University of Washington is hiring: CONTENT SPECIALIST (DIGITAL) in Tacoma

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Job Location Detail: Hybrid Eligible: 4 days in office/1 day telework

Posting Date: 03/18/2025

Closing Info: Closes On 04/01/2025

Shift: First Shift

Benefits: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website.

The UW Tacoma Advancement team has an exciting opening for a Content Specialist. This is a full-time, permanent position.

Reporting to the Director of Communications, the Content Specialist plays a key role in creating and managing content that aligns with the strategic communications goals of the University of Washington Tacoma. The Content Specialist crafts high-quality, engaging materials across various platforms, including the University’s website, newsletters and social media channels. This role focuses on elevating the University's visibility and maintaining the integrity of UW Tacoma’s online presence while rapidly expanding its reach.

What You Will Do:

Content Creation (60%)

1. Develop compelling, accurate and written content that is on brand and supports UW Tacoma’s strategic communications goals, including student recruitment, donor engagement and community relations.
2. Create, edit and publish profile stories about students, faculty and alumni, as well as news briefs and press releases about campus events, faculty achievements and institutional developments.
3. Identify story opportunities by attending key events and collaborating with stakeholders, ensuring a range of voices and perspectives are reflected.
4. Coordinate with graphic designers, photographers and videographers to produce multimedia content that supports a cohesive and impactful brand narrative.
5. Manage and grow the news archive and distribute weekly media highlights to leadership.
6. Explore innovative ways to share content through podcasts, blogs, digital communications and social media channels.

Social Media and Newsletter Management (30%)

1. Design and implement campaigns to enhance the University’s visibility in local, regional and national media.
2. Serve as the primary manager of UW Tacoma’s social media platforms, including Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok, collaborating with the Digital Content Specialist on YouTube channel management.
3. Plan, draft and post social media content in alignment with institutional priorities and coordination with the Admissions and Events teams.
4. Provide regular analytics reports on content performance, utilizing data to refine strategies and increase engagement.
5. Work closely with student interns to create engaging social media content and ensure constant monitoring and responsiveness on social media platforms.
6. Assist the Marketing & Communications team in developing strategic email communications such as newsletters, event invitations and announcements, ensuring consistency with the University’s brand voice.

General Communication Support (10%)

1. Provide photography support at events when other resources are unavailable.
2. Oversee freelance writers, student writers and interns, ensuring editorial consistency and high-quality output.
3. Post news and feature content to the University website, ensuring timeliness and accuracy.
4. Maintain a content calendar and provide regular progress updates to the Director of Communications.
5. Serve as a backup on the Crisis Communications team, supporting urgent communications when necessary.

Other Duties as Assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, public relations or a related field with at least two years of experience in writing, editing or social media management.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

What You Bring:

1. Exceptional editorial skills with a demonstrated ability to create engaging, brand-aligned content for diverse audiences.
2. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal) and basic HTML.
3. Experience in digital photography, video production and working with design tools such as Photoshop.
4. Familiarity with content analytics tools and SEO best practices.
5. Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build productive relationships across campus and work effectively in a diverse team environment.
6. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
7. A desire for excellence and a growth mindset.

What You Can Expect:

1. Cubicle/open workspace environment that may result in higher noise levels and visual distractions.
2. Some evening and weekend hours are required, as necessary, on short or limited notice.

Application Process:

The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you log into your “My Jobs” page. If you choose to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington