Sr. Internal Communications Specialist

Sr. Internal Communications Specialist - Office of Communications

Howard University

Washington, DC

Howard University Mission

Howard University is a comprehensive, research-oriented, historically Black private university providing an educational experience of exceptional quality to students of high academic potential with particular emphasis upon the provision of educational opportunities to promising Black students. Further, the University is dedicated to attracting and sustaining a cadre of faculty who are, through their teaching and research, committed to the development of distinguished and compassionate graduates and to the quest for solutions to human and social problems in the United States and throughout the world.

Position Compensation

Salary commensurate with qualifications, education & University guidelines.

Position Information

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Senior Internal Communications Specialist is a key member of the Office of University Communications and will support planning and implementation of strategic communications to the internal university community. S/he is responsible for developing, coordinating, and executing internal communications daily as well as planning for the division in support of the organization’s goals and objectives established by the Vice President. This includes leading an annual communication planning process, developing an annual marketing and communications plan for the division, monitoring against the plan using best practices and ongoing metrics, and advancing reputation through targeted communications initiatives and tactics.

An excellent writer and communicator, the Senior Internal Communications Specialist will produce communications of all types, including e-newsletters, letters for administrative leaders, timely notifications to the community, and overall corporate communications. They will assist the Director of Operations and Internal Communications with managing communications projects across the Office of University Communications as well as day-to-day operations of the division, ensuring that all work processes are maximized for efficiency.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY:

Involves no responsibility or authority for the direction of others. May supervise various freelancers, designers, and vendors.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

The incumbent will work across the enterprise to advance storytelling and brand awareness efforts. This includes, but is not limited to students, faculty, staff, administration and senior level executives across the University. They will also plan and manage projects for the OUC team.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Triaging communication requests.

Developing detailed project plans and managing timelines throughout the life of each project.

Ensuring projects are moving forward efficiently.

Communicating scope and/or timing changes to team members and key stakeholders, assisting in the development of contingency plans as needed. Escalating project conflicts to Director as needed/appropriate.

Keeping project statuses up to date and participating in status meetings.

Managing the development of sales materials, collateral, and marketing material for print, video, and web.

Managing users within the project management system.

Plans and executes internal communications by researching, writing and editing articles and announcements for a variety of online and printed channels.

Interacts with managers and staff throughout Howard University, recommending communications strategies for information they want to convey.

Assists with development and implementation of best practices and guidelines for implementing internal communications across the University.

Coordinates with supervisor and members of the communications department for consistency of messaging and timely distribution of materials.

Assists with day-to-day operations of the division, ensuring that all work processes are maximized for efficiency.

Develops stories on specific topics and writes articles for internal publications.

Counsels assigned departments on how to improve employee communications and engagement.

Serves as an experienced/senior editor for internal publications.

Writes and edits internal communications (e.g., executive presentations, letters, newsletter content, etc.)

Plans executive communications per Howard University goals, priorities and strategies.

Develops and implements internal communication plans for select internal clients.

Assists with planning and managing of projects for the Office of University Communications that includes creating best practice processes, staff training and channel development.

Develops communications in support of brand messaging for Howard University.

Participates in process improvement.

Performs other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Advanced knowledge and understanding of internal communications.

Operations background.

Project management background.

Results oriented, enthusiastic, resourceful and creative with a can-do positive attitude.

Strong writing and editing skills; must be proficient in many writing styles.

Strong ability to liaison between both internal and external partners.

Must be proficient in AP Style Guide.

Strong, creative problem-solving skills.

Exercises sound judgment consistently.

Ability to work under pressure and set priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to meet deadlines consistently, particularly those requiring very quick turnaround.

Ability to think critically and analytically.

Adaptable; ability to work independently and across teams.

Demonstrated attention to detail to ensure accuracy of information.

Organized, self-directed and self-disciplined.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Corporate Communications, or related field. Minimum 3-5 years of internal communications, editing, copyediting and proofreading experience. Project Management experience and experience with the Wrike platform is required. Operations experience preferred.

Note: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not being construed as a contract for employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex,sexual orientation,gender or gender identity, marital status, religion, disability or protected veterans status. Veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Inquiries regarding provisions for persons with disabilities or veterans status, Equal Employment Opportunity and Title IX should be directed to the Office of Employee Relations and Equal Employment Opportunity at 202-806-1280.