Communications Specialist II

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

250 East River Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14623

Opening:

Worker Subtype:
Regular

Time Type:
Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40

Department:
250548 LLE-Laboratory for Laser Energ

Work Shift:
UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:
UR URG 110

Compensation Range:
$61,000.00 - $85,400.00

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

The Communications Specialist II at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) plays a strategic role in developing and executing communications materials that support and promote the lab’s mission, research, and strategic priorities. This position creates compelling content for diverse audiences, including elected officials, collaborators, funding agencies, employees, and the scientific community, ensuring clear, accurate, and consistent messaging across print and digital platforms. By translating complex scientific concepts into accessible narratives and managing high-level communications projects, the role drives engagement, raises awareness, and enhances the visibility of LLE and its research programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

- Strategic Content Development and Messaging: Develops high-level communications strategies and materials that align with and promote the science, mission, and strategic priorities of the Laboratory for Laser Energetics and its research programs. Tailors messaging to diverse audiences such as elected officials, collaborators, funding agencies, students, employees, and the scientific community. Ensures consistency and professionalism across all print and digital platforms by adhering to LLE and University style guides, brand voice, and tone.
- Creative Content Creation and Writing: Generates compelling story ideas and creates content for platforms such as publications, email campaigns, websites, and social media, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and engagement. Conducts interviews with researchers, technical staff, students, and leadership to gather insights and translate complex scientific concepts into accessible narratives for both technical and nontechnical audiences, effectively communicating research and impact.
- Coordination and Alignment: Builds and maintains relationships with key constituents and partner institutions, and the University of Rochester to execute on communications plans and projects with a high degree of professionalism, judgment, and understanding of needs and goals.
- Project Management and Collaboration: Collaborates with leadership, program managers, scientists, creative staff, web designers, and other team members to execute communications projects, ensure polished layouts for web and social media content to support outreach and institutional goals
- Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

- Bachelor's degree and 3 years of relevant experience required
- Or equivalent combination of education and experience

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.