Communications Specialist - University Public Relations

University of Wyoming
56004-60504
vision insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, retirement plan
United States, Wyoming, Laramie
Aug 12, 2025
Communications Specialist - University Public Relations Join Our Campus Community! Thank you for your interest in joining the University of Wyoming. Our community thrives on the contributions of talented and driven individuals who share in our mission, vision, and values. If your expertise and experience align with the goals of our institution, we would be thrilled to hear from you. We encourage you to apply and become a valued member of our vibrant campus community today! Why Choose Us? At the University of Wyoming, we value our employees and invest in their success. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. Benefits include: Generous Retirement Contributions: The State contributes 14.94% of your gross salary, and you contribute 3.68%, totaling 18.62% toward your retirement plan. Exceptional Health & Prescription Coverage: Enjoy access to medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions, that include 4 deductible options to suit your needs. Paid Time Off: Benefit from ample vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and paid winter closure. Tuition Waiver: Employees and eligible dependents can take advantage of tuition waivers, supporting continuous education and professional growth. Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs: Stay healthy with wellness initiatives, counseling services, and mental health resources. At the University of Wyoming, we are committed to creating a supportive and enriching workplace. To learn more about what we offer, please refer to UW's Benefits Summary. JOB TITLE: Communications Specialist JOB PURPOSE: Under limited supervision, provide communications function support for the following areas: External Communications, Internal Communications, and Community Relations. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: External Communications: Assist in strategic planning and conducting comprehensive institutional campaigns based on institutional priorities and University messages to raise the University's national and international profile, and to highlight connections with the people of Wyoming. Respond to queries about external communications planning and scheduling. Review institutional external priorities and establish a schedule of deliverables and deadlines. Conduct interviews and attend meetings University-wide with administrators, faculty, staff and students to obtain information for news releases that are provided to local, regional, and national media to help promote the University's teaching, research and service mission. Develop strategies for building relationships and pitching story ideas to local, regional and national media. Assist in developing content for multi-media, magazine, web and other formats as needed such as fact sheets. Responsible for understanding and using software programs in Institutional Communications to share information, including the institutional content management system and website templates. Develop and maintain a budget for external news releases. Coordinate with communications team members to develop electronic media kits for campus constituents. Coordinate with communications team members to accomplish editing and dissemination of information such as Honor Rolls, Dean's lists, President's lists and Graduation lists. Annually review University writing guide to ensure material included is up to date and accurate. Understand and is trained in sending emergency text alerts and University-wide emails in appropriate situations using both the text alert vendor and the University's email systems. Internal Communications: Develop and execute an internal strategic communications plan to share administrative and academic news to university constituencies regularly. Work with University community members to promote their understanding of the importance of internal communications. Respond to queries about internal communications planning and scheduling. Review institutional internal priorities and establish schedule of deliverables and deadlines. Conduct interviews and attend meetings with administrators, faculty and staff to develop a schedule of information for internal communication including achievements by faculty and staff members, major policy initiatives and news of interest to university employees. Develop and maintain a weekly budget for internal news releases. Update appropriate websites with internal news. Understand and is trained in sending emergency text alerts and University-wide emails in appropriate situations using both the text alert vendor and the University's email systems. Responsible for understanding and using software programs in Institutional Communications to share information, including the institutional content management system and website templates. Maintain and keep current with annual reviews and edits to the University's expert list. Community Relations: Supervise, plan and coordinate arrangements for and media coverage of special events and scheduled activities both at the university and outside of it, collaborating as necessary with other organizations or University partners. Coordinate media and special guest functions on campus and throughout the state. Coordinate advance media notification, including media releases and news stories as well as interviews, for university personnel, including legislative visits. Coordinate news media, and public relations efforts for university outreach programs. Plan and organize annual trips to media outlets in Wyoming communities to seek input on efficacy of UW media releases. Develop relationships with and assist in special projects with the University's community partners and their committees. SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS: Stay current with industry changes in media relations. Perform other duties and work on special projects, as assigned. COMPETENCIES: Collaboration Initiative Innovation Meeting Membership Technical/Professional Knowledge Work Prioritization & Management MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Bachelor's degree Experience: 3 years work-related experience Required licensure, certification, registration or other requirements: Valid driver's license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) compliant with the University Vehicle Use Policy . DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Strong foundation in journalism, public relations, communications, and media practices, including writing, editing, publishing, and direct mail techniques. Skilled in interviewing and special event planning, with knowledge of techniques for detail coordination and promotional activities. Experience in project planning, organization, supervision, and decision-making from initiation through completion. Proficient in developing and maintaining effective communication and interpersonal relationships with diverse audiences. Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic work environment. Familiarity with University, federal, and state regulations relevant to media, communication, and event planning. Competent in content creation for news and publications, including layout, composition, and use of content management systems. Collaborative team player with a cooperative mindset, capable of promoting communication initiatives and supporting media events. REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS: Complete the online application. The department additionally requests candidates upload the following document(s) for a complete application: Cover letter Resume or C.V. Contact information for four work-related references (references will only be contacted if you are selected as a finalist for the position). This position will remain open until filled. Complete applications received by 07/24/2025 will receive full consideration. WORK LOCATION: On-campus: This position provides vital support to campus customers, and the successful candidate must be available to work on campus. WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS: The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the United States. Sponsorship for H-1B work authorization or work visa is not available for this position. HIRING STATEMENT/EEO: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please contact us at 307-766-2377 or email jobapps@uwyo.edu. ABOUT LARAMIE: The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a charming town of 30,000 residents nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its only 4-year university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research, and outreach with state-of-the-art facilities and strong community ties. We invite you to learn more about Laramie by visiting the About Laramie website. Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorado's Front Range and the metropolitan Denver area. Laramie's beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit http://visitlaramie.org/ Job Identification: 251166 Apply Before: Job Schedule: Full Time Locations: 16 & Gibbon, Laramie, WY, 82071, US Posted Salary Range: 56004-60504 Schedule (Hours Per Week): 40 Travel: Yes, 10% To apply, visit https://eeik.fa.us2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/251166/?lastSelectedFacet=TITLES&selectedTitlesFacet=Part-Time+Worker%253BFaculty%252FAcademic%253BClassified+Staff%253BAdministrative%252FExecutive Copyright 2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved. Posted by the FREE value-added recruitment advertising agency jeid-7f081bb7b4c4b44599a72b5f66550650