Job Description
The University Center for Social & Urban Research (UCSUR) has a 50-year history of conducting interdisciplinary research that is relevant to the region and beyond. The center currently has 30 staff and partners with all schools and units at Pitt.
UCSUR has recently hired a new Director and is in the process of becoming a hub for the university’s Community Engaged Research. The new Communications Manager will be joining UCSUR at an exciting time of change and growth. It will be important to think creatively about how to communicate with diverse stakeholders within Pitt, across sectors, throughout the region, and beyond. Importantly, the new Communications Manager will also be an integral part of a university-level communications team that aims to spread the work about Pitt’s impact. This role will require working in the office Monday - Thursday (3343 Forbes Avenue). In your cover letter, please describe your communications experience and why you specifically want to work at UCSUR.
Please provide a cover letter and a portfolio of work products that best illustrate your fit for the position as described in the job description. These work samples should reflect the range of your skills (e.g., social media posts, reports, designed fliers, blogs, websites, etc.). Where a product was collaboratively developed, please note the aspects of the product you directly led.
Executes University communications and marketing strategies for a program or unit. Oversees print and electronic communications, subsequent media promotion, and development of a content marketing plan. Tracks and evaluates marketing strategies. Guides staff. Ensures consistent messaging and maintains University brand and style.
Lead internal and external communications about UCSUR’s community-engaged research findings, events, and programs, effectively demonstrating how the Center’s work aligns with the Plan for Pitt 2028, the University’s strategic plan.
Design and implement a communications strategy for engaging with multiple audiences, including starting a social media presence and determining other best practices for communicating UCSUR’s research findings, events, and opportunities.
Find and write content about key initiatives, describing their impact with human-centered and systems-level narratives and adhering to university style and editorial standards.
Build relationships with and pitch media outlets reaching UCSUR’s intended audiences to amplify our work.
Develop effective internal communications (with UCSUR staff and research affiliates/partners/students) to build a sense of awareness, connection, and pride in the work happening across groups. This will require strong interpersonal skills, curiosity, and the ability to build trust with a university and community members.
Work with partners in the Office of Engagement and Community Affairs and Economic Anchor Initiatives, as well as the Public Impact Strategy Group, to tell the story of Pitt’s Public Impact Portfolio, a collection of activities and relationships, within Pitt and with our external partners, that ensure the University is contributing to the well-being of Pennsylvania and communities beyond. Provide communications expertise and management at significant UCSUR events.
Little physical effort required. Duties are primarily sedentary. May be required to move objects up to 25 pounds occasionally.
The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.