Communications Specialist - Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Job Description

The Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences within the UW School of Medicine currently has an outstanding opportunity for a Communications Specialist to join their team.

About this Opportunity 

Reporting to the Research Manager, the Communications Specialist is responsible for leading the communications across CSPAR (Center for Suicide Prevention and Recovery) and SCRC (Suicide Care Research Center) programs, projects, and related initiatives, with a special focus on a new initiative called the Suicide Care Team (SCT). This position will be responsible for implementing a comprehensive communication strategy for both Centers that is visible to healthcare organizations, policymakers, funders, and healthcare providers throughout the United States and abroad. This position will also be responsible for expanding the marketing reach of online and live trainings, mailing lists, and other CSPAR and SCRC dissemination efforts, further contributing to the visibility of our departmental work relating to 1) Research & Innovation, 2) Education & Professional Development, and 3) Clinical Care & Consultation. This position is hybrid-eligible.

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop and implement communications strategic plan(s). (15%)
• Develop and maintain website(s). (15%)
• Manage digital communications and contact lists. (15%)
• Develop written and visual content to support center’s work and outreach/marketing efforts. (25%)
• Ensure communications products reflect brand identity, quality standards, and meet accessibility requirements. (15%)
• Represent SCRC and CSPAR programming at conferences, meetings, and events. (10%)
• Other communications 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.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Health, or related field, and a minimum of three years of relevant experience.

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

Additional Qualifications 

• Expertise in written communications, both internal and external, for a variety of audiences and mediums.
• Experience creating strategic communications and marketing plans.
• Experience developing, uploading, and managing web content.
• Experience with technical writing, especially guides and similar tools targeted to specific audiences.
• Proficiently use communications tools including WordPress, Adobe Creative Suite, and Canva.
• Comfort using technology for collaboration, communication, and tracking, including the Microsoft Office suite, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and project management platforms (e.g. Basecamp).
• Knowledge related to fair use and copyright law in academic and research settings.
• Comfort being around discussions of suicide and mental health as well as comfort working with stressed and distressed patients experiencing suicidality, their family members, and/or the clinicians and staff who treat them.
• Strong understanding of WCAG 2.1 Accessibility requirements and how to implement them across various digital mediums.
• Ability to appropriately track on and prioritize tasks across many different electronic systems and quickly synthesize information.
• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team while also working independently with minimal supervision.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and interpersonal skills to interact positively with a wide range of people.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and creative problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Formal project management training or certification.
• Training and experience in graphic design.
• Experience and understanding of mental health and/or medical research and settings.
• Experience interacting professionally with individuals with lived experience of mental health conditions, especially suicidality.
• Experience supporting development of manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications or grant proposals.

About the Team 

The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences is the third largest department within the School of Medicine. The department supports over 330 full-time faculty members, 460 courtesy faculty members, and 350 staff, with overall annual operations funding from all sources exceeding $150 million supporting the work of faculty providing clinical services, a highly competitive residency training program, a robust research portfolio, and more. Learn more about us at https://psychiatry.uw.edu/. 

Placement in the range will depend on a candidate’s job-related skills, experience, and expertise, as evaluated during the interview process. 

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$60,780.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$91,164.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

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 [email protected]. 

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.