Communications Specialist- DNI

The communication specialist works with the leadership team to develop, plan, and implement marketing and communication initiatives for internal and external stakeholders. Communication efforts include the development of platforms and strategies to help strengthen networks among targeted groups. The communication specialist will create content and implement messaging and branding strategies for diverse audiences using multiple delivery modes, including web-based and electronic delivery modes and social media. They oversee website architecture, design, and information organization, including all phases of website building, from design to post-production. They will also oversee graphic design and branding design for the unit. The communication specialist has the ability to manage communication projects in a collaborative team environment.

This communication specialist position will support two relatively new entities:

Diana Natalicio Institute for Hispanic Student Success

The Diana Natalicio Institute for Hispanic Student Success was founded in 2021 to serve as a national resource that leads knowledge creation and partnerships to advance equitable postsecondary opportunity structures and systems. To enact this vision, the Institute (1) generates and disseminates research to strengthen institutional capacity for student success, (2) develops faculty, staff, and administrative leaders who are poised to transform higher education to become more culturally responsive to diverse communities, and (3) influences policies and programs that support Hispanic-Serving Institutions' roles in broadening educational opportunities for historically underrepresented students. The Institute works collaboratively to expand its partnership network, both internally and externally to UTEP, and seeks candidates who are enthusiastic about contributing to the larger purpose of the Institute as members of a growing team.

Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities

The Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU) is voluntary association of universities that are both Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) as defined by Title V of the Higher Education Act and in the top 5% of universities in the United States for research (R1) as determined by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The Alliance's two major goals are to double the number of Hispanic doctoral students enrolled at our universities and increase by 20% the Hispanic professoriate in our universities. The Alliance also has a national presence and connects multiple groups across its 27 member institutions and requires communication strategies for budling an internal network as well as well as communicating its work to audiences that include governmental agencies, corporations, other postsecondary education audiences.

Essential Functions

Communication and Marketing Strategy

• Work collaboratively with leadership team members for new ideas and content strategies to support the communication needs of various projects and initiatives.
• Develop content strategy aligned with short-term and long-term goals and strategic initiatives by identifying regular new content opportunities, research project findings, monitoring and leveraging news and events, and following trends in higher education research.
• Plan, create, and oversee the content production of communication and marketing materials for the Institute and the HSRU, including website, reports, social media pages, email campaigns, press releases, and announcements.
• Ensure that the Institute's and HSRU's images are positive ones and that they are recognized in relevant internal and external spaces.
• Co-create and oversee the Institute's and HSRU's style and brand identity and monitor tone, quality, and consistency across both entities.

Communication Planning and Implementation

• Work with a graphic designer to develop marketing materials, data visualization, and communication templates (e.g., boilerplate copy for staff use).
• Create schedule and communication plans for content releases, dissemination activities, and events
• Research, write, edit, and proofread marketing and information copy, including website copy, blog posts, promotional copy (i.e., emails, announcements, letters, memos, and brochures)
• Develop and communicate talking points for the leadership team to use at events and various speaking opportunities.
• Partner with various functional and business unit stakeholders across the university to ensure coordination of short- and long-term initiatives.
• Support Institute and HSRU Leadership Team with board, committee, and group activities as needed.

Liaise and Collaborate with the University Communications Office

• Serve as the primary contact for media inquiries related to Institute and HSRU matters.
• Coordinate for reporting of Institute and HSRU events, including writing press releases, executive summaries, announcements, and web copy.
• Collaborate with the University Communications Office to plan and develop website content, style, and layout.

Website and Social Media Oversight

• Work with web designer and graphic designer to optimize website(s) appearance and functionality and online presence for marketing/branding success
• Create engaging content and periodically undertake website redesign to ensure currency and freshness
• Develop engaging content for social media and digital initiatives
• Monitor the Institute's and HSRU's website and social media presence; build a following on social media
• Manage content distribution to internal and external channels and social media platforms, using content management systems to analyze website traffic and user engagement metrics
• Enhance and solidify the use of the Institute and HSRU websites as hubs of information for internal and external constituents (e.g., write content and maintain a program-oriented web page, deliver information and resources, and highlight strategic initiatives)

Operations

• Monitor marketing costs to achieve goals within budget
• Attends and represents the Institute and HSRU at special events as needed, including off-site events
• Assists Institute and HSRU staff with coordination of events and virtual webinars as assigned.
• Comply with all State and University policies; ensure compliance with law (e.g., copyright and data protection) for all Office communications
• Other duties may be assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's objectives, policies, and applicable laws.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must share a passion for the mission and values of the institute and the HSRU. They must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and ability required.

• Experience developing a marketing strategy, including research, messaging, positioning, copywriting, and campaign management.
• Experience developing websites and social media platforms
• Strong strategic thinking and creative design skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.
• Project management skills.
• Familiarity and proficiency with the use of social media for marketing and branding.
• Effective use of data, research, and analytics to guide decision-making.
• Outstanding writing and editing skills; Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of all Microsoft Office software and ability to learn and use institutional software systems.
• Ability to anticipate problems and address them proactively.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively interpret, organize, and present information and ideas in written or presentation form.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain positive, supportive relationships with all constituents

Required Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university.

and

Experience: Three to five (3-5) years of related experience and training for the essential duties and responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree; Prior work experience in higher education and/or research organization,

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must frequently stand and walk. The employee must regularly sit; use hands to feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee must lift and move up to 25pounds.

The noise level for this work environment is usually moderate.

In keeping with its access, excellence and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.

The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee's or prospective employee's right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972. Inquiries—including the filing of a Formal Complaint or reporting an incident—about the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, who can be reached by phone at , by email at , or by mail at 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX, Kelly Hall, Room 312.

For accommodation information for employees and applicants with disabilities, please contact UTEP's Equal Opportunity Office