MEDIA RELATIONS SPECIALIST

Job Description

The School of Art + Art History + Design has an opportunity for Media Relations Specialist to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Director of the School of Art + Art History + Design (SoAAHD), the Media Relations Specialist is responsible for leading strategic communications initiatives that strengthen the School's visibility, reputation, and engagement with key audiences. This position develops and implements communication strategies, advises leadership on communications, and creates compelling content that advances the School's mission and brand. Working closely with faculty, staff, alumni, the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) marketing team, University partners, and the broader arts and design community, the Media Relations Specialist serves as a key communications liaison and cultivates relationships that amplify the School's impact and accomplishments.

This is a 100% FTE hybrid remote position. The office location is the Art building, on the Seattle campus of the University of Washington. The salary information is provided below.

Key Responsibilities

• Content Production & Management (40%)
  • Write, edit, and produce content for the School website, social media, quarterly e-newsletters, press releases, event promotions, faculty/student/alumni profiles, feature stories, fact sheets, award nominations, and other communications
• Marketing & Communications Strategy (30%)
  • Serve as the School's communications liaison with the College of Arts & Sciences communications team and represent the School at communications-related meetings.
  • Ensure consistent messaging, editorial standards, and brand identity across print and digital communications.
• Website & Digital Communications (25%)
  • Manage the School website, ensuring content is accurate, current, accessible, and aligned with School goals and coordinate website improvements and technical updates with CAS web team.
  • Coordinate with photographers, a student designer, and other creative contributors to produce high-quality visual content.
  • Manage 1–2 student employees to support website & digital communications.
• Other duties as assigned (5%)

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, English, journalism, marketing or similar field. 

• 3 years marketing and/or communications experience with increasing scope and responsibility. 

• Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

Additional Qualifications

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including demonstrated ability to write for different media and different audiences. 

• Proven ability to work on a team as well as independently. 

• Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and adhere to specific deadlines and goals. 

• Experience with mass email clients and social media platforms. 

• Experience with photography and/or videography.

• Familiarity with HTML and the Adobe Creative Suite. 

• Familiarity with Marketo, Cvent, Trumba, SmugMug, and Mailchimp.

Preferred Qualifications

• An interest in the disciplines of art, art history, and/or design.

Working Conditions

• Must be available for special projects as assigned and, on occasion, be able to work flexible shifts (evenings and/or weekends) to meet the needs of the School. May be required to travel to other School and UW facilities on occasion. 

• Must be able to lift 25 pounds.

About the Team

The School of Art + Art History + Design engages and educates students in essential issues of visual history and literacy, the creative process and visual communication, and innovative and socially responsible design. We work closely with leaders in the arts, academic, and business communities to ensure that our students understand the role that this education will play in their future success as professionals and global citizens. The School of Art + Art History + Design has approximately 40 faculty and 22 staff members serving around 600 undergraduate and 60 graduate students, plus more than 1,000 non-majors enrolled in our courses.

art.washington.edu

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

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About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.