Communications Specialist

The Communications Specialist is responsible for managing the Department’s internal and external communications and marketing in conjunction with UW Medicine’s Office of Communications and Marketing. Reporting to the Vice-Chair of Finance & Administration and under the direction of the Department Chair, this position collaborates closely with Departmental staff, faculty, and leadership to carry out the mission of the Department. Core responsibilities include written and digital content management, managing internal Department communications, and brand management. The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine is recognized nationally and internationally for its excellent programs with 16 annual one and two year rotating faculty positions, numerous joint and adjunct faculty in clinical care, teaching and research. The Department includes more than 50 full-time M.D. and research faculty, 27 residents, interns and fellows, 150 clinical faculty and 61 research and administrative staff. The Communications Specialist is a highly visible position within the Department, playing a key role in the Department’s strategic communications, marketing, and brand management. The person in this position must therefore have an in-depth understanding of the Department’s mission, goals, and stakeholders. The Communications Specialist works collaboratively with Department leadership, IT Staff, and UW Medicine’s Office of Communications and Marketing and must demonstrate exceptional communication skills. Position Responsibilities Content Management (50%) Produce original content for use across multiple channels, including the Departmental website, newsletters, annual report, and social media that provides a robust and compelling narrative around UW Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine. Collaboratively curate and edit content from Departmental and partner sources. Manage editorial calendar in partnership with multiple Departmental stakeholders. Coordinate upkeep of dynamic and static website content in conjunction with the Department’s Information Technology team. Support social media channels to increase awareness of Departmental activities, build partner relationships, engage key audiences, and integrate with the Departmental website. Research, write, and edit original content to communicate the Department’s activities and mission, for distribution via its website, newsletters, annual report, etc.; and Partner with the Vice Chair of Research and research coordinators to develop original content highlighting research activities across the Department. Partner with the clinical vice chairs to develop original content highlighting clinical research as well as clinical activities and initiatives across the Department. Internal Communications (20%) Own the production and coordination of weekly and monthly newsletters. Work collaboratively with the Chair’s Office and the Assistant to the Chair to support communications needs. Contribute to new hires and event announcements, as well as other cross-departmental communications. Assist with the development of executive leadership presentations and communications. Brand Management (15%) Maintain library of brand resources, including PowerPoint and Word templates, logos, and images. Assist in the development of departmental communication styles and standards while adhering to UW and UW Medicine standards. Maintain regular communication with UW, UW Medicine, and other marketing contacts to stay current on information and shared resources. Other (15%) Perform other related duties and manage special projects, as assigned, to support the mission and strategic initiatives of the Department. Minimum Requirements Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field. Two years of experience in marketing, communications, or a related field. Additional Requirements Superior writing and editing skills for a broad spectrum of communication channels. Excellent proofreading and editing abilities. Proficiency with social media, including Twitter (X) and LinkedIn. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain cooperative, effective, and professional working relationships. Ability to set priorities, take initiative, problem-solve, and handle multiple projects. Desire to support the Department’s mission of improving the health of its constituency. Equivalent experience can substitute for the degree requirement. Desired Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Teams, Google Cloud Services, and Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat) or ability and willingness to learn. Experience working in higher education or within a complex organization. Experience with basic graphic design work for print, web, and email. Familiarity with Google Analytics, SEO, html, and social media. Working Conditions This position is hybrid, requiring a minimum of 3 days per week on site. The person in this position may be required to work outside of regular business hours to attend events and meetings. Compensation, Benefits and Position Details Pay Range Minimum $66,000.00 annual Pay Range Maximum $85,008.00 annual Other Compensation - Benefits For information about benefits for this position, visit Shift First Shift (United States of America) Temporary or Regular? This is a regular position FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) 100.00% Union/Bargaining Unit Not Applicable Our Commitment 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 ( To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law ( University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. #J-18808-Ljbffr