"Communications Specialist"

Communications Specialist

Company:
The University of Arizona

Job Location:
Tucson, 85724

Category:
Communications, Marketing, and Public Affairs

Type:
Full-Time

Posting Number: req25030

Department: Communications

Location: Main Campus

Address: Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The Communications Specialist supports the development and implementation of effective and compelling internal communications for the University of Arizona, with a strong emphasis on writing, story development and content creation. Reporting to the Director, Internal Communications, this position is responsible for researching, developing, writing, editing and publishing content that informs university employees about institutional priorities, initiatives, events, announcements and news.

This role plays a key support function for central internal communications channels and publications, including Lo Que Pasa, the University Calendar and UAnnounce. The Communications Specialist supports the execution of internal communications plans within established strategies, processes and guidelines and works closely with campus partners to help guide them to appropriate internal communications approaches, channels and content formats.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

Content Creation and Writing:

• Research, develop story ideas, write, and edit stories, announcements, and related content for internal communications platforms, including Lo Que Pasa and other employee-facing publications.
• Conduct interviews with faculty, staff, and campus partners to support the development of clear, engaging, and audience-focused internal stories.
• Edit content submitted by campus partners for clarity, accuracy, tone and adherence to university style, messaging and accessibility standards.
• Ensure written content aligns with institutional voice and supports effective communication with university employees.

Channels Support:

• Build, format, and distribute Lo Que Pasa and other internal email communications as needed, in accordance with established editorial calendars and workflows.
• Review, edit and post announcements to UAnnounce; compile, format and publish the weekly UAnnounce digest.
• Process, edit and publish events submitted to the University Calendar in alignment with established guidelines and criteria.
• Maintain accuracy, consistency and timeliness across internal communications channels and publications.

Communications Coordination and Planning Support:

• Receive, review, and coordinate requests for internal communications support from campus units and partners.
• Provide guidance to campus partners on appropriate internal communications approaches, including recommended channels, timelines, and content formats, consistent with established internal communications strategies and guidelines.
• Coordinate planning, scheduling and distribution of internal communications using project management tools.
• Follow established content review and approval processes in coordination with campus partners.
• Assist with measuring and evaluating the effectiveness of internal communications efforts.

Collaborative Activities:

• Serve as a point of contact for campus partners seeking guidance on internal communications, helping connect them to appropriate channels, content types and workflows.
• Build relationships and collaborate with colleagues across Marketing and Communications to support internal communications needs and align messaging with institutional priorities.
• Monitor basic engagement metrics and share insights with team leaders to support continuous improvement.
• Stay informed on internal communications best practices and emerging tools to support evolving team needs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and accessibility.
• Ability to work professionally in a collaborative environment and effectively interact with individuals at all levels.
• Ability to learn and work effectively within established workflows, processes and guidelines.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations or a related field.
• Experience with internal or employee-facing communications.
• Experience working in higher education or a large, complex organization.
• Experience with email marketing tools, event calendars or content management systems.

FLSA: Exempt

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40

Job FTE: 1.0

Work Calendar: Fiscal

Job Category: Communication and Marketing

Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay: $59,404 - $74,254

Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade 8

Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

Career Stream and Level PC2

Job Family Communications

Job Function Communications & Marketing

Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies: 1

Contact Information for Candidates
Andy Ober | andyober@arizona.edu

Open Until Filled: Yes

Documents Needed to Apply: Resume, Cover Letter, and One Additional Document

Special Instructions to Applicant
Please upload a writing sample under "Additional Document" as part of your application.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.