Communications Specialist II

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

220 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14620

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

900012 Public Relations & Comns MC

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 110

Compensation Range:

$61,000.00 - $85,400.00

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

The Communications Specialist role develops and delivers strategic multimedia content that advances the University of Rochester School of Nursing brand and priorities among key internal and external audiences. It executes ongoing communications, social media, and media relations efforts that increase awareness, engagement, and visibility of the School’s programs, people, and impact. The position combines strong writing, storytelling, and digital fluency to translate School achievements into compelling content across web, print, video, email, and social platforms. Through this work, the role strengthens relationships with prospective and current students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the broader community, supporting the School’s mission and reputation across the University and beyond.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Content Development & Storytelling

• Develops and writes clear, audience-appropriate content to support the School of Nursing’s publications and digital channels, including NURSING magazine stories, news releases, and web features.
• Interviews faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners to identify and shape newsworthy stories that advance the School’s strategic priorities, reputation, and recruitment goals.
• Adapts content for multiple formats and platforms, ensuring accuracy, consistency with key messages, and alignment with University and SON editorial standards.

Digital & Social Media Execution

• Implements social media and digital content plans that support engagement, recruitment, and visibility goals for the School of Nursing.
• Manages day‑to‑day content creation, including video and photography, for posting, across SON’s primary social media platforms.
• Maintains a content calendar, monitors activity and reports on basic engagement metrics.
• Collaborates with SON and URMC communications and marketing colleagues to align posts with broader campaigns, create simple branded graphics, and contribute content for URMC and University‑level channels.

Internal Publications & Email Communications

• Assists with the production of recurring publications and email communications, including the School’s monthly e‑newsletter, and weekly internal newsletter, and other targeted email updates.
• Coordinates content gathering and routing, provides input on layout and imagery, and proofreads materials for clarity, tone, and adherence to brand standards.
• Partners with designers, photographers, and other vendors or internal resources as needed to keep projects on schedule and within scope.

Media Relations & External Visibility Support

• Supports media relations activities and leadership communications designed to increase the School’s local and regional visibility.
• Assists with identifying and developing newsworthy story ideas, drafts media materials, and coordinates media interviews.
• Supports senior school leaders at presentations, conferences, and public events.
• Tracks media mentions and placements, maintains up‑to‑date media log entries, and works with senior staff to ensure consistent, accurate messaging in responses to media inquiries.

NURSING Magazine Editing and Production Support

• Serves as an assistant editor for the School’s biannual alumni magazine, coordinating photo shoots, working with graphic designers, editing copy, and coordinating with printers on production and distribution.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Provides additional communications support as needed, which may include event promotion, basic website content updates, photography coordination, or support for special projects and priority initiatives.
• Participates in team meetings and planning sessions and contributes ideas to improve communications processes and outcomes.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communications, or similar required
• 3 years of relevant experience required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to write and edit content based on target audience required
• Ability to provide context and/or reshape material as needed in a fast-paced, high-demand environment required
• Understanding and compliance with HIPAA requirements and URMC policies for protecting patient privacy and other confidential information required
• Knowledge of or experience in contributing to social media platforms required
• Strong organization and project management skills required
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills; comfortable talking to all levels of faculty/staff, and in front of groups required
• Ability to work independently and within a collaborative team required
• Occasional night or weekend work required
• Position is expected to be available on-call for responding to overnight or weekend social media monitoring on a rotating basis—approximately one out of every six weeks required
• (Preferred) Some experience with HTML programming, content management systems, data analysis, metrics presentations, photo and video capture/editing, and/or graphic design

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.