Senior Communications Associate, GW Engineering Strategic Initiatives

Senior Communications Associate, GW Engineering Strategic Initiatives

Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status.

Provide the following writing samples:

• Press release
• News feature article
• Science/technical research summary/report or abstract (no more than 4 pages)

Job Overview

Located in the nation’s capital, GW’s School of Engineering and Applied Science strives to promote a multicultural technological community and maintain and develop special integrated programs with industry and government. GW Engineering prepares professionals to be confident in their understanding of science and technology, capable of exercising constructive leadership, creative in the face of new environmental and societal challenges, and agile in the application of critical analytical skills during a lifelong learning that will open new career horizons.

The Senior Communication Associate is a key team member in the Dean’s office and reports to the Director of Communications and Marketing within GW Engineering. The Sr. Communications Associate is responsible for supporting strategic communications and assisting the Director of Strategic Initiatives on planning and coordinating school initiatives that are supported through institutional funds and philanthropic contributions.

This role supports and coordinates high-priority, transformative projects from concept to implementation, working collaboratively across several University departments to support high-level strategic planning issues and initiatives. The role has key responsibilities in multiple areas essential for the planning and successful launch of new projects at George Washington University.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Public Relations, Marketing and Communications

• Tracks news articles and media mentions related to the school’s strategic initiatives and research projects.
• Coordinates collaboration on press releases, announcements, and PR features.
• Supports the Director of Communications and Marketing with the school’s strategic initiative communication strategy, including advertising, image building, branding, and developing marketing materials for internal and external distribution.
• Assists with the facilitation of opportunities by coordinating/arranging meetings, assisting in solicitations, and developing correspondence (emails, memos, newsletters, etc.).
• Supports events such as conferences, workshops, seminars, and networking events that aim to engage external stakeholders and promote the institution’s visibility.
• Tracks external relations activities.
• Generates reports and defines/refines stakeholder engagement data.
• Creates, manages, and disseminates strategic initiative newsletters.
• Responsible for regular content updates, refresh, and maintenance on Strategic Initiative website(s).

Project Management/Stewardship

• Independently manages critical, timely, and important short-term and long-term special projects as needed.
• Collaborates with other team members, including writing reports, developing plans, and making recommendations regarding appropriate courses of action based on thorough understanding of desired outcomes, expectations, and timelines.
• Assumes responsibility for keeping broad communication and marketing projects for initiatives on track and completed on a timely basis.
• Participates in the creation of funding proposals and assists with solicitations and other fundraising activities.
• Using a shared dashboard, tracks and assesses progress toward goals/priorities and takes appropriate action to influence outcomes.

Track and Manage Communication for Strategic Initiatives and Partner Relations

• Represents GW Engineering by participating in various internal working groups.
• Builds and maintains close working relationships with a wide range of offices and staff, internal or external to the University.
• Interacts with members of the university administration and leadership of the GW Schools on matters of importance to the team.
• Represents Strategic Initiatives by attending meetings, gathering information, and reporting back to the Director of Strategic Initiatives.

Types of tasks and duties include but are not limited to:

• Drafts, manages, edits, and disseminates newsletters, media tracking memos, annual impact reports, announcements, and news.
• Conducts weekly website edits, updates, and audits.
• Coordinates, schedules, and creates agendas for bi-weekly strategic communications meetings with the Director of Communications and Marketing and the Director of Strategic Initiatives.
• Coordinates and assists with the development of marketing products for all strategic initiatives and prioritized research projects.

Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 2 years of relevant professional experience, or a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant area of study. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in project management, strategic communications, public relations, analysis, and/or planning operations in a large complex organization.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• High level of creativity, initiative, and motivation.
• Superb presentation skills, including the presence to deal effectively with senior level administrators and key donors.
• Excellent project management skills strongly preferred.
• Technical and scientific writing experience.
• Previous experience with managing large scale, cross-functional projects in higher education, or a similar field preferred.

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being, and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit GW Benefits Programs .

Job Details

Campus Location: Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department: School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS)

Family: Comm, Mktg & Media

Sub-Family: Communications and Public Relations

Level: Level 2

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time

Hours Per Week: 40

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm

Will this job require the employee to work on site? Yes

Employee Onsite Status: Hybrid

Telework: Yes

Required Background Check: Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

Special Instructions to Applicants

Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status.

Provide the following writing samples:

• Press release
• News feature article
• Science/technical research summary/report or abstract (no more than 4 pages)

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

• Sample Publications
• Other Documents Refer to Special Instructions to Applicants

Human Resource Management & Development
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