Communication and Outreach Officer

Overview:
The Communications and Outreach Officer (Officer) works to enhance the administration, recognition and reputation of the Chemical Engineering department (CHE) and the undergraduate Nanotechnology Engineering program (NE) through effective administration documentation, strategic communications and comprehensive outreach activities.

The incumbent raises the profile of CHE and NE among potential students, alumni, donors and prospects, the national and international research community, the local community and corporate sponsors through the production of professional, compelling and effective communications materials. S/he contributes to the recruitment of high quality students and advances the CHE research agenda by positioning CHE as a leader in research, teaching and academic excellence through participation in a variety of outreach activities.

**There is a qualified internal in the role.**

**Responsibilities**:
Administration
- Gathers necessary information for and writes and edits undergraduate and graduate accreditation material, including CEAB and Academic Program Review reports and other submissions
- Writes and edits presentations, reports and documentation, including manuals, forms and processes to support CHE and NE administration
- Manages and performs the timely and accurate revision, dissemination and storage of administrative documents
- Supports efforts to improve CHE and NE students’ co-op employment opportunities
- Coordinates student evaluation of NE labs, lab instructors and TAs
- Develops surveys that are required for data collection and analysis for both ChE and Nano UG
- Works with program staff, department administration and stakeholders to support administrative functions
- Works with Creative Services to update and develop new print and digital communications, including reports, brochures and posters
- Organizes photoshoots as needed
- Builds relationships with faculty and staff to maintain awareness of teaching and research activities
- Takes minutes at Departmental and other committee meetings as required
- Completes other duties as required by CHE Chair and Administrative Officer and the NE Program Director

Communications
- Identifies and develops external communication plans that support the engagement of a wide range of stakeholders and audiences.
- Leads the development and implementation of an effective internal communications program to foster increased information sharing among the staff, faculty and other stakeholders
- Ensures CHE and NE websites are current, with timely news, events, lectures/symposia and announcements, and other content that highlights the department’s historical accomplishments
- Conducts research, interviews, and writes and edits compelling copy for marketing collateral that supports strategic initiatives.
- Writes and edits online content in alignment with digital-content writing best practices and web accessibility legislative requirements and provides editorial support for web content as required
- Establishes a strategy for a meaningful social media presence using a variety of platforms (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc.)
- Provides strategic oversight on the use of digital communications to engage the internal and external community using a variety of tools such as web, social media, video, digital signage and emerging platforms
- Implements and leverages the CHE and NE websites, social media and digital signage channels to grow the department and program’s online presence, reach out to audiences and promote the work of faculty
- Utilizes photography and other visual storytelling tools
- Liaises with FoE’s Advancement & Outreach to identify goals and strategies to ensure consistent messaging
- Edits external research promotion material, including journal submissions, etc.
- Attends events to compose notes capturing key messages, take photographs and network with attendees to provide content for stories
- Maintains an exceptional understanding of brand guidelines and promotes a unified look and feel for the department and NE program through the creation and maintenance of suites of promotional material
- Encourages adherence to brand guidelines among faculty, staff and students by fielding questions and providing direction and expert counsel on best practices

Outreach
- Supports the CHE Chair, NE Program Director and Associate Director Outreach, and FoE’s Advancement & Outreach to enhance undergraduate outreach activities
- Collaborates with CHE Associate Chair, Grad Studies and Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs on graduate recruitment efforts
- Works with FoE’s Advancement & Outreach to support alumni engagement and raise funds
- Coordinates special events
- Maintains a running list of events, lectures and student-run projects to which alumni may be invited
- Participates on CHE’s Outreach Committee

Award Nominations and Recognition
- Identifies awards of potential interest to faculty members and promotes awards f