Job Description
Job Description The College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University seeks a motivated and skilled Communications Specialist to strategically and creatively develop content that advances the reputation of the college. A strong writer and storyteller, the Communications Specialist will develop stories and news releases, coordinate social media content, create email content and ensure that content is leveraged across multiple channels and in both digital and print formats. The person in this role must become familiar with the college's programs, research and people, and proactively seek opportunities to share their stories with key audiences. Under the supervision of the Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Events, this position will develop and maintain an editorial calendar, pitch story ideas and seek out leads, write and create content, and coordinate the work of other creators.
The Communications Specialist will work closely with other Strategic Marketing and Events team members, including sr. email marketing specialist, marketing content coordinator and social media manager, as well as with faculty and staff throughout the college. The position will serve as a liaison with ASU Media Relations and Strategic Communications to plan and pitch stories to reporters, generate positive media coverage, and provide faculty experts for interviews.
Other key responsibilities include developing internal communications for college events and writing copy for various email newsletters. The position may supervise freelance writers and student workers.
Candidates who move to the final interview round will be asked to provide 3-5 writing samples (as individual links, PDF files, or an online portfolio.
Working Environment This position is eligible for Hybrid work. This is an arrangement where employees spend a minimum of 60% of their regular workweek at their primary ASU work location.
Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding, and manipulating a computer mouse 75 percent; required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work 10 percent. Ability to clearly communicate to perform essential functions. Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 25 pounds 15 percent. Regular activities require the ability to quickly change priorities, which may include or are subject to resolution of conflicts.
Background Check Statement ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Journalism, English, Communications, Marketing, Education or a related field AND three (3) years of related work experience in the development of comprehensive and creative communication; OR seven (7) years of related work experience; OR Any equivalent combination of experience and or education from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved. Certificates from recognized programs that verify mastery of tools and techniques relevant to the assignment may substitute for up to six (6) months of experience.
Department Statement The College of Health Solutions (CHS) is dedicated to translating scientific advances into practical interventions to improve health outcomes through education, research and service. We equip students with the knowledge and skills to influence healthier lifestyle choices; develop creative interventions to improve the health of people and populations; analyze and translate large amounts of health data into solutions; and maximize the technology, science, business and application of diagnostics. CHS research programs encompass basic, discovery science, clinical trials, intervention science and measurement of health outcomes. CHS takes an interdisciplinary approach to address the complex systems that underpin health problems. The college is highly collaborative, transparent and team-oriented with an organizational structure that includes translational teams, affinity networks and academic programs to improve the health of people and communities.
The current training programs include behavioral health, biomedical diagnostics, biomedical informatics, exercise science, health promotion, health sciences, kinesiology, medical studies, nutrition, population health, science of health care delivery, and speech and hearing science. Our programs are offered at ASU's Downtown Phoenix, Tempe, Polytechnic, West and Lake Havasu campuses, as well as on Mayo Clinic's campus in north Phoenix.
For more information about ASU and the College of Health Solutions, visit and
Desired Qualifications - Experience planning, developing and producing creative, high quality communications content for multiple audiences and channels.
- Experience translating complicated or technical subjects into common language. Experience interviewing subject matter experts.
- Experience working as or with members of the news media.
- Experience reviewing and editing the written work of others.
- Skilled in multimedia storytelling, such as the ability to take quality photos and produce videos.
- Experience with social media platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, for journalistic or marketing uses.
- Experience planning and maintaining a regular editorial schedule and pitching stories to editors or supervisors.
- Experience working in a team environment and collaborating with multiple stakeholders.
- Experience in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students and alumni, teams and community members.
- Evidence of strategic thinking, proactively making recommendations, and the ability to develop creative solutions to meet organizational goals.
- Evidence of effective communication skills.
- Experience writing feature stories for general audiences.
- Ability to collaborate across teams and establish effective working relationships with faculty, staff, and community members.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Associated Press style.
- Demonstrated skill in project management, strategic communication planning, and media placement.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud applications (such as Premiere) a plus.
ASU Statement Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.
ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit
Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.
Relocation Assistance - For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit
Essential Duties - Plans, develops and writes high-quality feature stories showcasing the college's faculty, staff, students, research and programs.
- Plans and writes content for external email newsletters.
- Plans, writes and edits copy for email communications such as research conferences, event invitations and confirmations.
- Leverages all communication channels (print, web, email, video, social media, events, etc.) to generate interest in and advance the reputation of the college.
- Develops content tailored for diverse audiences across channels to enhance the visibility of the college's initiatives.
- Enhances storytelling with visuals such as photos and videos, or coordinates with other team members/vendors to obtain visuals.
- Liaises with ASU Media Relations and Strategic Communications to generate media coverage and coordinate reporter interviews with subject matter experts.
- Coaches and edits the work of others, such as student workers and contractors.
- Ensures all copy meets university brand standards and Associated Press style.
- Advises on communication strategies and participates in strategic planning to advance the reputation and reach of the college.
- Assists with special projects, events and other duties as assigned.
Instructions to Apply Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.
Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.
Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.
ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.
Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.
IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of "equivalent combination" in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelor's degree is equal to four years of experience. Arizona State University
Job Tags
For contractors, Work experience placement, Freelance, Remote job, Relocation package,