Communications Associate

Job Details

Communications Associate

Department: CAS School of Computer & Data Sciences

Classification: Public Info Representative 1

Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing

Salary: $22.84 - $34.70 per hour

FTE: 0.5

Review of Applications Begins: May 20, 2026; Open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants: Complete applications should include: 1. A current resume/CV. 2. Three (3) professional references with contact information.

Department Summary

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is the intellectual hub of the University of Oregon, serving nearly two-thirds of all students. Home to more than 800 faculty across 50+ departments and programs in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, CAS is a dynamic and interdisciplinary academic community. Our faculty and advisors work closely with students to develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and clear communication skills to address real-world challenges. CAS staff and managers are integral to this work, playing vital roles in supporting academic excellence and advancing the mission of both the College and the University.

The newly formed School of Computer and Data Sciences (SCDS) brings together and focuses the University of Oregon's substantial and diverse research expertise to solve next generation computational and data-driven challenges, with impact to society, the human experience, and the world. SCDS trains citizen-students to innovate and interact with data-driven computational tools and to situate computational use to ensure a benefit to all. SCDS comprises 34 faculty, 800 undergraduate majors, 70 graduate and doctoral students and its courses annually reach over 1000 students university wide. SCDS is positioned in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and works with the college and university to accomplish shared goals.

Position Summary

The School of Computer & Data Sciences (SCDS) Communications Associate represents SCDS on multiple public-facing platforms and will provide a wide range of services and support for SCDS. The Associate creates, identifies, writes, edits, and publishes content to promote public awareness of SCDS, its departments, and programs, in alignment with the school's strategic goals.

In addition to content creation, the Communications Associate creates, implements, and tracks the performance of content for multiple varied mediums to meet the goals of the school's strategic communications plan through unified messaging. This position also creates and manages the SCDS photo and video repository and brand library, overseeing the creation of new visual assets and ensuring that faculty, staff, and members of the media have access to them. This position collaborates with members of the CAS communications team to coordinate web-based social media material with other marketing efforts, and identify areas of strategic opportunity for content creation and external communications. This position will require building a solid knowledge of the University of Oregon graphic/grammar/branding style standards, as well as exercising independent judgment. In conjunction with SCDS leadership and College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) Communications, the position makes decisions that will impact public perception of SCDS.

The position will report to the Senior Director of CAS Communications and work in close collaboration with the SCDS Executive Director and other members of SCDS. The Associate will be an extension of the CAS Comms Team, which will provide guidance, comms developmental support and resources (cameras, WRIKE, software, etc.) for the position.

Minimum Requirements

• Three (3) years' experience in gathering information, writing/producing materials, presenting information to the public and public relations. One (1) year of this experience must have included responsibility for the press releases and interaction with the news media.
• A bachelor's degree in journalism, communication or closely related field may substitute for up to two years of general experience.

Professional Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in writing and design.
• Familiarity with social media best practices and trends across platforms.
• Ability to assimilate complex, technical information and write or create content for a variety of audiences and channels.
• Ability to think strategically to position important stories and content.
• Ability to represent SCDS in a consistently courteous, knowledgeable, and appropriate manner.
• Ability to select, acquire, and manage content, including shooting and editing photos for use online.
• Ability to work with faculty, staff, and students from diverse backgrounds in an inclusive, welcoming environment; ability to effectively interact with senior management and be part of a matrixed team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with higher education marketing and/or development writing.
• Experience communicating about technology and/or scientific research.
• Experience with project management and communications and editing workflows.
• Knowledge of Internet and social media technologies, as well as print, web, and other media accessibility requirements.
• Experience with Drupal and Word Press ideal.
• Experience with photography and videography including basic editing and production.
• Experience with graphic design programs such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.