Communications Specialist

About ECC:

Elgin Community College serves over 9,000 students at every stage of their educational journeys, including university transfer programs, career and technical education, continuing education classes, and adult basic education. As a community, we pride ourselves on nurturing a welcoming campus where every person—students, staff members, faculty members, and campus visitors—feels valued. The work of each ECC employee is central to the college’s mission, and as an employer, the college fosters a positive environment through professional challenges, excellent benefits, and opportunities for recognition and camaraderie.

Work Schedule:

FT Ability to work a flexible schedule which includes days/evenings/weekends as needed by the department.

Rate of Pay:

This is a Full-Time Support Staff position at grade 13, with an annual salary range of $47,571 to $63,428 The salary offer will be based on education and experience, in alignment with the College’s compensation philosophy and the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), if applicable.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA, DCA, Commuter)
• Retirement Plans (Pension, 457b, 403b)
• Time Off with Pay
• Professional Development/Expense
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Sick Banks

FLSA Status:

Non-exempt

Grant Funded:

No

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Director of Communications, the Communications Specialist is a vital member of Elgin Community College’s Communications team, responsible for creating content that promotes the college’s brand to diverse audiences across multiple channels. This role involves identifying, researching, fact-checking, and writing engaging narratives that support the college’s communications, marketing, and strategic goals. Acting as a “beat reporter,” the specialist uncovers and writes stories about students, employees, and partnerships, ensuring timely content publication on the college’s intranet, employee newsletter, and public newsroom.

Additionally, the specialist develops and distributes mass emails and major announcements using Salesforce Marketing Cloud, supports external media relations, and collaborates closely with the Marketing and Communications team and other stakeholders to effectively share the college’s story.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) from an accredited four-year college or university in Journalism, Communications, English or similar field.

Minimum three years full-time experience in marketing, communications, public relations or journalism. Minimum two years full-time experience in planning, managing, executing and assessing social media initiatives and campaigns.

Excellent writing and editing skills.

Skilled in adapting one’s writing style and voice to be effective in various channels and formats (for example, social media vs. media relations, internal messages vs. feature stories).

Proficiency with AP style; ability to adapt to style exceptions as needed for the channel/audience.

Must possess a passion for writing, an openness to professional feedback, and a desire for continuous improvement in the marketing/communications field.

Possess excellent organizational skills and attention to detail to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.

Highly proficient with MS Office Suite including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.

Expertise in the use of internet/digital research tools and to interpret data in order to tell persuasive stories.

Demonstration of excellent oral communication skills in order to present as needed, conduct effective interviews, collaborate with colleagues/community partners, and represent the college when requested.

Proficiency in digital communication vehicles such as web page content, blogging and social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, You Tube, and/or other emerging technologies/communications spaces.

Ability to work a flexible schedule which includes days/evenings/weekends as needed by the department.

Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Experience working with reporters/media outlets as a media relations representative preferred.

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