Communications Specialist

KW2; Madison (WI); Remote; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

KW2 is seeking a Communications Specialist to join the Strategy Department in a remote, part-time role (10-20 hours per week). The ideal candidate will craft clear, audience-centered content across press materials, web content, social channels, newsletters and presentations, while supporting stakeholder engagement and media relations for diverse clients.

You will collaborate with strategists, Account Service and Creative teams to turn strategy into tangible communications campaigns.

Qualifications

• Strategic understanding of communications objectives and translating strategy into practical activities.
• Exceptional ability to write, edit and adapt complex information for different audiences and channels.
• Experience developing communications for diverse internal and external audiences with subject-matter experts and leaders.
• Familiarity with earned media, email, web, social media, presentations and other channels; tailor content by channel.
• Ability to manage multiple clients, contribute to timelines and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Write, edit and develop content across formats: press materials, web content, social media, talking points, newsletters and client communications.
• Support stakeholder and partner communications with outreach materials and engagement strategies.
• Develop earned-media activities: pitches, press releases, media outreach and interview prep.
• Support digital/multichannel communications across web, email, social media and other platforms.
• Create internal communications to inform and align employees and partners.
• Assist with issues and crisis communications including key messages and response materials.
• Monitor trends and campaign performance to propose improvements.
• Coordinate activities and timelines with KW2 strategists, Account Service, Creative and client teams.

Skills

Strategic communications

Writing & editing

Audience & stakeholder communications

Multichannel communications

Project & client collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, or related field

Job description

LOCATION RESTRICTIONS:

This remote position is available to U.S. residents only. Wisconsin residents or familiarity with Wisconsin markets preferred, but other locations will be considered.

JOB TYPE:

Part-time/LTE Contract. This position is projected to be 10-20 hours per week. Availability during business hours is required.

OVERVIEW:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Communications Specialist to join our team. The ideal candidate will be a strong and versatile writer with experience in communications, stakeholder engagement, and media relations, within the context of public or government service. As our clients' communications needs continue to evolve, this role will help expand KW2's ability to support clients across a broad range of channels and touchpoints. Well-qualified candidates need to be comfortable moving between clients and topics, quickly learning complex subject matter and adapting communications for different audiences and channels.

The Communications Specialist will play a vital role in supporting our clients' communications efforts and helping foster positive relationships with partners, stakeholders, government entities, and the public. As a member of our Strategy Department, you will help turn strategy and complex information into clear, audience-centered communications. You will connect your strong writing and public relations expertise with the integrated marketing and communications work already happening across our teams. Day-to-day, this looks like developing materials such as press releases, media pitches, talking points for client leadership teams, newsletter copy, web and social content, stakeholder engagement presentations, grassroots engagement toolkits, and other communications.

This position will be part of KW2's Strategy Department and will assist the Senior Strategist when projects require additional communications support and expertise. This position will partner closely with other KW2 Strategists, Account Service, and Creative team members to connect findings to meaningful next steps, ensuring our work doesn't just inform, but inspires.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Writing, Editing & Content Development: Develop clear, compelling and audience-centered content across formats including press materials, , web content, social media, presentations, talking points, FAQs, toolkits, executive communications, reports, articles, newsletters and other client communications.
• Stakeholder & Partner Communications: Support communications with partners, community organizations, government agencies, policymakers, institutional leaders, employees and other stakeholders, including development of outreach materials and engagement strategies.
• Media Relations & Earned Media: Develop and execute earned-media activities including media pitches, press releases, media outreach, interview preparation, talking points, media monitoring and relationship building with journalists and other media professionals.
• Digital & Multichannel Communications: Support implementation of communications across web, email, social media and other digital channels, adapting content and approach to the needs of each audience and platform.
• Internal & Organizational Communications: Develop communications that help organizations inform, engage and align employees, partners and other internal audiences around initiatives, organizational changes, programs and priorities.
• Issues & Crisis Communications: Support development and implementation of communications for emerging, sensitive or high-profile issues, including key messages, response materials, stakeholder communications and crisis communications plans.
• Research, Measurement & Optimization: Monitor communications trends, stakeholder needs, media coverage and campaign/channel performance; use qualitative and quantitative information to recommend improvements.
• Project & Client Collaboration: Manage assigned communications activities and deliverables, coordinate contributors and timelines, and collaborate closely with KW2 strategists, Account Service, Creative and client teams to ensure communications are accurate, consistent and strategically aligned.

QUALITIFCATIONS/COMPETENCIES

Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, or a related field.

Experience: Proven experience in a similar role, preferably with a focus on earned media and government relations with a state agency or higher education institution.

5-7 years preferred.

Agency experience a plus.

Strategic Communications: Ability to understand communications objectives and translate strategy into practical communications activities and deliverables.

Writing & Editing: Exceptional ability to write, edit and adapt complex information for different audiences, formats, voices and channels.

Audience & Stakeholder Communications: Experience developing communications for diverse internal and external audiences and working effectively with subject-matter experts, organizational leaders, partners and stakeholders.

Multichannel Communications: Familiarity with earned media, email, web, social media, presentations, print and other communications channels, with the ability to determine how content should change by channel.

About KW2

KW2 is a full-service marketing agency with a mission to empower and improve lives. We create results for clients across two key industries- higher education and public health. Our core values include building authentic relationships, embracing difference, making an impact, and striving for greatness in all we do.

Few agencies can match the depth or breadth of KW2's behavior change marketing expertise. Our proven approach has shaped hundreds of campaigns and improved millions of lives.

Diversity Statement

At KW2, we believe our people grow together in diverse, equitable, and inclusive environments where their unique insights, experiences, and backgrounds are valued and build authentic relationships. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, military veteran status, and all other characteristics, attributes, or choices protected by law.