Careers

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. 

University Marketing and Communications has an outstanding opportunity for an Executive Communications Specialist.

The Executive Communications Specialist for University Marketing and Communications (UMAC) will compose, edit and manage executive correspondence and advancement-related communications for the UW President as well as the Provost, senior administrators and volunteer leadership as needed. The Executive Communications Specialist will determine and draft messages for correspondence to constituencies; serve as liaison with the Office of the President (OOP) and Advancement units to ensure that correspondence drafted for University Executives’ signatures meets established standards; and provide research, writing, editorial and production services to units as needed.

As a member of UMAC, this position will also support, and in some cases lead, a variety of annual and ad hoc projects aimed at communicating the goals and vision of the University’s integrated advancement model within brand guidelines. This person interacts directly and frequently with the Offices of the President, Provost, Regents, Vice President for University Advancement, other executives, directors, advancement/philanthropy officers, faculty and staff university-wide in the performance of their duties. They also support efforts to promote the UW’s mission of equity, access and excellence, increase positive awareness of the UW brand, and grow private contributions and support for the University of Washington.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

•Act as liaison between advancement units and the OOP. Provide consistent project tracking and maintain a left-to-right view for a variety of writing and production services as needed. Work closely with units to meet their correspondence objectives, prevent or resolve communications-related problems and maintain smooth flow of processes. Serve as contact for advancement-related questions about presidential correspondence and activities.
•Compose correspondence to multiple UW constituencies for executive signature. Independently research, determine and convey appropriate and accurate written messages in a timely manner. Handle and maintain confidential materials and information.
•Develop a strong understanding of the President’s written voice and style in collaboration with the Director of Executive Communications and ensure that all presidential correspondence is consistent and reflective of that voice and style.
•Edit advancement-related correspondence sent to the OOP for signature. Review documents for accuracy, appropriate tone, grammar, word choice, sentence structure, clarity, content, punctuation and spelling. Ensure that correspondence meets established guidelines and procedures of the OOP and communications protocols of the Office of the Board of Regents.
•Support and in some cases lead advancement-related communications UMAC projects throughout the year, including the Awards of Excellence communications, the Annual Recognition Gala, the Presidential Scholars program and the Husky Promise program.
•Write and/or edit content for advancement-related publications, event collateral, policies and procedures and other communications as needed.
•Stay abreast of ongoing activities affecting executive and fundraising communications, including changes in President’s salutations and office procedures, memberships on executive boards, major gifts and alumni/donor/volunteer activities or correspondence. Keep advancement staff informed as appropriate.
•Other duties as assigned.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Core

Effective communications: Expresses oneself clearly and empathetically in interactions with others and prioritizes an accessible and transparent style in all forms of communication, i.e., verbal and written, one-on-one and group, etc.
Interpersonal Awareness:   Builds and maintains positive and productive relationships and actively contributes as a member of working teams to achieve results.
Professional Credibility:   Takes responsibility for meeting goals, objectives, obligations, and solving problems while representing the mission, vision and values of the organization.
Critical Thinking:   Obtains, analyzes and evaluates information effectively in the face of ambiguity.  Makes appropriate decisions based on relevant information and experience.
Ethics and Trust:   Models and upholds the values of candor, openness, inclusiveness and honesty despite internal and external pressures.  Acts consistently with Washington State ethical guidelines and organizational core values and beliefs.
Valuing Diversity & Inclusiveness:   Respects, values and contributes to the UW’s commitment to inclusiveness and diversity.

REQUIREMENTS:

•Bachelor’s degree in English, communications or journalism or equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills have been acquired as a substitute for degree.
•Project management skills
•Experience working in executive communications, donor relations, fundraising, public relations or a related field a plus, but not required.

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

DESIRED:

•Experience working in a large, complex, and matrixed organization.

WORK CONDITIONS:

•Office environment, with hybrid in-person/remote schedule available.

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.