Social Media Specialist - UW Medicine Strategic Communications

Job Description

UW Medicine Strategic Communications has an outstanding opportunity for a Social Media Specialist who will focus primarily on crafting compelling, brand-aligned copy and narrative content for UW Medicine’s social channels, including UW Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center and the UW School of Medicine.

At UW Medicine, our mission is to improve the health of all people through excellence in clinical, research and education and training programs. As the only comprehensive clinical, research and learning health system in the five-state WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, Idaho) region, UW Medicine provides the most up-to-date care for each individual patient, leads one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive medical research programs, and provides innovative learning programs for students, trainees and clinicians in health professions. 

UW Medicine’s Strategic Communications team plays a critical role in advancing the organization’s mission to improve the health of all people by delivering clear, timely, and effective communications to internal and external audiences. The team’s work spans media relations, internal and executive communications, hospital communications, crisis communications, social media engagement and enterprise-wide digital platforms, ensuring our messaging remains closely aligned with leadership priorities and institutional strategy. 

UW Medicine includes UW Medical Center and Harborview Medical Center, nationally recognized hospitals that serve distinct and diverse patient populations.

Harborview Medical Center is a comprehensive healthcare facility made up of approximately 7,000 staff members and clinicians dedicated to providing specialized care for a broad spectrum of patients from throughout the Pacic Northwest, including the most vulnerable residents of King County. Harborview is the only designated Level I adult and pediatric trauma and verified burn center in the state. Patients given priority for care include the non-English speaking poor; the uninsured or underinsured, victims of domestic violence or sexual assault; people incarcerated in King County's jails; people with mental illness or substance abuse problems, particularly those treated involuntarily; people with sexually transmitted diseases; and those who require specialized emergency, trauma or burn care. Harborview recognizes that delivering quality healthcare is enhanced by a strong commitment to teaching, community service and research.

UW Medical Center is one of the world’s foremost academic health centers. It is ranked among the nation’s top hospitals with campuses at Montlake and Northwest, and is a global leader in complex medical care, pioneering research, and specialized treatment. UW Medical Center has around 11,000 staff members and clinicians across two campuses, who deliver exceptional, multidisciplinary care to a vast array of patients who come here from across the globe. The Montlake Campus is located adjacent to the University of Washington and the School of Medicine. The Northwest campus is located north of Seattle. Every day, dedicated and compassionate UW Medical Center team members bring excellence and commitment to the care of patients and their families.

Social media content for these hospitals must reflect their unique roles, audiences, and responsibilities while remaining aligned with UW Medicine’s brand and values.

This role emphasizes creating engaging, clear and conversational content to promote the UW Medicine brand, highlight patient and provider stories, and explain programs, studies and initiatives in a relatable way. While writing is the primary focus, this individual will also create visual assets, manage publishing, monitor accounts, and engage directly with audiences, ensuring flexibility and coverage when needed.

The successful candidate will have a passion for social media that combines creativity with analytics to maximize audience engagement. This position is responsible for implementing social media strategy, creating high-quality content, monitoring analytics, and increasing brand awareness, engagement and audience growth while following social media best practices. The candidate must have a proven ability to creatively solve problems and collaborate with multiple stakeholders. Exceptional attention to detail is required, along with a commitment to writing excellence, to produce clear, accurate and error-free copy with sound judgment. The ability to write in a conversational voice while maintaining the UW Medicine brand integrity and upholding the credibility and professionalism of an academic medical institution is essential.

Meeting the content demands and expectations of multiple internal clients while navigating the unique social media challenges of a large health system requires experience, empathy and sound judgment. This role supports UW Medicine’s mission to improve the health of all people and requires an understanding of the importance of health equity, community trust and responsible communication in a clinical and research environment.

Content creation for UW Medical Center and Harborview Medical Center requires an understanding of their distinct missions, patient populations, and community responsibilities, and the ability to tailor messaging appropriately while maintaining UW Medicine brand alignment.

Competing priorities require the ability to manage short- and long-term assignments in a way that achieves results and meets deadlines. This position also requires the ability to write clearly and thoughtfully for diverse audiences, using language that is inclusive, accessible and respectful.

UW Medicine uses social media to educate and inform the public and share the stories of our patients, faculty, students and staff. It captures the humanity behind our organization and connects with our community in ways not possible in many other types of media. This position is critical to the reputation of UW Medicine.
 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Copywriting and Narrative Development – 50%

• Write posts and captions for various platforms using a tone that balances warmth, professionalism and accessibility
• Develop story-driven features highlighting patients, providers, research, programs and community events
• Adapt messaging to fit the strengths and requirements of each channel

Social Media Engagement – 25%

• Monitor channels, respond to comments/messages and escalate inquiries as appropriate to increase brand loyalty and positive sentiment
• Grow social media channels including Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram

Editorial Calendar Coordination and Publishing – 10%

• Communicate with other teams for updates, campaigns and events to ensure story ideas are captured and scheduled
• Schedule and publish posts via social media management tools such as Facebook Business, Sprout Social, or platform-native schedulers

Content Design Support – 10%

• Use Canva or similar tools to create supporting visuals for posts
• Prepare images, videos, or graphics for publishing
• Capture photos and short videos at events or hospitals
• Edit basic images or videos for social use

Analytics and Reporting – 5%

• Review analytics and provide insights and suggestions for future campaigns and content

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, English or related field
• Minimum of two years of professional social media experience, with demonstrated knowledge of current digital content best practices and experience creating content for social platforms

Additional Requirements.

• Exceptional writing skills with a proven ability to communicate to diverse audiences across platforms
• Strong proofreading and editing skills with keen attention to detail
• Demonstration of sound judgement and decision-making
• Experience planning, scheduling, publishing and managing social media content
• Understanding of social media analytics, including experience in measuring performance, testing content, learning from insights, and iterating to optimize results
• Working knowledge of basic design, videography and photography principles for social media
• Proven organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to work independently, prioritize across multiple projects and adapt to shifting deadlines and needs
• Ability to build effective, collaborative working relationships both independently and as part of cross-functional project teams
• Strong customer service and community management skills with the ability to monitor and engage with audiences in a professional and timely manner
• Ability to meet deadlines while managing multiple, competing priorities

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Photography and video production experience for social platforms
• Proficiency in photo and video editing tools
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (including Premiere, Illustrator and Photoshop) and Canva
• Experience with social media management and publishing platforms such as Sprout Social
• Familiarity with the AP Stylebook and best practices for digital writing
• Experience in healthcare communications
• Experience working within an academic or higher education institution
• Experience supporting social media during crisis or high-risk communications

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Hybrid – Approximately one day per month at South Lake Union office (with the option for more days in-office as desired) plus additional required meetings or other events at the manager’s discretion
• The position will travel to various locations to gather information and assist with activities as needed
• The position maintains regular office hours Monday through Friday and regular evening and weekends to monitor social media and participate in special events
• This is an essential position, meaning the individual is required to report to work when the University is under suspended operations due to inclement weather, etc.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$80,172.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$82,548.00 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.