Communications Specialist

The Beckman Institute is seeking a Communications Specialist to share its world-changing scientific discoveries and support the Beckman community. This role involves writing and editing content for media releases, social media, the Beckman website, and other communications. The successful candidate will work closely with a collaborative, hybrid team of design, web development, video production, and outreach professionals, all focused on advancing the mission and values of the Beckman Institute while adhering to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign brand.

Key Responsibilities

• Write and edit content that supports the Beckman Institute’s mission, including news releases, website content, internal communications, promotional materials, and social media.
• Develop and execute strategies (including paid campaigns) for social media channels to reach Beckman’s target audiences, both within the Institute and across the campus community.
• Supervise student hourly workers who assist with event promotion, scientific writing, copywriting, web updates, and photo organization.
• Expand Beckman’s messaging reach through media relations, including submitting news releases to EurekAlert! and working with the university’s media relations team to share Beckman stories.
• Use and establish new metrics to monitor progress toward strategic goals, increasing awareness of Beckman’s research and accomplishments.
• Collaborate with the Communications Office to support all communications, marketing, and outreach activities, including event planning, web initiatives, page design, photography, videography, and editing.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field.
• At least 2 years of professional experience in marketing, public relations, communications, or a related area.
• Proven experience in writing, style editing, and/or social media management in journalistic, university, scientific research, and/or business environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in communications, journalism, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in a communications office.
• Experience working in or with higher education institutions.
• Familiarity with the University of Illinois campus.
• Experience in science and/or technology-related fields.
• Experience with online content creation and web development tools.

Application Deadline: April 18, 2025

For more details and to apply, click here.