Communications Coordinator

Overview

The University of Iowa Health Care's Marketing and Communications team is seeking an experienced Communications Coordinator. This role focuses on enhancing public trust in UI Health Care by managing enterprise social media accounts and engaging with news media. The coordinator will craft compelling content and develop innovative ideas to strengthen and promote the UI Health Care brand.

Key Duties

This role primarily supports the public relations and social media manager, assisting with social media and media-related initiatives. Collaboration with other parts of the Marketing and Communications department may also occur.

Public Relations Responsibilities

• Coordinate interviews with UI Health Care experts.
• Help manage incoming media requests by logging, assessing, and responding accordingly.
• Keep track of trending news relevant to healthcare, medical education, and administration.
• Draft media pitches, talking points, and materials to assist in promoting UI Health Care’s research, patient stories, and educational highlights.
• Compile media coverage reports and maintain updated contact lists.
• Exemplify the organization’s WE CARE values and provide mentorship to junior staff.

Social Media Responsibilities

• Develop engaging social media content consistent with the strategic direction, including captions, photography, videos, and graphic design.
• Manage and update the social media calendar by scheduling posts based on priority and timeliness.
• Collaborate on social media campaigns with service line stakeholders.
• Prepare reaction and quarterly performance reports for administrators and stakeholders on both organic and paid social content.
• Analyze social media metrics to optimize strategy and boost engagement.
• Stay informed about emerging social media tools and industry best practices to enhance content strategies.
• Support the training and oversight of student employees as needed.

Strategic Planning

• Participate in brainstorming and strategizing communication distribution with the PR and social media teams.
• Assist in implementing and monitoring progress toward public relations and social media strategic plans.
• Advise UI Health Care administration and staff on public relations and communications efforts.
• Create written materials aligned with UI Health Care’s strategic goals in conjunction with the Content Strategy team.
• Identify opportunities to improve UI Health Care’s reputation and help develop communication plans.
• Work with internal and university collaborators to ensure consistent brand messaging.

Leadership Duties

• Provide supervision and guidance to student workers when assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Relevant professional experience in communications, PR, or marketing, ideally within academic healthcare.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with high attention to detail; ability to juggle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Proven track record in creating and executing communications and social media strategies.
• Capability to write and edit diverse communication materials, from news briefs to in-depth articles.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace environment.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends as necessary.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of healthcare communications and healthcare operations.
• Experience analyzing data to guide communications decisions.
• Strong grasp of social media trends and metrics.
• Proficiency in adapting to new technologies in a dynamic environment.
• Familiarity with UI and UI Health Care policies.
• Experience interacting with senior healthcare leadership.
• Experience with JIRA for project management.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suites and Microsoft 365 applications.
• Competent in AP style guidelines.

Additional Information

• Application requires a cover letter and resume addressing the qualification criteria.
• References may be requested during later stages of recruitment.
• Criminal background and credential verification required for hires.
• Position does not qualify for sponsorship for employment authorization.
• Work mode is full-time onsite in Iowa City.
• Pay level classification: 3A.
• Contact for queries: Sharon Walther (email: [email protected]).