Founded in 1854, Hamline was the first university in Minnesota and among the first coeducational institutions in the nation. Hamline University provides a world-class education for undergraduate and graduate students. Our faculty, staff, and students cultivate an ethic of civic responsibility, social justice, and inclusive leadership and service. Hamline University is an Equal Opportunity employer. Hamline University does not discriminate on the basis of race; color; religion; creed; sex; national origin; marital status; familial status; status with regard to public assistance; membership or activity in a local human rights commission; disability; age; protected veteran status; or any other status protected by applicable law in its education or employment programs or activities. The University will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. The Communications Specialist is responsible for executing internal and external communication strategies to enhance Hamline’s reputation, foster engagement, and build strong relationships with key stakeholders who are important to the university’s success. This position works closely with the Senior Manager of Content and Communications and the Director of Marketing and Communications to identify, develop, and publish stories in the hamline.edu Newsroom, as well as develop and execute pitches to media outlets that showcase the university’s research, faculty expertise and other institutional achievements. The Communications Specialist will also respond to media inquiries and coordinate messaging and logistics of response in consultation with department leadership. This role also researches, writes, and distributes content for the _Inside Hamline_ newsletter and other internal communication channels to keep our faculty, staff, and students informed and engaged. Additionally, this role may write for a wide variety of communication channels and provide logistics and support for university events as assigned. **ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES** _Strategic Communications_ _:_ + Research, write, and distribute content that promotes institutional, faculty, staff, and student achievements, events, and initiatives to internal and external audiences and stakeholders. + Work under tight deadlines while managing multiple long-term and short-term priorities. + Stay informed about key university initiatives, faculty research and expertise, and institutional priorities to develop effective communications across internal and external channels. + Ensure all communications align with Hamline University’s branding and messaging standards. _Media Relations_ _:_ + Participate in day-to-day media relations planning and management with departmental leadership. + Develop story ideas and write a wide variety of related materials, including press releases, FAQs, fact sheets, statements, event advisories, pitches, talking points, spokesperson tips, hamline.edu Newsroom posts, and more. + Proactively build and maintain relationships with key reporters, editors, producers, and other media contacts to strategically target and execute story pitches and convert media inquiries into placements. + Act as a primary contact for journalists, triaging inquiries to the Senior Manager of Content and Communications or the Director of Marketing and Communications as appropriate. + Serve as a resource to journalists and facilitate newsgathering while also monitoring for and consulting with Marketing and Communications leadership about reputational risk factors. + Provide strategic support, make advance arrangements, and escort journalists when they visit campus, coordinating as needed with Student Affairs, Public Safety, and other key departments. + Use Cision platform to monitor media coverage, identify targets for story pitches, analyze competitors, understand trending news, and optimize Hamline’s media outreach strategies and results. + Oversee the hometown news release program to highlight student and faculty achievements. + Serve as departmental liaison to Hamline Athletics’ public information team. _Internal Communications_ _:_ + Maintain processes to collect and ensure timely and accurate dissemination of internal news updates. + Monitor content pipelines and collaborate with department leadership to plan and schedule stories for internal communication channels. + Research, write, and distribute effective internal communications content to keep faculty, staff, and students informed and engaged. + Execute all aspects of developing the content and publishing the weekly _Inside Hamline_ e-newsletter. + Support initiatives to expand and enhance our internal communications ecosystem and resources. _Event Communications Support_ _:_ + Provide communication and media support for key university events, including logistics, messaging, and press coverage. _Other Duties_ _:_ + Perform additional work-related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position. **REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS** This position reports to the: Senior Manager of Content and Communications **REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND KEY COMPETENCIES** + Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including proficiency in AP style. + Strong organizational and project management abilities with the capacity to handle multiple priorities. + Proficiency in using content management systems (CMS) and media monitoring tools. + Familiarity with and/or training in public relations and branding best practices. + Ability to analyze communication effectiveness and adjust strategies as needed. + Creative thinking and problem-solving skills to address challenges proactively. + Adept at building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders. **MINIMUM EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE** + Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field OR equivalent experience. + 2+ years of professional experience in corporate communications or media relations. + Proven experience in writing for media channels and public-facing communication. + Familiarity with content management systems, media monitoring tools, and social media platforms. **PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE** + Experience: Experience working in higher education or nonprofit sectors. + Experience working with CRM platforms or apps designed for organizational/internal communication.. + Established relationships with local, regional and/or higher education trade media outlets. **WORKING CONDITIONS / EQUIPMENT** Must perform the following essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation: + Must be able to work on a computer for extended periods of time. + This position is primarily an on-campus role. Designated remote work days may be set at the discretion of the department director. + Ability to work an on-call schedule. Occasional night and or weekend work may be required. **ADDITIONAL INFORMATION** + This is a full time, 1.0 FTE, exempt position, 12 months a year. + This position may require overtime during peak seasons. **Compensation and Benefits:** **Pay Range:** $55,000 - $60,000 annually **Full-Time Benefits:** We offer a comprehensive benefits package which may include: + Medical, dental, and vision insurance + Life insurance + Short- and Long-Term Disability + Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity + 403(b), 403(b) matching + Paid Time off, including vacation time, paid holidays and safe and sick leave time off + Employee assistance program + Flexible spending account (FSA), Health savings account (HSA) + Tuition waiver All questions marked ‘Required’ need to be answered in order to submit the application. It is important that your application show all of the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. If rejected, you must reapply for the position in order to be considered. A resume or curriculum vitae, a cover letter outlining your qualifications for and interest in the position, contact information for 3 current, professional references, as well as copies of transcripts (if required) must be uploaded with each application **.**