IT Writer and Communications Specialist

Duration: 12 weeks with potential to extend (3 Months Contract) Job Summary

Information Technology Services (ITS) is seeking a dynamic IT Writer and Communications Specialist to drive digital transformation forward. In this pivotal role, you'll be the strategic communications leader who transforms complex technology changes into compelling narratives that inspire and empower university community. You'll craft communication strategies that don't just inform—they guide, educate, and motivate thousands of faculty, staff, and students through major system implementations and process innovations, both big and small.

As our communications bridge between technical teams and end users, you'll translate intricate technical concepts into powerful, accessible messaging that resonates across diverse audiences. You'll collaborate at the highest levels with IT project teams, university leadership, and key business stakeholders to anticipate challenges, shape perceptions, and orchestrate communication campaigns that ensure successful technology adoption and organizational change.

• Develop comprehensive communication plans for IT projects that guide stakeholders through system changes, process updates, and technology implementations
• Collaborate with technical teams, project managers, leadership, and business stakeholders to understand project impacts on different user groups
• Create targeted messaging that explains "what's changing," "why it's changing," "how it affects you," and "what you need to do" for various stakeholder segments
• Design and execute multi-channel communication campaigns to support organizational change initiatives

• Write and edit compelling, accessible content for web, email, digital signage, print, user interfaces, and other communication channels
• Translate technical concepts, system requirements, and process changes into language appropriate for diverse audiences (faculty, staff, students, administrators)
• Develop training materials, quick reference guides, FAQs, and other resources that help users adapt to new systems and processes
• Create informational and educational content that drives user engagement and adoption of new technologies

• Partner with IT project teams to understand technical requirements, timelines, and user impacts throughout project life cycles
• Participate in project planning meetings to provide communications expertise and identify potential user concerns early

• Contribute to overall IT communications strategy and help identify opportunities to improve change communication processes
• Monitor communication effectiveness through user feedback, adoption metrics, and other data sources
• Stay current on change management best practices and emerging communication technologies
• Counsel leadership on communication strategies for complex or sensitive technology changes

• Substantial experience in marketing, communications, or related field, preferably in higher education, technology, or organizational change environments
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to adapt messaging for different audiences
• Strong technical aptitude with ability to quickly understand complex systems, processes, and technical concepts
• Project collaboration experience with demonstrated ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams including technical staff, project managers, and various stakeholders
• Change communication experience or strong interest in helping organizations and individuals navigate transitions
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills including collaborative features in Word, SharePoint, Excel, Teams, and Outlook
• Self-directed work style with strong project management abilities and attention to detail
• Adaptability in fast-paced, changing environments with shifting priorities

• Experience with ITIL processes, change management frameworks, or IT service management
• Proficiency with content management systems (Word Press, Contentful, or similar)
• Familiarity with user experience (UX) principles and user-centered design thinking
• Experience creating multimedia content (graphics, video, interactive materials)
• Knowledge of web accessibility standards and inclusive design practices
• Data analysis skills for measuring communication…