Public Communications Specialist - Advanced

University Communications (UC) translates East Carolina University's message into strategic and compelling collateral through its units: News Services, Creative Services and University Marketing. UC provides strategic communication and marketing guidance and support to the university.

News Services is responsible for the university's main website content, photography, news releases, storytelling, official social media accounts, videos and East magazine. News Services manages media relations and internal and external strategic communication on behalf of the university. The unit reports and disseminates information about events, activities, research, policies, individuals and alumni of the university.

Creative Services works with all university departments to conceptualize, design and produce written, print, digital and web projects to communicate and market messages to appropriate audiences while maintaining university brand standards. Creative Services serves as the authority for brand management and reviews logo and trademark usage. Creative Services provides strategic marketing guidance and support to enhance the knowledge, understanding, appreciation and support of the university and its work with broad and varied constituencies, from prospective and current students to thought leaders, prospective donors and the public.

The university website is managed by a dedicated team through Creative Services. Services include full site development, maintaining the university site and other subsites, consultation, and web-related troubleshooting for departments. The university's mass email marketing system is managed by the web team. A focus of the web team is identifying and establishing accessibility within the university website and electronic communications.

University Marketing provides strategic advertising and marketing guidance for the university, with intentional focus on enrollment strategies. University Marketing is responsible for performing all external advertising buys for the university. The department also collaborates with university constituents on licensing and branding efforts.

* Write and edit impactful promotional and marketing copy that delivers clear messages to a wide range of audiences.

* Consistently apply the university's editorial style (based on the AP Stylebook), including sound grammar, spelling and punctuation.

* Collaborate with Creative Services team members and university partners from project concept to completion, ensuring alignment with ECU's editorial and brand standards.

* Prepare and edit documents in Microsoft Word according to office protocols.

* Other duties as assigned.

* Collaborate with the web team, university leadership and departments to refine and improve editorial content for websites, email campaigns and special projects that align with the university's communication goals.

* Proofread new copy from urgent assignments to ensure quality and clarity.

* Generate, review and/or rewrite web content to enhance conciseness, engagement and accessibility.

* Create user-friendly content that supports seamless navigation and effective calls to action (CTAs).

* Apply accessibility guidelines to ensure compliance and usability for all.

* Apply basic understanding of search engine optimization ( SEO) principles, including keyword research and content best practices.

* Manage project-related assets according to departmental protocols.

* Maintain and route projects via the departmental asset management platform.

* Track work time using the Kronos system.

Contingent upon availability of funds

Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

None

* Previous related professional experience.

* Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 is a plus.

* Experience in published promotional/advertising copywriting is a plus.

* Experience with content management systems ( CMS) such as WordPress, Drupal or Joomla is a plus.

None

If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on budget, UNC salary administration, and/or candidate qualifications.

East Carolina University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer who is committed to workforce success and cultivating a culture of care, belonging and opportunity for our faculty, staff and learners and all stakeholders. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, or veteran status.

Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act ( ADAAA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at (252) 737-1018 (Voice/ TTY) or ADA-Coordinator@ecu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. ECU participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. If highest degree earned is from an institution outside of the U.S. and its territories, final candidates are required to have their degree validated as equivalent to the degree conferred by a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity at (252) 328-9847 or toll free at 1-866-489-1740 or send an email to employment@ecu.edu. Our office is available to provide assistance Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 EST.