SHIFT Communications & Program Coordinator, HEC II [R_00032278]

The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX Full-time Education

Posted on April 26, 2024

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Purpose

The Communications and Program Coordinator reports to the Director of SHIFT and works as part of an interdisciplinary team. This position will work closely with the Director to expand media and marketing strategies to grow the branding and awareness of SHIFT; facilitate programs and initiatives that promote healthy, holistic, and mindful decision making; and collaborate with key stakeholders to maintain consistent messaging that aligns with best practices in health promotion and substance misuse prevention. Candidates should have a strong background in communications and health promotion, with a keen eye for innovative messaging aimed at shifting campus culture. The Communications and Programming Coordinator is part of a collaborative team that continues to innovate and expand program initiatives. This position will be responsible for some administrative work, including assistance with day-to-day operational needs and assessment of programming efforts related to SHIFT.

General Notes

SHIFT is an innovative program that aims to change the campus culture around substance use from one of misuse to one grounded in well-being (shift.utexas.edu). SHIFT oversees several programs and outreach efforts that engage the UT community in prevention and cultivating cultures of care. This position will help shape the voice of SHIFT and increase campus awareness and participation in this initiative.

The University of Texas at Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes but not limited to:

100% employer-paid basic medical coverage
Retirement contributions
Paid vacation and sick time
Paid holidays

Please visit UT Austin's Human Resources (HR) website at https://hr.utexas.edu/prospective/benefits to learn more about the total benefits offered.

This position is full time, 40 hours a week; typical hours are Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00; however, there will be occasional night and weekend work. The position is non-permanent, with a three-year funding commitment established. The position has potential for yearly renewal thereafter.

To Apply:
All applications must be submitted through the University of Texas at Austin jobs website - https://tinyurl.com/4ee6hccy. Only complete applications, including a cover letter, resume, and three references, will be considered. The position is open until successfully filled.

Essential Functions

Communications

Create, manage, and maintain central communications related to SHIFT in accordance with department and university branding guidelines.
Build and execute a strategic communications plan to enhance SHIFT’s visibility, increase reach, and educate a wide variety of audiences in substance use safety and increasing student well-being.
Oversee SHIFT social media accounts, including designing and creating both visual and written content to be shared; increasing engagement and interactions; and working with Director as needed to formulate quick responses.
Curate and publish strategic outreach messages via various campus communication channels for SHIFT as an initiative, and its related programs, including contributing to university newsletters.
Write and edit material about SHIFT for the SHIFT website.
Create and update print and digital communication assets, including flyers, brochures, website content, partner communications, etc.
Identify opportunities in the rapidly evolving area of communications for improving and enhancing the department's visibility and reach.
Work with SHIFT team to help promote, execute, and enhance events, outreach and program development efforts, i.e. contributing to strategic outreach plans, tabling at events, attending events to represent SHIFT team.
Representing department in various communications related meetings and committees on and off campus, including the Division of Student Affairs monthly communicators meeting.
Utilize analytics reports to provide strategic direction and improvement of visibility and reach.
Other essential communications as needed.

Programming & Project Management

Work collaboratively with the SHIFT team and on and off campus partners to design and develop a technology and innovation pilot project to disseminate messages related to substance use safety to students.
Identify an effective way to gather student stories that connect to evidence-based health information as a way to inform healthier and more mindful decisions.
Expand on existing efforts to identify a platform that will engage the campus community in increasing relevant knowledge related to harm reduction and health promoting behaviors.
Create and implement a strategic plan for coordinating efforts related to this project to expand reach, represent a variety of perspectives, and maximize impact on mindful decision making.
Create and/or facilitate various presentations grounded in public health best practices and strengths-based frameworks to a wide range of audiences that advance SHIFT’s mission. Examples include facilitating Operation Naloxone workshops, Substance Use 101, and/or SHIFT Outreach presentations.
Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships to help expand SHIFT’s reach and engage a wide range of stakeholders.
Effectively supervise student groups and interns including providing ample support and direction while also empowering students to take the lead of SHIFT driven projects

Administrative tasks and other duties as assigned.

Maintain high quality internal communications including promptly checking and responding to email, attending meetings as assigned, maintaining Outlook calendar effectively, and meeting deadlines.
Contribute to office protocols to maximize efficiency, including accurate and timely data entry, tracking communication reach and efforts, communicating with team members on updates and emerging issues, etc.
Attend professional conferences and meetings to promote and represent SHIFT locally and nationally.
Complete other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Master’s degree in communication, public health, marketing, public administration, the social sciences, higher education/student development, health education or a related field.
Demonstrated competency around effective strategies for health communication, particularly as it relates to preventing substance misuse and/or promoting a culture of care.
Knowledge of current/emerging college health issues, intervention methods, health behavior change theories, ecological framework, and evidence-based practice.
Proven experience with digital communication strategies and social media.
Strong project management skills, to include anticipating and planning for future strategic communications needs and delivering required updates or overhauls to key communications tools (i.e. website edits/updates, marketing materials).
Demonstrated experience writing feature stories and other written content that aligns with the strategic objectives for an organization.
Demonstrated oral /written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to professionally navigate complex political and administrative environments; ability to be an advocate and collaborate with other leaders and organizations with common goals.
Ability to take initiative, balance multiple projects, and work autonomously and as a member of a team.
Excellent computer skills; MS Office Suite proficient.
Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

Passion for creating cultures of well-being and working as part of a creative team.
Knowledge and experience with assessment methods and evaluation processes.
Demonstrated experience using innovative technology and methods to enhance outreach efforts.
Work experience within a higher education setting or with the college student population.
Familiarity with research and best practices in college health promotion.
Social media management in a professional capacity.
Excellent project management skills to coordinate frequent communication activities across departments and units.
Drivers license with clean driving record for at least one year.
Experience with web development/coding and leading re-development of web content.

Salary

$58,300 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

Typical office environment
Will co-respond with UTPD / law enforcement
Evening and weekend hours possible

Required Materials

Resume/CV
Three (3) work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
Letter of interest

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Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers:

You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

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