MEDIA RELATIONS SPECIALIST

Reporting to the Director of the School of Art + Art History + Design (SoAAHD), the Media Relations Specialist leads strategic communications initiatives that strengthen the School's visibility, reputation, and engagement with key audiences. This role develops and implements communication strategies, advises leadership on communications, and creates compelling content that advances the School's mission and brand.

Working closely with faculty, staff, alumni, the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) marketing team, University partners, and the broader arts and design community, the Media Relations Specialist serves as a key communications liaison and cultivates relationships that amplify the School's impact and accomplishments. This is a 100% FTE hybrid remote position based in the Art building on the Seattle campus of the University of Washington.

Responsibilities

• Content Production & Management (40%)
  • Write, edit, and produce content for the School website, social media, quarterly e-newsletters, press releases, event promotions, faculty/student/alumni profiles, feature stories, fact sheets, award nominations, and other communications.
• Marketing & Communications Strategy (30%)
  • Serve as the School's communications liaison with the College of Arts & Sciences communications team and represent the School at communications-related meetings.
  • Ensure consistent messaging, editorial standards, and brand identity across print and digital communications.
• Website & Digital Communications (25%)
  • Manage the School website, ensuring content is accurate, current, accessible, and aligned with School goals; coordinate website improvements and technical updates with CAS web team.
  • Coordinate with photographers, a student designer, and other creative contributors to produce high-quality visual content.
  • Manage 1–2 student employees to support website & digital communications.
• Other duties as assigned (5%)

Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in communications, English, journalism, marketing, or similar field.
  • 3 years of marketing and/or communications experience with increasing scope and responsibility.
• Additional Qualifications
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, including demonstrated ability to write for different media and audiences.
  • Proven ability to work on a team as well as independently.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and adhere to specific deadlines and goals.
  • Experience with mass email clients and social media platforms.
  • Experience with photography and/or videography.
  • Familiarity with HTML and the Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Familiarity with Marketo, Cvent, Trumba, SmugMug, and Mailchimp.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • An interest in the disciplines of art, art history, and/or design.

Working Conditions

• Must be available for special projects as assigned and, on occasion, be able to work flexible shifts (evenings and/or weekends) to meet the needs of the School.
• May be required to travel to other School and UW facilities on occasion.
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds.

About The Team

The School of Art + Art History + Design engages and educates students in essential issues of visual history and literacy, the creative process and visual communication, and innovative and socially responsible design. The School works closely with leaders in the arts, academic, and business communities to ensure students understand the role this education will play in their future success as professionals and global citizens.

The School has approximately 40 faculty and 22 staff members serving around 600 undergraduate and 60 graduate students, plus more than 1,000 non-majors enrolled in its courses. art.washington.edu

Pay

Annual salary range: $69,264.00 – $93,600.00.

Benefits

For information about benefits for this position, visit UW Staff Benefits.