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The Communications Manager position is responsible for the development and execution of strategic communications plans across written and digital communications, web and social media platforms pertaining to the teaching and research missions of the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (SAFS) and the Marine Biology (MB) major.  The purpose of this position is to create a foundation for communication to a variety of primarily internal and external audiences in SAFS and MB within the College of Environment, including future and current undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, support staff, management and executive leaders and the public.  The Communications Manager reports directly to the Administrator with responsibility to the Director of School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences and the Director of Marine Biology.  The Communications Manager facilitates critical communication between the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, Marine Biology, and the College of Environment marketing and communications team, to include associate and assistant professors, PIs, staff and directors, graduate and undergraduate students.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Communications Planning and Directing

•Develop new methodologies for communicating science and expanding the schools’ sphere of influence: locally, nationally, and internationally; seeking, creating, and fostering relationships with aligned stakeholders; maintaining proficiency in technological aspects of the position (video and audio production, web streaming and video conferencing, website and social media trends); delineating responsibilities and deliverables between SAFS and MB.
•Directly manage all SAFS/MB internal communications, including writing content, designing print pieces, securing event photography, manage video production projects, developing recruitment materials, and assist in promoting a strategic vision for SAFS/MB departmental image.
•Cultivate and promote the public image and brand for SAFS/MB and manage all communications channels.  Promote the UW as one of the nation’s premiere public research institutions and the 100 year legacy of SAFS through exemplary scientific research.  Fosters relationships within the local community to amplify diverse voices in the sciences and promote the sciences as viable career pathway for young students.
•Lead development and execution of SAFS/MB marketing and communications strategies that address various constituents and incorporates appropriate channels including website, publications, newsletters, articles, posters, social media, and reports.  Create materials to be used for securing donations to SAFS and MB to ensure the programs continue to develop and grow.
•Collaborate with the SAFS/MB communities (students, faculty, staff, alumni, partners, donors, and other key stakeholders) to develop and publish content in digital and print formats. Maintain a constant flow of new and topical content on SAFS/MB websites.
•Develop and refine the SAFS communications toolset to include standard communications processes, guidelines, vehicles, tools and templates.  Monitor and measure the impact of communication efforts to evaluate needs and opportunities.  Define key performance indicators for each communications channel which will indicate and campaign’s level of success.
•Conceptualize and execute high profile projects, including but not limited to, videos, documentaries, photo essays, brochures, infographics, and written stories. Write press releases on units’ new research and activities by interviewing faculty, staff, and students. Disseminate press release materials through UW and external media channels.
•Manage a content review and governance process to improve quality and consistency of content and promote best practices.  Assist in the day-to-day tactics determined by the internal and external communications strategy, such as, oversee creation and distribution of SAFS bi-annual print and digital newsletter, develop recruitment materials for MB, manage active social media accounts for SAFS/MB (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, etc), record, edit, and upload video content, including two weekly seminars, and post online, Manage SAFS and MB audience lists (Alumni, Donors, Faculty, Graduate Students, Staff, undergraduate students) through Marketo and disseminate content as needed.

Communications Consultation and Program Management

•Identify needs for improved communication and the presentation of information as articulated by stakeholders, and develop detailed communications plans that will contribute to the  tracking of critical accreditation standards and educational quality improvement efforts of both academic units.
•Manage both the SAFS and MB websites, their ongoing development, and all related social media accounts; identify and seek out stakeholders for collaboration; act as videographer and photographer as needed on campus and location; aid advising staff and the College with student recruitment strategies; work with UW News in identifying and crafting stories for press; and aid in event management.
•Works closely with the Dean’s office at the College of the Environment, including Advancement; counterparts in other units including the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, Oceanography, and Friday Harbor Laboratories; UW News; and outside collaborators and stakeholders (news outlets, private companies, museums, aquariums, research groups at other institutions, etc).
•Provide professional consultation for faulty and lab websites and propose attainable goals for success. Provides resources to ensure UW branding is utilized correctly.  Advise SAFS/MB leadership on key communication opportunities and approaches. Write, review and edit announcements, statements, newsletters, press releases, reports, and other communications on behalf of the director.
•Partner with existing management teams to ensure content is timely, accurate, clear, and digestible.  Ensure grammatical accuracy of all written internal communications across all platforms.  Ensure accurate and timely postings and communications on external/internal websites, newsletters and other collateral materials as necessary. Works closely with and provides communications aid to all faculty, staff, and students across programs.
•Serve as the primary resource to SASFS/MB faculty, staff, and students for developing and producing content and messaging that is aligned with UW and SAFS/MB priorities and communications goals. Regularly engage with students, staff and faculty to obtain updates, new information and fact-finding, and follow up on developments.
•Develop templates and tools that can be used broadly within SAFS/MB whose staff may or may not include individuals with training in marketing and communications. Review and edit the work of others to ensure consistency with the established communication strategies. Schedule and maintain the programs’ event calendars and Zoom webinar calendars. Facilitate and troubleshoot online meetings and webinars.

Public Relations Management and Coordination

•Remain current on trends in internal communications.  Build technical skills and understanding of current and emerging communication technologies as needed for the role. Create and edit content for two unit websites, author first draft content, manage revisions, publish content, promote and manage school events, and evaluate outcomes.
•Act as a subject matter expert in communications processes and project management methodologies.  Collaborate with partners within SAFS/MB, the College of the Environment, and other offices within the University to best represent SAFS/MB and their programs.  Respond to requests for information and develop correspondence as needed.
•Seek, create, and foster relationships with aligned stakeholders. Develop cross-stakeholder content to amplify SAFS/MB messaging and reach new audiences.  Work on other communications and/or public relations projects as assigned.  Manage, update, and act as backup to list serves management. Regularly report progress and status of projects to the Administrator and Director.
•Plan and promote high-profile events on and off campus (special events, symposiums, seminars, documentary premieres, social events). Travel (ranging from campus locations to remote field stations) as needed for story gathering. Manage team duties in the field to achieve story goals, often consisting of videography and photography.
•Coordinate SAFS departmental activities, reservations, and related calendar of events.  Ensure the completion of logistics for all events and activities of the department and its sub-units, including securing meeting rooms, reservations, scheduling RSVPs, conference calling, retaining catering, arranging audiovisual/teleconference equipment, circulating committee materials, confirming attendees, and etc.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree and at least 3-5 years of experience in a communications-related field, public affairs, journalism, or 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:

•Demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategic communication plans.
•Excellent writing and editing skills including experience writing articles or promotional materials for publication.
•Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications in a PC/MAC environment; knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, and HTML.
•Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
•Demonstrated accountability related to project processes and working within tight deadlines.
•Demonstrated ability as a proactive and self-motivated communicator.
•Ability to exercise sound judgement and to address complex situations with creativity.
•Excellent interpersonal skills.Ability to communicate well with people from diverse cultures, ethnic/racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, and represent SAFS/MarBio and CoE in a professional and congenial manner with professional colleagues both within and outside of academia.
•Highly organized and attentive to detail.

DESIRED:

•M.Sc. in related discipline to faculty and research staff to aid in science communication and comprehend advanced research findings.
•Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite software or similar.
•Experienced photographer/videographer.
•Experience identifying and fostering relationships with various stakeholders and potential collaborators to develop a larger impact campaigns.
•Lab and field research experience.

Application Process:
The application process for UW positions 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.