Communications Specialist

University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Job summary

The University of Pittsburgh is seeking a Communications Specialist to create, develop and circulate print and web materials for university departments and public affairs. The role includes coordinating projects, overseeing production, representing the University to media, and arranging press conferences.

The position covers content and marketing development, branding rollout, and collaboration with faculty to translate academic and public health research into accessible content, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 3 years professional experience preferred.
• Translate complex academic and public health research into accessible, engaging content.
• Support events, promotions, and multimedia storytelling across channels.

Responsibilities

• Develops institutional communications including newsletters, annual reports, faculty publications, and alumni communications.
• Collaborates with faculty and researchers to translate complex research into engaging content for internal and external audiences.
• Tracks and maintains faculty publications and research outputs for reporting and visibility.
• Manages communications and logistics for high-profile academic events and conferences.
• Produces multimedia storytelling initiatives, including student recruitment and faculty profiles.

Skills

Content creation

Editing

Project coordination

Media relations

Branding

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Communications Specialist

The incumbent will be responsible for higher-level tasks related to the creation, development and circulation of print and web material for University departments as well as public affairs for the University. Tasks could include, but are not limited to coordinating projects for clients, overseeing the production of materials, Representing the University/providing information to the media and public, and arranging press conferences.

Content & Marketing Development

• Supports departmental re-branding processes including discovery and information gathering, brand and materials development, and developing a rollout and communications plan for the new brand launch.
• Provides moderately complex content and marketing development for web and print media, including writing, editing, research, web graphics and templates, social media, signs and banners, emails, reports, templates, and other print and communications collateral.
• Serves as a strategic contributor for the communications team in content creation, ensuring design and branding consistency across all channels.
• Supports the marketing team in producing and editing high-quality materials, including promotions, advertising, and publicity, ensuring accuracy and high standards.
• Modifies messaging according to target audience, communication goals, and the specific communication channels employed.

Institutional & Academic Communications

• Develops and produces institutional communications including department newsletters, annual reports, faculty publications, grant materials, recruitment content, and alumni communications.
• Collaborates with faculty and researchers to translate complex academic and public health research into accessible, engaging content for internal and external audiences.
• Tracks, organizes, and maintains faculty peer-reviewed publications and research outputs for reporting, promotion, and institutional visibility.
• Provides communications support to affiliated academic units, including research centers and alumni organizations.
• Manages communications and logistics for high-profile academic events, including lecture series, research symposia, alumni events, and national conference participation.
• Serves as primary liaison for campus partners, external stakeholders, and vendors; coordinates contracts and on-site execution.
• Produces multimedia storytelling initiatives, including student recruitment, faculty profiles, and academic program promotions, overseeing all phases of production.
• Supports events and promotions, including vendor contact, interfacing with clients and designers, developing materials, and tracking milestone deliverables.

Collaboration & Administration

• Works collaboratively and effectively with subject matter experts (SMEs), creative teams, and University departments to ensure high-quality content is delivered on time.
• Maintains and updates applicable databases in a timely and accurate manner.
• Provides guidance to other staff as directed.
• Attends unit-specific events and meetings to support and spearhead messaging efforts.

Other Duties

Other duties may be assigned as needed. The job duties outlined in this position description include common responsibilities for this title and level and are not intended to cover every duty that may be required.

A Bachelor's degree and 3 years professional experience is preferred.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Department: GSPH-Behavioral & Community Health Sciences

Campus: Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required: Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years of Experience Required: 3

Work Schedule: 22.5 - 37.5 hours a week, depending on work needing completed

Work Arrangement: Hybrid: Combination of On-Campus and Remote work as determined by the department.

Requested Pay Rate: 25.00

Visa Sponsorship Provided:

Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable

Required Documents: Resume