The role of a communications specialist in Research Affairs is crucial to supporting the research priorities for the IU School of Medicine.
Department-Specific Responsibilities
Creates and curates content for the various communication channels and needs of Research Affairs. Examples include newsletters, events and programs mailings and materials, the web page, and reports. Ensures that all content is accurate, engaging, and aligns with the school's research priorities.
Manages the Research Affairs web site. This includes managing the process for regular content reviews and updates and making regular edits as well as maintaining accurate and up-to-date information, creating visually appealing layouts within the design framework, and optimizing content to meet the needs of the target audience.
Promotes events, programs, and services organized by the office. This involves designing visually appealing and informative event materials to attract attendees and ensure successful event communication.
Designs and creates visually compelling materials that adhere to the university and school branding guidelines. This includes designing templates for regular use and special materials for conferences and presentations, and reports.
Customizes communications to include language and messaging aligning with needs and interests of target audience.
Works closely with other team members and collaborators in planning and implementing communication and messaging connected to the Research Affairs team's activities.
Supports ongoing/new projects, provides back- up for team members, and completes other duties as assigned.
Stays up to date with communication trends, best practices, and emerging technologies.
General Responsibilities
Independently creates basic and complex communications for print and e-distribution on behalf of department or functional area within department and in support of departmental goals and objectives; communications may be interdepartmental; staff, faculty, or student-focused; or external.
Responds to inquiries and requests and explains policies, procedures, and context of communications.
Manages relationships with various internal and external stakeholders and creates communications coverage for relevant initiatives, events, and programs.
Prepares communications timelines and shares progress of communications toward relevant deadlines with manager, team members, and other relevant constituents.
Regularly monitors relevant social media and news sites; researches relevant subject matter to increase knowledge in area(s) of specialty.
Utilizes various communications software programs and delivers communications in multiple formats to a variety of audiences.
May provide guidance to lower-level Communications Generalists.
Qualifications
Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.
EDUCATION
Required
Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English, public relations, or related field.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Required
2 years in relevant field.
SKILLS
Required
Proficient communication skills.
Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
Demonstrated time management and priority setting skills.
Demonstrates a high commitment to quality.
Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty.
Highly thorough and dependable.
Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure.
Preferred
Seeks to improve communication strategies and enhance the effectiveness of communication channels.
Possesses a keen eye for detail to avoid errors or misinformation. Precision and accuracy are crucial in communication materials.
Ability to handle multiple communication tasks and projects simultaneously, often with tight deadlines.
Demonstrates effective time management and prioritization skills to ensure timely delivery of high-quality communication materials.
Possesses a clear understanding of the overall research priorities.
Ability to align their communication efforts with the broader mission of advancing research and innovation.
Possesses a deep understanding of the target audience.
Working Conditions / Demands
This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and to operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work as well as periods of time moving around an office environment and the campus. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.
Work Location
Indianapolis, Indiana
Benefits Overview
For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:
Multiple plan options for medical insurance
Dental insurance
Health Savings Account with generous IU contribution
Life insurance, LTD, and AD&D options
Base retirement plan contribution from IU, subject to vesting
Additional supplemental retirement plan options
Tuition benefit for IU classes
10 paid holidays per year
Generous Paid Time Off
Paid Parental Leave
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Learn more about our benefits by reviewing our online Benefits Brochure.
Job Classification
Career Level: Career
FLSA: Exempt
Job Function: Marketing & Communications
Job Family: Communications Generalist
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Posting Disclaimer
This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.
If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual qualifications. Indiana University prohibits discrimination based on age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status. Indiana University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admission, as required by Title IX. Questions or complaints regarding Title IX may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights or the university Title IX Coordinator. See Indiana University's Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.
Campus Safety and Security
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online. You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at iups@iu.edu or by visiting IUPD.
