Communications Specialist - University Housing

Communications Specialist - University Housing Housing Information & Marketing

University Housing provides an essential element of the Illinois experience, with hundreds of employees across seven units working together to build and maintain safe, healthy and welcoming homes for our residents. We value the many diverse voices, opinions, experiences and identities of the Illinois community, and our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is woven into each of our interactions, programs and decisions.

Housing Information & Marketing focuses on meeting the communications and logistical needs of current and potential residents. Staff respond to resident concerns, facilitate the signing of contracts, operate the logistics of room selection and resident placement. Together, team members tell the Housing story by providing graphic design, analysis, reporting, photo/video, writing and communications services across the department. HI&M staff also support other Housing units by providing strategic services like occupancy planning, assessment, marketing strategy and more.

Works as a content manager and creator for the Housing Information & Marketing team within University Housing. In collaboration with team members, implements a cohesive content strategy across media formats in support of the mission and units of University Housing. Produce content to elevate a broad spectrum of programs including Family & Graduate Housing, Residence Life, Dining Services, staff initiatives, and more.

All University Housing staff foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment within University Housing.

Create and edit content for print, web, video, and other multimedia projects for University Housing units.

• Create content in collaboration with the Senior Communications Coordinator, including but not limited to stories, blogs, articles, emails, websites, scripts, storyboards, postcards, brochures, social media, and presentations.
• Proofread and edit content for accuracy, consistency, clarity, and grammatical correctness.
• Collaborate effectively with teammates, partners, stakeholders, faculty, staff, and student employees. Collaborate with team members to develop key messages, ensure content and design unification, and ideate for video projects.

Content Strategy & Assessment

• Ensure adherence to campus-wide brand guidelines.
• Utilize data to assess content strategy efforts and inform future decision-making.
• Collaborate with Senior Communications Coordinator and Associate Director of Communications and Marketing to make and execute communication plans.
• Keep up with professional development and maintain a relevant understanding of current content, audience, and higher education trends.

Social Media Management

• Strategically manage University Housing social media channels and oversee student employees responsible for executing a cohesive social media plan.
• Work to implement social media strategy, developed collaboratively with the Senior Communications Coordinator and Associate Director of Communications and Marketing.
• Supervise and mentor student employees, who carry out the day-to-day operations of University Housing social media accounts.

Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations

This position primarily works during standard business hours. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support University Housing events, programs, or content needs. Occasional travel between University Housing and campus locations to conduct interviews, attend meetings, gather content, and support photo, video, or other multimedia projects.

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related…