The University of Arizona Southwest Institute for Research on Women (SIROW) is looking for an enthusiastic individual to join their team. SIROW is a resource and research institute that designs, implements, and evaluates community-collaborative projects to improve community well-being. The primary purpose of the Media and Communications Specialist is to establish and implement strategies to enhance the visibility and reach of the 7 Generations Behavioral Health Center of Excellence to ensure that the Center’s resources are widely available to behavioral health professionals and others working with American Indian, Alaska Native, and other communities. The Media and Communications Specialist will be responsible for digital content management and development; media outreach and communication; and marketing and branding. The Media and Communications Specialist will work closely with, and in support of the Center of Excellence’s Outreach and Training teams.
This position is supported by grant funding.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
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Digital Content Management and Development
- Actively update and maintain the Center of Excellence website, which may house on-demand training modules, electronic resources, links to application forms, calendars, mapping applications, and other information.
- Contribute to the development of public-facing tools such as educational infographics, public service announcements, and/or research briefs and disseminate them broadly via social media, the Center of Excellence website, and regular newsletters.
- Build and maintain an active social media presence by curating original content, developing a consistent posting schedule, and identifying creative ways to optimize visibility.
- Contribute to the development and upkeep of a comprehensive electronic resource library to be housed on the 7 Generations Center of Excellence website.
Media Outreach and Communication
- Build and maintain a robust email listserv.
- Participate in the development and implementation of an outreach plan to make 10,000 providers per year aware of the Center of Excellence’s resources and training opportunities.
- Support the Center of Excellence team with enrolling providers in available training opportunities, such as webinars, online courses, etc.
- Develop and market the application for the 7 Generations Leadership and Policy Academies to prominent and emerging behavioral health leaders and professionals within the American Indian, Alaska Native community, and other communities.
- Compose and disseminate newsletters and other announcements that will be shared with the 7 Generations Center of Excellence listserv.
- Cultivate relationships with key players in related fields and non-traditional partners through digital platforms by following, liking, and interacting on social media.
- Communicate with media outlets about 7 Generations Center of Excellence activities.
Marketing and Branding
- Develop marketing materials such as flyers and customized promotional items, as well as tools for enhancing brand recognition, such as templates for presentations, newsletters, and communication/outreach.
- Craft and customize messaging to reach the project’s focus population (all behavioral health providers serving American Indian, Alaska Native communities, and community members).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
- Knowledge and competency working with American Indian and Alaska Native populations.
- Ability to recognize and respond to a variety of perspectives within and across American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-part collaborative team, taking into consideration perspectives from the National Steering Council, internal team members, and federal funders.
- Ability to travel on a plane.
- Experience in website development, marketing and communications, and utilizing web-based learning technologies including webinar and online meeting platforms.
- Experience creating email and social media marketing strategies and campaigns, including growth strategies to increase outreach and subscriptions, and associated technologies (e.g., Mailchimp, listservs)
- Knowledge of best practices for social media management and engagement and associated technologies (e.g., algorithms, hashtags, Hootsuite, etc.)
- Knowledge of graphic design principles; skill developing effective and appealing graphics, and associated technologies (e.g., Canva, Adobe Suite).
- Proficiency in video software, podcast software and streaming platforms.
- Proficiency in web design using WordPress.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience
- Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience; OR equivalent combination of work experience, training and/or education.
- Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the ability to drive according to the University .
Required Documents:
In addition to a Resume and Cover Letter, please submit a Writing Sample
Work Schedule and Travel Requirements:
This position requires regular weekday hours and some evenings or weekends. Some flexibility in scheduling is available to meet employee needs, as long as program needs are still being adequately addressed. The position will require extensive travel throughout the United States, with approximately 30% of the time spent traveling out-of-state.
Pre-employment Screening Requirements:
The University of Arizona conducts pre-employment screening for all positions.
Freqently Asked Questions
Tucson's media and communications sector, especially within universities like The University of Arizona, sees moderate competition. Candidates with local networking ties and experience in academic media relations often stand out amidst a pool of skilled professionals seeking communication specialist roles.
Certifications such as the Accredited Business Communicator (ABC) and digital media credentials gain traction locally. Tucson employers, including The University of Arizona, appreciate candidates who demonstrate mastery in multimedia storytelling and strategic communication, aligning with regional educational and cultural values.
Expertise in media relations, digital content creation, and strategic messaging tailored to academic communities is essential. Familiarity with crisis communication and social media analytics further enhances effectiveness in conveying the university’s mission and news to diverse audiences.
Professionals often progress toward roles such as Senior Media Officer or Corporate Communications Manager, expanding their strategic influence. Building experience in digital media and stakeholder engagement at institutions like The University of Arizona accelerates advancement opportunities.
In academia, tasks include crafting scholarly announcements, managing faculty communications, and liaising with educational media outlets. Unlike corporate roles, there's a stronger emphasis on promoting research initiatives and institutional achievements within local and national educational networks.
This role is pivotal in shaping public perception by aligning media strategies with the university’s educational objectives. Specialists collaborate with departments to highlight research breakthroughs, community engagement, and campus events, thus reinforcing brand identity and outreach.
Absolutely, Tucson's rich cultural landscape and vibrant local media scene inform communication strategies. Specialists tailor messaging to resonate with regional audiences, incorporating bilingual content and community-centric narratives that reflect Southern Arizona’s diversity.
In Tucson, media and communications specialists typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience and education. Positions at respected institutions like The University of Arizona may offer competitive benefits alongside base pay, reflecting the cost of living and local demand.
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