Communication Specialist, School of Molecular & Cellular Biology

Communication Specialist

School of Molecular & Cellular Biology

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Job Summary

The Communications Specialist in the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology will work collaboratively with faculty and staff to promote the school and its programs. The specialist will develop digital and print communications that raise the visibility of the school's research achievements and partnerships, its innovative and successful educational programs, and its outreach initiatives to a variety of audiences, including alumni, students (current and prospective), faculty, and peers. The Communications Specialist will be a team member who works to advance the strategic and programmatic interests of the school. The nature of the work will entail frequent interaction with faculty, staff, students, both singly and in groups as well as with alumni.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, write and produce professional digital and print media pieces, fliers, brochures, emails, signs, posters, and promotional materials for the school and its undergraduate and graduate programs
• Assist with MCB website updates, including assigning and posting stories about research, producing alumni and student profiles, and posting Instructional Program-related matters.
• Plan and execute communications-related aspects of an Alumni Mentorship Program in the School of MCB. Advertise mentorship opportunities to MCB students through print, emails and workshops. Other duties include communication with alumni, planning and executing an annual event and reception for mentors and mentees, etc. Conduct orientation meetings for students who apply to the program. Request feedback from students and their mentors and evaluate program based on feedback. Maintain a database of biology alumni who are or have participated in the mentoring program.
• Create and post "slides" for School and IP monitors/kiosks located in our buildings. Work with School F&S to maintain and install monitors/kiosks as needed
• Take photos and videos at MCB awards and IP events so that they can be used in communications media
• Prepare electronic files to be sent to companies or processed on campus to produce research illustrations to be displayed in the Learning Center or in the MCB hallways.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field. One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area. Demonstrated experience creating communications materials aimed at students and or university alumni.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Communications, English, Journalism, Graphic Design, or a related communications or biological sciences field; Experience creating digital media for social media platforms and familiarity with analytics.

Successful candidates will have the following:

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud, including Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, basic understanding of HTML. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with others. Awareness of, and sensitivity to, cultural and linguistic differences. Commitment to diversity and inclusion. Self-starter with proven ability to plan and prioritize workload with attention to project details. Demonstrated collaboration with contractors, such as printers. Ability to work in a team environment and with maintaining collaborative working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Possess a passion for and experience with promoting research. Experience in higher education and familiarity with University of Illinois systems, procedures, and programs such as Webtools.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5004 - Marketing Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the deadline date. Salary is commensurate with experience.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on 10/20/2023. To apply for this position, please create a candidate profile at https://jobs.illinois.edu, use the Apply Now button on the posting and upload your cover letter, resume (months and years of employment must be included), and names/contact information for three professional references. Please remember to include specific information on how you meet the qualifications of the position in your application materials, including all relevant experiences.

In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment.

For further information about this specific position, please contact hr@mcb.illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1019606
Job Category: Administrative Support
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu