Digital Communications Specialist (Map & Wayfinding Solutions)

Position Information

Position Title: Digital Communications Specialist (Map & Wayfinding Solutions)
Department: Office of University Communications
Posting Link: https://www.ubjobs.buffalo.edu/postings/60978
Job Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

Navigating a large university should feel seamless, informative, and welcoming-and at the University at Buffalo (UB), were reimagining that experience. If you are a digital communications professional who thrives at the intersection of content, user experience, and technology, UB has an exciting opportunity for you as the Digital Communications Specialist (Map & Wayfinding Solutions) in the Division of University Communications (UC). In this newly created role, youll help shape and steward UBs next-generation enterprise map and wayfinding platform-an essential digital experience that connects people to places, enhances accessibility, and brings our campuses to life. Join New Yorks flagship and one of the nations leading public research universities to help build a more connected, navigable, and inclusive UB.

Position Overview

University Communications provides strategic leadership for UBs communications and marketing, including news media relations, brand management, creative design, and digital strategy. Within this framework, the Digital Communications Specialist (Map & Wayfinding Solutions) will lead content coordination and governance for UBs enterprise digital map and wayfinding product.

This position ensures that map content is accurate, accessible, on-brand, and audience-centered. The incumbent will manage coordination with Facilities and UBIT, as well as with units responsible for specific data layers (e.g., parking, dining, accessibility routes, points of interest). Working collaboratively with a cross-divisional stakeholder committee, the specialist will help align product evolution-such as feature prioritization and data layer expansion-with institutional priorities and user needs.

The role involves developing documentation, workflows, and standards that empower decentralized data contributors while maintaining institutional consistency. The position requires exceptional communication and project coordination skills, a strong understanding of digital content management, and the ability to work effectively across a complex, collaborative enterprise environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Serving as the day-to-day business owner of the map and wayfinding platform.
• Leading content management, contributor training, and cross-divisional coordination.
• Co-developing the product roadmap in partnership with Facilities and UBIT.
• Chairing (or co-chairing) the enterprise map governance committee.
• Ensuring the map platform evolves to meet user expectations and institutional standards for accessibility, inclusivity, and brand integrity.
• Supporting UC digital products, content initiatives, and process improvements, as needed.

Outstanding Benefits Package

Working at UB comes with benefits that exceed salary alone. There are personal rewards including comprehensive health and retirement plan options, and an option for a hybrid work modality. We focus on creating and sustaining a healthy mix of work, personal and academic pursuit-all in an effort to support your work-life effectiveness. Visit our benefits website to learn about our benefit packages.

About the University at Buffalo

The University at Buffalo (UB) is one of Americas leading public research universities and a flagship of the State University of New York system, recognized for our excellence and our impact. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), UBs research, creative activity and people positively impact the world. Like the city in which it resides, UB is distinguished by a culture of purposeful ambition, radical empathy, bold participation and a global perspective. Visit our website to learn more about the University at Buffalo.

About University Communications

Under the Vice President for Communications, the Division of University Communications (UC) is responsible for providing strategic leadership for institutional communications initiatives and practices, including internal communications, issues management, marketing and branding, trademarks and licensing, visual and editorial storytelling, crisis communications, and media relations for the University at Buffalo. UC is highly visible, and its communications products are the public face of the university for many audiences. University Communications activities are closely aligned with the strategic priorities and mission of the university and are focused on five primary objectives:

1. Strengthen and amplify UBs global reputation as one of the nations leading public research universities, increasing awareness and understanding of that distinction among key audiences.
2. Build pride, affinity, and engagement within the university community in support of UBs leadership priorities.
3. Protect and safeguard UBs reputation and operational continuity through proactive issues management and effective crisis communications.
4. Increase awareness and consideration among prospective students and families by positioning UB as an exceptional choice for talented students seeking opportunity at a leading public research university.
5. Promote a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive university culture and environment.

UC strives to integrate and align communications vehicles and associated disciplines, and provide strategic direction and best-practice counsel for communicators across the university, calling for a continual need to improve efficiency and effectiveness within the organization and across institutional channels.

*The University at Buffalo is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and, in keeping with our commitment, welcomes all to apply including veterans and individuals with disabilities.*

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Bachelors degree two (2) years of progressively responsible full-time work experience as a professional communicator with experience in digital communications, project coordination, or content management, OR an equivalent combination of education and professional experience will be considered.

Experience:

• Working knowledge of, and real-world experience with, planning, managing and executing digital communications initiatives.
• Proven ability to coordinate complex, multi-stakeholder digital initiatives across departments or organizational units.
• Demonstrated advanced oral and written communications skills, with exceptional attention to detail.
• Superior organizational and documentation skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Demonstrated professional experience must include:
  • Creative problem solving that can scale to enterprise services
  • Strong interpersonal skills, being able to effectively engage and collaborate with team members of all levels and across departments and disciplines
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and tight deadlines in a time-sensitive environment
  • Being a resourceful, self-learner with exceptional attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Leadership experience in higher education.
• Working familiarity with data visualization and/or mapping platforms (e.g., ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Experience Builder, Google Maps, etc.)
• Experience developing governance frameworks, training materials, content standards, and/or digital accessibility practices.
• Demonstrated commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and brand integrity in digital communications.
• Familiarity with UX principles, information architecture, and brand governance.

Salary Range

$65,000 - $70,000

Special Instructions Summary

Submit a work sample (maximum 2 pages, PDF format) of a digital communications project you planned and executed that demonstrates your ability to coordinate work across teams, manage project details, and guide a digital initiative from concept through completion.

Please include the following in your work sample:

• Project Overview: Briefly describe the projects purpose, your role, and the key stakeholders or units involved.
• Project Plan & Approach: Outline how you planned and organized the work. Describe processes and digital tools you used to collaborate with contributors, maintain consistency, manage details, or support a smooth workflow.
• Outcomes and Metrics: Share the projects results, such as improvements to user experience, clarity, efficiency, or team coordination. Include quantifiable data or metrics that demonstrate the projects impact.
• Challenges and Solutions: Identify challenges you encountered and how you addressed them. Include key takeaways and/or learnings.
• [Optional] Communication sample(s): You may include up to five screenshots, visuals, or links that help illustrate the project or its outcomes. These should be provided as an Appendix and will not count against the 2-page limit.

Formatting Requirements:
+ Maximum 2 pages (not including optional Appendix of screenshots/visuals)
+ Saved as a PDF document