Project Specialist - University Relations

The Project Specialist supervises day-to-day workflow for alumni communications projects for University Relations. This position is responsible for processing all incoming project requests for the Advancement Communications team, determining and tracking project timelines, working with team members and campus partners to obtain necessary project deliverables, and ensuring deadlines are hit for roughly 200 projects per year.

The project specialist also works within a Drupal content management system to assist with website edits, manages alumni email lists the Emma emailing marketing and Cvent platforms, and formats all event confirmation emails to alumni. This position assists with multimedia content (photography, video and podcast editing) as well as engaging in graphics for digital platforms.

This position requires strong communications and prioritization skills, and well as the ability to manage multiple projects and details simultaneously. The project manager must build positive working relationships with UR departments, University Communications, and other campus partners. The Project Specialist reports to the Director of Advancement Communications.

• Manages approximately 200 communications and events projects annually. Processes and prioritizes all incoming project requests. Oversees all project timelines and ensures projects are completed on time. Assists with building alumni and donor email communications, website updates for events, and managing alumni and donor email lists in Emma and Cvent.
• Collaborates with team members to implement creative content strategies designed to engage alumni and donors. Assists with designing social media graphics for social media and video/photo editing.
• Manages printing of fundraising campaign materials. Maintains the Advancement Communications SharePoint sites. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum 2-5 years related experience in communications, program coordinating or related fields.
• Experience in higher education and university operations is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Ability to communicate both simple and complex project details and timelines.
• Detail-oriented, able to organize work and use a disciplined approach to manage workflow for dozens of project simultaneously.
• Collaborative, with strong communication skills to work with internal teams, campus partners, donors, alumni and vendors.
• Self-starter, able to work independently.
• Ability to adapt and respond to changing situations.
• Skill in written and interpersonal communication
• Proofreading ability
• Proficient software skills in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, etc.)
• Experience with a relational database such as Advance Web is a plus.
• Experience with online content management systems is a plus.
• Experience with project management software like Wrike or Asana is a plus.