Specialist, Strategy and Operations Communications in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at University of Pittsburgh

Specialist, Strategy and Operations Communications

Office of the Chancellor - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (26002975)

The Specialist, Strategy and Operations Communications, supports the strategic and operational priorities of the Office of the Chancellor by providing research, writing and analytical support (approximately 50% effort) and project, operations and correspondence support (approximately 50% effort). This position conducts research and synthesizes findings into briefing materials, talking points and letters, and maintains institutional messaging standards. The Specialist also coordinates projects, manages correspondence and inbox operations, and tracks timelines and deliverables on behalf of the Office of the Chancellor.

Strategy Research and Writing Support

• Conducts research on topics related to higher education strategy, peer institution practices, policy developments and emerging trends.

• Synthesizes research findings into clear, concise briefing materials, background documents and summaries to support leadership communications.

• Drafts talking points for meetings and engagements, and letters on behalf of the Chancellor and senior leadership, ensuring alignment with thematic priorities, institutional messaging and communication goals.

• Maintains consistent voice, tone and messaging standards aligned with institutional brand and style guidelines.

Project, Operations and Correspondence Support

• Supports coordinating and advancing projects of varying scope and complexity across the Office of the Chancellor.

• Supports managing the Office of the Chancellor inbox, ensuring efficient workflow and responsiveness to inquiries and messages.

• Prepares, edits and distributes internal and external correspondence on behalf of the Office of the Chancellor, ensuring the highest quality standards; adheres to and maintains an acute eye for detail, accuracy, consistency and alignment with institutional messaging standards. Reviews, proofreads and fact-checks to detect and correct errors in accuracy, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

• Tracks timelines, deliverables and action items; develops and maintains work tracking tools, status reports and documentation to support operational visibility and ensure timely completion.

• Develops chancellor-focused content for Pitt social media platforms.

• Coordinates with internal and external stakeholders on behalf of the Office of the Chancellor, exercising sound judgment and discretion in significant matters.

• Assists with special projects and other duties as assigned.

Job Summary

Develops moderately complex web and print content and marketing. Acts as strategic contributor for communications team and creates diverse marketing materials for marketing team. Attends meetings designed for content planning and development. Ensures consistent messaging and maintains University brand and style.

Essential Functions

This position exercises independent judgment in support of senior leadership. Advanced problem-solving skills are required. The Specialist is expected to perform all work with the highest standards of professionalism, discretion and confidentiality, particularly when handling sensitive information related to university leadership and operations.

A writing sample (two pages maximum) that demonstrates your ability to communicate clearly and concisely for a senior leadership or professional audience is required as part of your application.

Physical Effort

Duties are primarily sedentary within an office environment on the Pittsburgh campus. Must be able to use a computer at a desk or similar workstation.

Assignment Category: Full-time regular

Job Classification: Staff.Communications Specialist III

Job Family: Communications & Marketing

Job Sub Family: Communications

Campus: Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required: Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years of Experience Required: 2

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience: Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Work Arrangement: On-Campus: Teams that work on campus, in an office, or in a lab.

Hiring Range: To be determined based on qualifications

Relocation_Offered: No

Visa Sponsorship Provided: No

Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable

Required Documents: Resume, Cover Letter, Writing Sample

Optional Documents: Not Applicable