What are the responsibilities and job description for the Internal Communications Specialist position at Ave Maria University?
PRIMARY PURPOSE:
The Internal Communications Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the university's internal communications strategies and channels. This role focuses on creating and distributing effective communications to foster engagement, collaboration, and information sharing among faculty, staff, and students. The position plays a crucial role in maintaining consistent messaging, strengthening organizational culture, and supporting the university's mission through strategic internal communications initiatives.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Digital Platform Management:
- Lead the management and continuous improvement of My.Ave, the university's intranet platform
- Develop and implement strategies to increase platform engagement and usage
- Create and maintain content policies and governance for internal digital platforms
- Monitor analytics and gather user feedback to identify enhancement opportunities
- Develop and implement strategic alumni communication initiatives
Content Development & Distribution:
- Manage the production and distribution of internal publications including the weekly bulletin and monthly newsletter
- Write, edit, and proofread content for various internal communications channels
- Create engaging multimedia content including articles, announcements, videos, and graphics
- Ensure all internal communications align with the university's brand standards and voice
- Manage inventory and distribution of informational materials across campus locations
Cross-Departmental Collaboration:
- Work closely with departments across the university to gather information and content for internal communications
- Partner with the Digital Strategy team and other departments to improve communications systems and processes
- Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across campus
Event Support & Promotion:
- Promote internal events, initiatives, and programs to the university community
- Assist in planning and executing internal events and town halls as needed
- Create post-event communications to share outcomes and next steps
Communications Strategy & Planning:
- Develop and implement comprehensive internal communications plans
- Create communications calendars to coordinate messaging across channels
- Measure the effectiveness of communications strategies and recommend improvements
- Stay current with best practices in internal communications and employee engagement
Crisis & Change Communications:
- Support the development and distribution of crisis communications to internal audiences
- Create clear, timely communications around organizational changes and initiatives
- Ensure consistent messaging during periods of transition or uncertainty
Team Support & Development:
- Manage and mentor student workers in communications tasks
- Provide training and support to department representatives on communications tools and processes
EDUCATION:
Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field
EXPERIENCE:
2 years of experience in internal communications, corporate communications, or similar role
CERTIFICATION:
N/A
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: (WRITE BASED on job needs)
- Advanced proficiency in content management systems and internal communications platforms
- Strong storytelling and communication skills
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office suite
- Experience with digital content creation tools and basic graphic design
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Experience managing and mentoring student workers
- Must support the University's Catholic mission
PHYSICAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Requires ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations; the ability to stand, walk and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of 10 - 20 pounds. Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp, type and perform data entry, visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment and read technical information, ability to hear in order to answer telephones and to communicate verbally, and the ability to sit for extended periods of time.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed indoors with minimal safety hazards, and requires seated, standing, and movement work.
