty, staff and parents/families, using the email creation platform, Email Generator, and the send platform, Maestro.
• Provide support to the communications leaders and senior leaders in various departments, including the provost’s office, Human Resources, Student Experience and other administrative units.

Application Instructions:
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.

About Syracuse University:
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

EEO Statement:
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity, affirmative-action institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law.