Digital Communications Specialist
Digital Communications Specialist
Job Overview
The Buffett Early Childhood Institute at the University of Nebraska is seeking applicants from qualified individuals for the position of Digital Communications Specialist. This position reports to the Managing Editor and is responsible for leading the Institute's efforts on social media. The person hired for this position will write stories and help produce research-backed content for the Institute's digital channels, including a soon-to-be launched early childhood education news source. The person hired will also lead digital strategy on the best use of the Institute's current social media, tracking current trends, expanding channels as needed, and then reporting analysis of social media efforts as the Institute grows its audience. This position requires the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and working well under pressure with strict deadlines and the ability to juggle tasks in a busy, deadline-oriented environment.
The Buffett Institute serves as a bridge to resources and information for parents, providers, and the public. One of the four areas of focus at the Buffett Institute is outreach in order to communicate what we know to improve the lives of vulnerable young children and their families. The communications unit plays a critical role in this function, and this position will help make the Buffett Institute's vision to make Nebraska the best place in the nation to be a baby a reality.
Buffett Early Childhood Institute Profile
Envisioned as a new model for how public higher education is engaged in the first years of life, the Buffett Early Childhood Institute is a four-campus, university-wide, multidisciplinary research, education, outreach, and policy institute of the University of Nebraska committed to helping transform early childhood development and education in Nebraska and across the nation. The long-term goal of the Institute is to be a leading center where scholars, practitioners, community members, and policymakers collaborate to advance a unified approach that can improve the lives of young children and families and the systems that support them.
Applicants should note that the goals of the Institute are university-, state- and nation-wide, but that the Institute administration is in Omaha. This position will work primarily out of the Omaha office. Regular hours at the Institute and for this position are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., with some evening and weekend assistance when events occur outside of normal work hours. This position may also require some travel and is grant-funded for three years.
Job Responsibilities
This job description is not to be considered an exhaustive or exclusive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested. This list describes major responsibilities to support the Buffett Institute by aligning social media and digital communication strategy to the Institute goals.
Writer and Content Creator for the Institute's Social Media Channels (65%)
" Produce daily updates on social media channels about the Institute and its partners and news and information on early childhood care and education while responding to social media feedback.
" Develop and manage team strategy about how to best use Institute's existing social media channels and create new ones as trends and Institute needs dictate.
" Collaborate with designer, other communications team members, and Institute experts on creating compelling visual content-photo, video, and infographics-for social media channels.
Writer and Content Creator for Early Years Matter News Site and Other Digital Platforms (35%)
" Write feature stories, news stories, and briefs for new Early Years Matter website.
" Collaborate in creating visual content for Early Years Matter website and other social/digital channels.
" Help to curate Early Years Matter, identifying good stories from around the country to share on Early Years Matter website.
" Research early childhood issues locally, nationally, and internationally and examine the relationship of those issues to the goals of the Buffett Institute.
Communication Unit Support (5%)
" Assist Events Manager with public outreach events as needed.
" Assume other responsibilities as defined by the Director of Communications and Marketing.
Required Qualifications
" Bachelor's degree
" Three years of experience producing content for print, digital, or social media platforms
" Demonstrated success in managing and executing social media strategies
" Mastery of digital analytics, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), content creation, and structuring content on multiple platforms
Preferred Qualifications
" Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, or marketing
" Five years of professional experience in communications, journalism, or marketing
" Basic HTML and CMS knowledge
" Intermediate experience with video production and editing, using programs like Adobe Premiere
" Fluent in oral and written Spanish
An equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities is acquired may be considered.
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. The University of Nebraska is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status