Corporate Communications Specialist

Department

University Communications

Status

Full-Time

Time Period

40 hours/12 months

Available

November 2, 2026

Description

The Corporate Communications Specialist is the senior writer and editor within the university communications department and serves as the media relations liaison for the university. The specialist must have journalistic and public relation skills, knowledge of the Associated Press stylebook, and proven ability in news and feature writing. Understanding of SEO best practices, and ability to shoot photography and videography is a plus as well as the ability to use Adobe Master Suite.

Responsibilities

Managing editor of CIU Today magazine, CIU’s alumni publication.
Senior news and feature writer for CIU Today.
Updating CIU news website with events around campus.
Hiring and overseeing student writers.
Editing news and feature articles.
Editing, reviewing, and approving university communications projects and institutional messaging as needed.
Writing and sending news releases to the media.
Maintaining a list of news outlets and reporters.
Staying in touch with local media reporters, editors, producers.
Overseeing media reports pertaining to CIU through internet search providers.
Distributing media reports pertaining to CIU to CIU stakeholders.
Staying abreast of local news through local media outlets.
Overseeing CIU public relations email account.
Taking role of university spokesperson if necessary.
On-call for communication emergencies.
Managing inclement weather and crisis communications for the department.
Writing and producing digital media content.

Qualifications

At least three years of journalism or public relations experience.
Proven ability in news writing, feature writing and writing for the web.
Ability to work with members of the media.
Self-starter.
Ability to work with tight deadlines.
Emotionally stable and flexible to deal with the unexpected.
Limited familiarity in writing for digital platforms, SEO and GEO.
Bachelor’s degree or associate degree with experience.

Benefits

CIU provides a benefits package that includes:

Health Plan;
401(k) plan with match opportunity;
Employer provided group life insurance;
Long term disability insurance;
Vacation days, holidays, sick leave, family leave;
Educational benefits: tuition reduction for PreK3-Graduate.