Communications Specialist

The Office of Strategic Communication is hiring a communications specialist with experience in project management for University Housing and Dining, serving more than 6,500 students living in 11 residence halls. The successful applicant will be responsible for identifying, proposing, and implementing strategies for communicating the benefits of on-campus living and dining, housing and dining protocols, as well as opportunities for student engagement. The role includes providing regular guidance on communication best practices and partnering with the Division of Student Life to cross-promote student support initiatives, programs, and events. The individual also will serve as the primary creator of content for the housing and dining website and make regular content updates to the site to keep it current for the student audience.

The person in this position will serve as an advisor to University Housing and Dining and will be a member of the University Housing and Dining leadership team. This position is part of the Office of Strategic Communication with a dotted line reporting connection to University Housing and Dining within the Division of Student Life.

Departments and units supported by these positions include:

University Housing and Dining

• Housing administration
  • Camps and Conferences
  • Contracts and Assignments
  • Assessment
  • Move in and move out
• Residence Education
  • Academic Initiatives
  • Student Leadership
  • Training and Selection
  • Conduct and Care
• University Dining
  • Residential Dining
  • Catering
  • Retail
• UHD Facility Operations
  • Custodial Services
  • Maintenance Services
  • Capital Planning

This is an in-person position, with an opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement after six months.

Work Modality: This position may be eligible for hybrid work within Iowa and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.

There is an expectation that the person in this position will maintain effective, civil, and respectful working relationships with the University of Iowa campus community and uphold the University’s commitment to creating welcoming and respectful environments for all.

Specific Job Duties and Tasks:

Message Development and Implementation

• Manages, writes, and edits all communications for University Housing and Dining, including but not limited to email and print newsletters, web content, brochures, presentations, signage, etc.
• Establishes a common voice for UHD communications.

Project Management

• Works with UHD leadership to determine projects directed at students living on campus and their families, dining hall customers, and that support student success at the university.
• Facilitate project meetings.

Metrics and Reports

• Measure project performance and success of communications using appropriate tools and techniques.
• Share metrics regularly with UHD and OSC leaders and other stakeholders.

Public Relations

• Work with OSC media relations team to manage media inquiries; write talking points as needed.
• Develop messages for target audiences, both internal and external.

Strategic Planning

• Use communication strategies and tools to assist in executing the University Housing and Dining strategic plan.
• Suggest and develop communication strategies for executing the priorities of the vice president for student life.

To obtain the full job description including key areas of responsibility, technical competencies, and desirable qualifications, please contact Alex-Schutman@uiowa.edu