Senior Communications Associate, GW Engineering Strategic Initiatives

I. JOB OVERVIEW

Job Description Summary:

Located in the nation’s capital, GW’s School of Engineering and Applied Science strives to promote a multicultural technological community and maintain and develop special integrated programs with industry and government. GW Engineering prepares professionals to be confident in their understanding of science and technology, capable of exercising constructive leadership, creative in the face of new environmental and societal challenges, and agile in the application of critical analytical skills during a lifelong learning that will open new career horizons. GW Engineering strives to create a vibrant atmosphere, providing for interaction and joint ventures among faculty, students, and the abundant resources of scientists and facilities available in the Washington Metropolitan Area.

The Senior Communication Associate is a key team member in the Dean’s office and reports to Director of Communications and Marketing within GW Engineering. The Sr. Communications Associate is responsible for supporting strategic communications and supporting the Director of Strategic Initiatives on planning and coordinating school initiatives that are supported through institutional funds and philanthropic contributions.

This role supports and coordinates high-priority, transformative projects from concept to implementation. This position will work collaboratively across several University departments to support high-level strategic planning issues and initiatives. The role has key responsibilities in multiple, distinct areas essential for the planning a successful launch of new projects at George Washington University. This role will be expected to work at both strategic and tactical levels.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Public Relations, Marketing and Communications

• Tracks news articles and media mentions related to the school’s strategic initiatives and research projects.
• Coordinates collaboration on press releases, announcements and PR features.
• Supports Director of Communications and Marketing with school’s strategic initiative communication strategy, including advertising, image building, branding and developing marketing materials for internal and external distribution.
• Assists with the facilitation of opportunities by coordinating/arranging meetings, assisting in solicitations and developing correspondence (emails, memos, newsletters, etc.).
• Supports events such as conferences, workshops, seminars and networking events that aim to engage external stakeholders and promote the institution’s visibility.
• Tracks external relations activities.
• Generates reports and define/refine stakeholder engagement data.
• Creates, manage and disseminate strategic initiative newsletters.
• Responsible for regular content updates, refresh and maintenance on Strategic Initiative website(s).

Project Management/Stewardship

• Independently manages critical, timely and important short-term and long-term special projects as needed.
• Collaborates as required with other team members, including writing reports, developing plans, defining and communicating alternatives and making recommendations regarding appropriate courses of action based on thorough understanding of desired outcomes, expectations and timelines.
• Assumes responsibility for keeping broad communication and marketing projects for initiatives (both research and programmatic) on-track and completed on a timely basis. This includes working directly with university administration as well as Schools and Directors to obtain and track pertinent and oftentimes confidential information.
• Participates in the creation of funding proposals and assist with solicitations and other fundraising activities.
• Using a shared dashboard, track and assess progress toward goals/priorities and take appropriate action to influence outcomes.

Track and Manage Communication for Strategic Initiatives and Partner Relations

• Represents GW Engineering by participating in various internal working groups.
• Builds and stay in close working relationship and coordination with a wide range of offices and staff, internal or external to the University.
• Interacts with members of the university administration and leadership of the GW Schools on matters of importance to the team.
• Represents the Strategic Initiatives by attending meetings, gathering information, and asking key questions as appropriate and report back to Director of Strategic Initiatives.

Types of tasks and duties to include but not limited to:

• Drafts, manage, edit and disseminate newsletter, and media tracking memo, annual impact report, announcements and news.
• Conducts weekly website edits, updates, and audit.
• Coordinates, schedule and create agenda for bi-weekly strategic communications meeting with the Director of Communications and Marketing, and the Director of Strategic Initiatives.
• Coordinates and assist with the development of marketing products for all strategic initiatives and prioritized research projects.

Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 2 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant area of study. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience in project management, strategic communications, public relations, analysis and/or planning operations in a large complex organization.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• High level of creativity, initiative, and motivation.
• Superb presentation skills, including the presence to deal effectively with senior level administrators and key donors.
• Excellent project management skills strongly preferred.
• Technical and scientific writing experience.
• Previous experience with managing large scale, cross-functional projects in higher education, or a similar field, preferred.

Hiring Range

$64,483.58 - $88,679.60

GW Staff Approach to Pay

Healthcare Benefits

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit

II. JOB DETAILS

Campus Location:

Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department:

School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS)

Family

Comm, Mktg & Media

Sub-Family

Communications and Public Relations

Stream

Individual Contributor

Level

Level 2

Full-Time/Part-Time:

Full-Time

Hours Per Week:

40

Work Schedule:

Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm

Will this job require the employee to work on site?

Yes

Employee Onsite Status

Hybrid

Telework:

Yes

Required Background Check:

Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status.

Provide the following writing samples:

• Press release
• News feature article
• Science/technical research summary/report or abstract (no more than 4 pages)

Internal Applicants Only?

No

Posting Number:

S013196

Job Open Date:

09/05/2024

Job Close Date:

If temporary, grant funded or limited term appointment, position funded until:

Background Screening

Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

EEO Statement:

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.