Communications Specialist

This is a Full-Time Support Staff position at grade 13, with an annual salary range of $47,571 to $63,428 The salary offer will be based on education and experience, in alignment with the College's compensation philosophy and the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), if applicable.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA, DCA, Commuter)
• Retirement Plans (Pension, 457b, 403b)
• Time Off with Pay
• Professional Development/Expense
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Sick Banks

Under the direction of the Director of Communications, the Communications Specialist is a vital member of Elgin Community College's Communications team, responsible for creating content that promotes the college's brand to diverse audiences across multiple channels. This role involves identifying, researching, fact-checking, and writing engaging narratives that support the college's communications, marketing, and strategic goals. Acting as a "beat reporter," the specialist uncovers and writes stories about students, employees, and partnerships, ensuring timely content publication on the college's intranet, employee newsletter, and public newsroom. Additionally, the specialist develops and distributes mass emails and major announcements using Salesforce Marketing Cloud, supports external media relations, and collaborates closely with the Marketing and Communications team and other stakeholders to effectively share the college's story.

1. Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) from an accredited four-year college or university in Journalism, Communications, English or similar field.
2. Minimum three years full-time experience in marketing, communications, public relations or journalism. Minimum two years full-time experience in planning, managing, executing and assessing social media initiatives and campaigns.
3. Excellent writing and editing skills.
4. Skilled in adapting one's writing style and voice to be effective in various channels and formats (for example, social media vs. media relations, internal messages vs. feature stories).
5. Proficiency with AP style; ability to adapt to style exceptions as needed for the channel/audience.
6. Must possess a passion for writing, an openness to professional feedback, and a desire for continuous improvement in the marketing/communications field.

1. Possess excellent organizational skills and attention to detail to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.

1. Highly proficient with MS Office Suite including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
2. Expertise in the use of internet/digital research tools and to interpret data in order to tell persuasive stories.
3. Demonstration of excellent oral communication skills in order to present as needed, conduct effective interviews, collaborate with colleagues/community partners, and represent the college when requested.
4. Proficiency in digital communication vehicles such as web page content, blogging and social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and/or other emerging technologies/communications spaces.

1. Ability to work a flexible schedule which includes days/evenings/weekends as needed by the department.

1. Experience working with reporters/media outlets as a media relations representative preferred.
2. Experience in higher education marketing/communications preferred.

Content Generation

• Research and develop written content for ECC's publications, website, and digital platforms.
• Plan, write, edit, publish, and assess content performance.
• Recommend appropriate traditional and digital communication vehicles for content distribution.
• Prioritize communications tactics that support the college's strategic priorities and reinforce brand identity.
• Conduct interviews and write feature stories for Impact magazine, Report to the Community, news releases, and other special publications as assigned.
• Write short and long-form stories for the college's bi-annual Impact magazine, annual Report to the Community, and website feature stories, in addition to press releases and non-marketing content for the website and blog articles using the content management system.

Communications (Internal and External)

• Assist in planning and maintaining the Communications Department editorial calendars.
• Ensure timely completion of tasks by meeting deadlines and coordinating reviews/edits with various stakeholders.
• Oversee and support daily content management for the ECC intranet (my.elgin.edu).
• Follow up on media pitches and draft press releases as assigned.
• Support media relations by interacting with reporters and photographers, setting up interviews with experts, and writing pitches and news releases.
• Actively participate in Marketing and Communications team meetings and ECC functions (e.g., commencement ceremonies).
• Assist the Director of Communications and/or Chief Marketing and Communications Officer with executing communication plans.
• Meet with college and community constituents to research and develop stories

Departmental Support

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  • Provide backup support for social media and electronic communications (e.g., electronic campus signs).
  • Serve as a member of the Crisis Communication Team, offering writing, social media monitoring, and other support as directed.
  • Assist the Communications and Social Media Manager in researching and writing for social media and campaigns designed to increase Social Media Optimization (SMO).
  • Work closely with the Marketing and Web Services teams to identify and update website content, ensuring accuracy and support for enrollment goals.
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver projects to meet deadlines.
  • Additional job-related duties as required by the supervisor
  
  
  
  

1. Perform other job-related duties as assigned which pertain to the job description.
2. Ability to work a flexible schedule which includes days/evenings/weekends as needed by the department.

Light (up to 25 lbs occasionally or 10 lbs frequently)

Close visual acuity (e.g. computer, assembly)

Moderate noise

Typical office or administrative, Outdoor weather conditions