As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Although open until filled, priority application date is May 26, 2023.

Together with world-class partners, the UW’s College of Engineering is developing a new generation of innovators. A national leader in educating engineers, each year the College turns out new discoveries, inventions and top-flight graduates, all contributing to the strength of our economy and the vitality of our community. UW Engineering is ranked 20th among all engineering schools with more than half of its departments ranked in the top 20 of their respective fields. As part of the College of Engineering, you can help create a real impact for our students, faculty, friends and fellow staff while joining a community of innovators committed to building a culture where all members thrive, are valued and feel a sense of belonging.

Housed within the College of Engineering, the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering (CEE) advances research and education that aims to solve the problems and critical challenges of the 21st century — from combating the climate crisis and natural hazards to designing solutions that support an equitable future. CEE prepares students with the skills and leadership abilities needed to design, build and maintain solutions that increase resilience and sustainability in the built and natural environments. CEE welcomes and values people of all backgrounds, who offer a range of perspectives and life experiences.

Position Purpose
The CEE Communications Manager develops and implements communications strategies that increase external visibility in alignment with the department’s strategic plan, highlighting CEE’s impactful role in developing solutions to many of today’s most pressing issues. As part of the College of Engineering’s marketing and communication team, this position also works to expand the awareness of CEE within the College, University, and among prospective students. The Communications Manager develops communication strategies within the UW’s integrated brand and marketing plan and helps to strengthen internal communications within the department.

The Communications Manager collaborates with faculty and staff to ensure consistent, coordinated communication of University, College, and department messaging. The position reports to the Director of Content for the College of Engineering, and works closely with CEE’s Chair, Administrator, and other marketing professionals across campus.

General duties and responsibilities include the development and dissemination of strategic communications-including print and digital media-to educate staff, faculty, current and prospective students, donors, volunteers, alumni, friends, industry, and the public about CEE. The Communications Manager is also responsible for hiring and managing vendors and designers to support projects and communication objectives.

With direction from the Director of Content, this position implements communication strategies for CEE and adheres to the UW brand and message platform. To be successful in this role, the Communications Manager must apply strong communications, marketing, project management, and collaboration skills in a fast-paced academic research program setting. Experience in writing and editing for social media and the web, translating technical content for broad audiences, and managing deadline-driven projects are requirements for this position.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Print and Digital Communications (60%)

Manage communications for the department, working directly with the department chair and leadership to develop messaging and strategies in alignment with CEE’s strategic plan and for increasing enrollment, program promotion, and alumni/industry engagement.

Manage production of CEE newsletters and other publications, including writing, editing, and design.

Serve as the department’s storyteller: develop story ideas, conduct research and interviews, write, edit, and proof feature stories for digital and print publication.

Hire and manage contract employees and vendors to assist with projects, such as graphic designers, freelance writers, photographers, and videographers.

Collaborate with CEE’s Web Specialist to manage web editorial calendars and create timely, dynamic, and accurate website content.

Manage and expand social media strategy and activity for the department.

Develop and manage digital communications using digital marketing tools, analytics, and data.

Serve as liaison to the College of Engineering Media Relations Officer to ensure timely coverage of newsworthy developments in the department.

Outreach, Recruitment, and Advancement (20%)

Develop marketing and communications strategies and materials to support department recruitment and program promotions, including but not limited to flyers, one-sheets, and social media campaigns.

Partner with department faculty and staff to increase student enrollment and engagement.

Collaborate with CEE Student Academic Services, the College’s Office of Academic Affairs, and other campus resources on placement strategy.

Collaborate with Advancement officers to develop fundraising materials.

Event Marketing (10%)

Develop and create publicity materials (programs, flyers, email announcements, social media posts) for signature department events, including endowed lectures and graduation.

Manage mailing and email lists for events and other marketing materials.

Project Coordination (10%)

Manage the department’s photography and video content.

Manage project budgets.

Represent CEE at College of Engineering marketing meetings and University Marketing & Communications roundtable meetings.

Continuously work to improve CEE’s marketing and communications program.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, or related degree and a minimum of three years of experience in marketing/communications or a related field.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills. Ability to translate technical or scientific information for general audiences.

Demonstrated experience with current digital content best practices, developing content for social media and websites.

Strong attention to detail with excellent project and time management skills, including the ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.

Must be able to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Ability to communicate diplomatically and effectively.

Ability to develop, follow, and communicate branding and content guidelines.

Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of and/or enthusiasm for engineering, science and/or technology, as it pertains to CEE’s mission of education and research.

Experience creating content in CMS platforms such as Drupal, WordPress, or similar.

Experience working professionally with many constituencies, such as staff, faculty, students, alumni, industry partners, vendors, media, and donors.

Familiarity with AP Stylebook.

Experience with visual content creation (e.g., photography, video, and graphic design).

Experience with Marketo, or similar email platform.

This position is hybrid eligible (in office/partial telework) pending approval from supervisor.

Application Process:
The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.