Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

The Communications Specialist II serves as the strategic lead for all communications efforts across two of the Universityâ™s high-profile initiatives: the Weidenbaum Center and the Frick Initiatives. This is a senior-level, high-impact role responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy that elevates the visibility, credibility, and reach of both initiatives among academic, policy, and public audiences.

This role is responsible not only for promoting activities but for translating the work of the Weidenbaum Center and the Frick Initiatives into clear evidence of impact and public value for academic, policy, and civic audiences, while maintaining the distinct identity and voice of each.
This individual will oversee all aspects of content creation, digital presence, stakeholder engagement, and brand management with exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to excellence.

Job Description

Strategic Communications

• Develop, implement, and continuously refine a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with institutional priorities, programming, and grant initiatives.

• Serve as the primary steward of messaging across both the Weidenbaum Center and the Frick Initiative.

• Ensure consistency, clarity, and quality across all communications platforms and outputs.

• Prioritize external-facing visibility among policymakers, civic leaders, donors, and the broader public, in addition to academic audiences.

• Work with internal teams to translate program outcomes and key performance indicators into clear, compelling public-facing narratives.

Website Strategy & Development

• Lead the development and ongoing management of a high-quality, best-in-class websites.

• Design, build, and maintain intuitive, visually compelling, and content-rich web experiences.

• Regularly update content including events, publications, faculty profiles, and institutional initiatives.

• Optimize user experience, accessibility, and performance.

Email Campaigns & Newsletter Management

• Plan, design, and execute all email communications, including newsletters, event invitations, and institutional updates.

• Manage audience segmentation and distribution lists to maximize engagement and impact.

• Analyze performance metrics and refine strategies accordingly.

Social Media & Digital Presence

• Develop and execute a robust social media strategy across platforms (LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, etc.).

• Create and maintain a content calendar aligned with events and key initiatives.

• Produce engaging, high-quality content and actively manage audience engagement.

• Monitor analytics and continuously improve performance.

Publications & Annual Reports

• Lead the development, writing, editing, and production of both digital and print publications.

• Oversee the creation of high-quality annual reports (e-version and hard copy), ensuring polished and professional output.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to gather and synthesize content.

Event Marketing & Promotion

• Develop compelling promotional strategies to ensure strong attendance and engagement at events.

• Create high-impact marketing materials across digital and print formats.

• Support event branding, messaging, and post-event communications.

Content Creation & Editorial Oversight

• Write, edit, and curate content for diverse audiences--including students, faculty, policymakers, donors, and the publicâ”translating research, programming, and funded projects into accessible and engaging formats.

• Ensure all content meets a high standard of quality, accuracy, and professionalism.

• Maintain a strong editorial voice aligned with institutional goals.

Project Management & Collaboration

• Serve as project manager for communications initiatives, coordinating timelines, deliverables, and stakeholders.

• Collaborate across teams, including leadership, faculty, and external partners.

• Potentially supervise student workers or junior staff.

Applicant Special Instructions

The Communications Specialist II will play a critical role in shaping the public presence and long-term impact of both the Weidenbaum Center and the Frick Initiatives.

• Please submit a resume, a cover letter, 2â“4 writing samples (e.g., press releases, newsletters, social media or web copy, or strategic materials), and a portfolio or links to relevant published work.

Working Conditions:

Job Location/Working Conditions

• Normal office environment

• Ability to travel to on- and off-campus locations. Work outside typical office hours as needed

Physical Effort

• Typically sitting at a desk or a table

Equipment

• Office equipment

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree

Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.

Work Experience:

Relevant Experience (3 Years)

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Required Qualifications

• Bachelorâ™s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Policy, or a related field (Masterâ™s preferred).
• Minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in strategic communications, preferably in an academic, policy, or mission-driven environment.
• Demonstrated experience building and managing websites, email campaigns, newsletters, and social media platforms.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Proficiency with CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress), email marketing tools, and social media management tools.
• Experience with design tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar).
• Familiarity with analytics tools (Google Analytics, email and social metrics).
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• A strategic thinker capable of operating at a high level while executing with precision.
• A detail-oriented professional with a commitment to producing polished, high-quality work.
• A creative and proactive communicator with strong visual and digital instincts.
• A highly organized project manager who can manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Comfortable working across two major, high-visibility initiatives within the University.
• Strong editorial judgment and ability to identify what work should be elevated across audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Master's degree

Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Work Experience:

Progressive Responsibility In The Area Of Marketing Communications (5 Years)

Skills:

Adobe Creative Studio, Adobe InDesign, Change Management, Civic Engagement, Community Development, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System, Editing Process, Email Campaign Management, Fundraising Communications, Leadership Management, Marketing Plan Development, Market Research Data Analysis, Strategic Communication Planning, Target Marketing, Team Management, Technology Integrations, Time Management, Visual Communications, Volunteer Services, Writing

Grade

G11

Salary Range

$53,100.00 - $90,600.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? Weâ™ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the Universityâ™s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

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