Communications Specialist

Summary:

• Reporting to the Director of Content and Communications, the Communications Specialist is responsible for managing projects related to the content development process and for creating multimedia content in the form of press releases, blog posts, photo and video production, which would include scheduling, planning, filming and editing event coverage and stories.
• The position may also upload, monitor and manage content to owned websites and support internal and external audiences by producing press kits, memos and presentations.
• This position is additionally responsible in a support role for management of the editorial calendar and production schedule; and assessment of story ideas.

Responsibilities:

• Manages scheduling crew visits to local campuses, community events and responsible for setting up interviews with external sources.
• Proofreads/copyedits all written content, working closely with other departments to ensure compliance.
• Attends campus and community events, assisting with filming footage including interviews and B-roll.
• Manages all aspects of video production including production planning, filming, editing, postproduction, logging footage and maintaining b-roll and stock footage library.
• Researches and writes blog posts, story scripts and other content and communication pieces.
• Maintains all department equipment, including film gear, cameras, and company vehicles.
• Posts content on various websites.
• Works with marketing team to track performance and strategize future content direction and promotion.
• Creates story ideas and content with consideration to monthly analysis of content reach, audience growth and other statistical evaluations.
• Assists with uncovering newsworthy stories among faculty, students and associates; conducts interviews, schedules interviews and researches facts/data.
• Determines what story ideas or content takes priority based on strategic plan and business objectives.
• May be required to travel/drive locally on a weekly, daily and/or on an as needed basis. Travels to local campus locations to conduct interviews and/or represents Marketing Communications team at special events, and makes decisions in-the-field about content, subject matter priorities and tone of content.
• Maintains confidentiality of all student, associate, and/or college information as required.

Required Experience and Skills

• Bachelor's degree required (preferably in journalism, business communications, marketing, film, photography or other related field or equivalent years of experience.).
• Minimum 2-3 years experience in journalism or corporate communications, advertising, public relations or video production required.
• Experience in higher education is valuable, but not required.
• Ability to create video content that displays effective storytelling techniques.
• Experience managing fast-paced projects in a deadline-driven environment.
• In-depth understanding of video technology, SLR cameras, lighting and sound.
• Strong computer aptitude on both Mac and PC platforms. Demonstrated mastery of Adobe Creative Suite software.
• Understanding of public relations, internal and external communications.
• Basic knowledge of websites, content management systems, Mac IOS, Microsoft Office, social media, photography and videography.
• Ability to exercise good customer service skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a highly ethnic and culturally diverse student and associate community.
• Ability to demonstrate strong professional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to self-direct, self-pace, multi-task and function well under pressure.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional effective working relationships with diverse groups and individuals.
• Ability to create multimedia presentations for internal and external audiences via the web, blogs, social media or Office tools.
• Ability to travel and/or drive locally on a weekly, daily and/or on an as needed basis.
• This is a hybrid position where you will work in our administrative office in Irvine 3 days/week and from your home office 2 days/week; must have flexibility to work at a campus if needed.

Compensation:

• $68,109.78 - $98,769.79
• Great Benefits Package

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Do you want a career that allows you to make a difference in other people’s lives? Discover what it means to truly believe in the work that you do at West Coast University.

At West Coast University, we have the privilege of educating students seeking careers in healthcare and guide them through their transformational journey from student to caregiver. Our associates are united behind that purpose and share a deep commitment to our values of teamwork, collegiality, transparency, and a student-centric approach to all we do. This focus creates an aligned, nimble, and consensus-driven culture that is solution-oriented and supports our associates’ professional growth.

West Coast University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all associates.