Communications Specialist

Job Title : Communications SpecialistLocation: 100% RemoteDuration: 12 months.PR: $40/hr - $50/hr on W2Job Purpose:

We’re seeking an experienced communications professional to develop and deliver communications programs to support technology service initiatives and drive adoption. This person should have a passion for technology and technical content creation, a strong interest in change management initiatives and methodologies, and writing samples to demonstrate their professional journey.

• Editing, writing, proofreading, and basic design skills are required.
• Experience with instructional design, storytelling, and digital accessibility best practices is a plus.
• Experience in an IT environment or higher education is a bonus.

What else? We need a team member who:

• Is resourceful, flexible, innovative, resilient, and comfortable with change
• Can manage multiple projects and tasks in a highly-collaborative environment
• Displays strong maturity, professionalism, and judgment
• Brings a fresh perspective and sense of humor to their approach

Who we are:

The right candidate will contribute to a high-performing team of IT communications professionals responsible for providing dedicated communications support to Stanford University IT (UIT), an 800-person strong technology department located on campus that offers 100+ services to the Stanford community.

Alongside other members of the UIT Communications team, you’ll work closely with project managers, service leads, developers, and other information technology professionals who value the technical writing function and understand the importance of documentation and user assistance in ensuring client satisfaction.

Interested in learning more? Here are some of the specific responsibilities of this role:

• Work with UIT teams to develop strategic and impactful communications around IT service offerings — including new and enhanced services — and projects.
• Develop and maintain communications deliverables across multiple digital channels, including email, newsletters, web content, in compliance with brand guidelines and accessibility best practices.
• Create technical product documentation, including content experiences that feature self-service help guides, user documentation, FAQs, job aids, toolkits.
• Identify opportunities for training needs and build online resources to ensure that the changes IT delivers are getting adopted and the benefit appropriately realized.
• Write and revise communications and technical content developed by colleagues.
• Review drafts of content produced by other UIT staff, contract writers, and other departments.
• Support ticket requests as part of the broader UIT communications team effort.
• In this role, you will (refer to as Core Duties in job description)
• Recommend and execute communications strategies to meet business objectives.
• Manage communications plans/programs to meet business objectives, including collaboration with internal stakeholders.
• Implement integrated communications and brand strategy, across a variety of channels.
• Plan and execute event-related and internal communications to support organizational objectives.
• Support change management efforts.

Requirements:Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree and at least five years of relevant experience; or a combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to drive cross-functional groups toward a common goal.
• Experience with project management and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Understanding of how to execute multichannel communications.
• Self-directed and independent worker with guidance from other team members when needed
• Demonstrated problem solver, creative thinker
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills, can work with a variety of clients to meet communications objectives.

What’s great to have:

• Experience in IT and/or higher ed; cybersecurity communications experience is a plus.
• Experience in graphic design; familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite or Canva.
• Experience creating and managing content in Drupal.
• Some experience with HTML and CSS.
• Experience setting up and managing online collaboration tools like Slack, Google Workspace, Trello, AirTable.
• Some experience in project management.
• Familiarity with AP style and digital accessibility best practices.