Communications Specialist-LTE

Communications Specialist

The Communications Specialist is responsible for the clarity, timing and impact of all student-facing communication. A primary focus of this position is the continuous audit and optimization of current student communications to ensure they meet the evolving needs of the College and the student body. By partnering with key departments, this position eliminates "information silos" and translates complex institutional bureaucracy into empathetic, actionable guidance. Guided by institutional priorities for equality, student success and completion, this role ensures that critical milestones, deadlines and available supports to students are communicated clearly and consistently across all available platforms.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities (include, but not limited to)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This position description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of the job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated on this description.

1. Systematically audit all existing student-facing touchpoints, including emails, web content, and portal messaging, to identify friction points and implement improvements.
2. Create and execute a comprehensive "onboarding" communication roadmap that guides admitted students through the transition to campus life, specifically aimed at increasing yield.
3. Partner with departments to map their independent messaging schedules into a unified "Master Communications Calendar" that prevents message fatigue and ensures students receive the right information at the right time.
4. Develop and refine targeted communication campaigns for current students focused on academic milestones, registration deadlines and campus resources to improve year-over-year retention.
5. Regularly gather and analyze student feedback via surveys or focus groups to ensure communication addresses the real-world anxieties and hurdles of the current student body, and use those insights to continuously refine messaging, channels and strategies.
6. Design and implement "nudge" strategies (SMS, portal alerts and email) that use behavioral science principles to encourage students to complete critical administrative tasks like FAFSA renewal or registration.
7. Act as a "translator" for complex institutional processes, such as Financial Aid, converting dense bureaucratic jargon into clear, empathetic and actionable content for students and families.
8. Serve as an editor for departmental communications to ensure absolute accuracy, adherence to AP Style and a consistent institutional brand voice.
9. Establish and monitor KPIs for communication effectiveness (e.g., engagement rates, sentiment analysis) and provide regular reports to leadership with recommendations for iterative improvement.
10. Evaluate and adopt emerging communication platforms and digital trends to ensure the College reaches students where they are most active, transitioning static content into interactive or mobile-first formats that drive higher engagement.

Minimum Qualifications

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent writing, editing, grammar and English language skills to deliver high quality content.
• Familiarity and adherence to Associated Press style.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and verbal communication skills working with all levels of internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to create strategy and/or writing for internal and external audiences.
• Ability to manage highly confidential and sensitive information.
• Strong project management and organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to complete projects.
• Demonstrated problem solving and analytical skills.
• Experience using data to assess communication effectiveness and inform continuous improvement.

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Digital Media or related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in marketing or communications.
• Project management experience preferred.
• Experience working in higher education or student services environment is preferred.

Supplemental Information

This position is a limited term employment (LTE) and is grant funded through June 30, 2027. Typical hours will be Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. All applicants must submit a completed application along with a current resume and cover letter. Interviews Selected candidates will be invited to participate in an in-person interview; date to be determined. WCTC offers a wide range of outstanding benefits. Benefits include, but not limited to: competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, long-term disability, supplemental life, flex spending accounts, and much more, generous time off and holiday schedule, eligibility in the Wisconsin Retirement System (ETF), opportunities for professional growth and development (including tuition reimbursement, tuition waiver), well-being activities to support personal and professional well-being, collaborative and supportive team environment. Internal team members are encouraged to grow their careers at WCTC! To be eligible to apply for a new role, employees must be in their current position for at least six (6) months. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain that authorization through employment. Verification of employment eligibility will be required upon hire. WCTC does not provide employment-based visa sponsorship.