Communications Specialist

The Communications Specialist will assist in strategic communication and marketing initiatives for the School of Health Sciences and Practice (SHSP) as well as New York Medical College (NYMC) as a whole. This position is responsible for coordinating a wide range of activities that support communications priorities, especially assisting in SHSP admissions marketing, digital and print advertisements, social media, website updates, printed collateral, event coverage, media relations, electronic communications, and photography for SHSP and NYMC. This position supports NYMC’s core messaging and ensures its brand is effectively communicated in all print and digital media, as well as fosters engagement to enhance student learning, and drive NYMC’s brand and SHSP program awareness.

• Coordinate projects with the Office of Public Relations and SHSP Dean’s Office to develop marketing materials and communications that accurately reflect the NYMC brand
• Create content for a variety of outlets including social media, the website, newsletters, print and digital advertisements, as well as the SHSP e-newsletter
• Write and edit editorial copy for a variety of NYMC audiences, including but not limited to, current and prospective students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the media
• Interview NYMC students, faculty, staff, and alumni, to write compelling profiles
• Liaise with NYMC social media ambassadors
• Attend NYMC lectures and events taking photos and conducting interviews as necessary and writing articles for publication
• Write content for the SHSP dean’s e-newsletter and design it in Constant Contact as well as track results
• Engage the media to cover SHSP news, announcements, events, and research discoveries. Pitch SHSP faculty to speak as experts in the media
• Develop posts for all social media channels and track results.
• Network with SHSP students, staff, and faculty, to create program-related content and publicize events
• Review and update the SHSP website and track SHSP website statistics, as well as other statistics as assigned.
• Work with digital advertising vendors to review and monitor ad campaigns for all SHSP programs, ensure the brand is effectively reflected, track results, and make recommendations as needed.
• Assist in photo shoots.
• Develop internal contacts and scan the environment to identify students, faculty, staff, and alumni as potential subjects for stories and testimonials; coach them on key messages and talking points. Make strategic decisions about creatively presenting and prioritizing stories.
• Conduct research and data collection regarding target audiences in order to assist in developing appropriate strategies; assist in evaluating the effectiveness of marketing and promotional efforts
• Stay current on industry standards and innovation through a commitment to ongoing professional development in the field of communications, content strategy, social media and issues that affect higher education
• Serve, at all times, as a champion and advocate of NYMC through excellent communication skills
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Education requirement: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, business or a related field.

Technical/computer skills: Using social media on behalf of a company is required. Professional design experience, strong writing and editing skills, as well as knowledge of web content management systems, and email marketing platforms preferred

Prior experience: Two years of experience successfully coordinating marketing and promotional campaigns and creative deliverables.

Physical and Environmental Demands

Physical: Work is typically performed in a standard office environment; however, photography and video work may be performed both indoors and outdoors. Learned physical skill is required to perform keyboarding functions. Physical skill is required for photography and video recording on location, loading and unloading video and lighting equipment and driving between campuses. Work may require standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, kneeling, pushing and pulling.

Environmental: Work schedule is often unpredictable and necessitates operating under tight deadlines; occasional evening and weekend work may be required. Travel to local off-campus meetings and events may be required.