Communications & Digital Content Specialist - Applied Health Sciences

Communications & Digital Content Specialist - Applied Health Sciences

Location: Urbana, IL, US · Posted: 10/1/2026 · Closes: 10/21/2026 · Reference: 18159

Duties Responsibilities Communications and Writing Develop and implement strategic communications plans and campaigns that advance the college’s priorities and reputation and engage internal and external audiences. Research, write, edit, and distribute news releases, feature stories, faculty and student profiles, web content, newsletters, email communications, publications, and other editorial content. Translate complex scientific and academic research into clear, accurate, and engaging content for non-specialist audiences while maintaining appropriate scholarly context and accuracy. Develop talking points, speeches, presentations, brochures, flyers, digital signage, campaign materials, and other communications. Acquire and maintain a detailed working knowledge of the college’s faculty research agenda, expertise, publications, awards, programs, and events. Cultivate and maintain relationships with campus communicators, journalists, media outlets, and other external partners to increase visibility for college experts, research, and accomplishments. Monitor social media for comments, responses and emerging issues relevant to the college and proactively identify opportunities for expert commentary, media coverage, and strategic storytelling. Coordinate communications coverage for events and activities, including on-site reporting, photography, interviews, and real-time digital content. Provide communications counsel and editorial support to faculty, staff, leadership, and college units as appropriate. Social media strategy and content development Lead the development and implementation of the college’s social media strategy, including editorial planning, content calendars, audience engagement, scheduling, publishing, and performance metrics across appropriate platforms in accordance with campus brand standards and MarCom goals. Develop original, accurate, timely, engaging platform-appropriate content that increases awareness of people, programs, research, events, and impact. Monitor social media trends, audience behavior, and emerging platforms and recommend strategies to increase reach, engagement, and relevance. Represent the college at campus-wide social media meetings and professional development opportunities. Lead photography, including planning, capturing, selecting, editing, organizing, and maintaining a high-quality library of images. Coordinate photography and videography requests in collaboration with the project manager and freelancers. Produce and edit basic video and multimedia content for websites, social media, events, and other digital communications. Student and other staff supervision Work with Assistant Director of Communications to recruit, train, and supervise student staff, providing clear direction, metrics for success, and mentorship. Work with student communicators, freelancers, extra help, and others to successfully assign, manage, and supervise college-related communications projects. Service and other duties Attend communications-related campus meetings and represent the college at the weekly campus “story call” Maintain active relationships with campus communications colleagues and contribute information, expertise, and best practices to university-wide communications initiatives. Participate in professional development activities to remain current on communications, digital media, social media, multimedia, accessibility, and marketing trends. Comply with all College of Applied Health Sciences Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity policies and guidelines, contributing to a positive culture of collaboration and inclusivity.