HERL Communications Specialist IV

The University of Pittsburgh / U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) is a collaborative venture advancing rehabilitation technology. HERL merges academic and VA expertise to enhance independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Our mission is to innovate, design, and implement cutting-edge technologies, promoting mobility, accessibility, and improved healthcare for those with disabilities. Through interdisciplinary research, HERL strives to empower individuals and shape the future of assistive technology.

As a University Institute with a broad portfolio of projects, HERL communicates to and with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders through multiple mediums. These multi-modal efforts include conducting outreach on assistive technology advances, providing ongoing project updates, publicizing the work of our academics and engineers, promoting participation in human subject research trials, and advocating for inclusionary design for people with disabilities.

HERL is seeking to hire a full-time staff Communications Specialist IV. A bachelor’s degree is required, with a degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Digital Media, English, or a related field strongly preferred. The ideal candidate will have at least three years of experience in one or more of these fields.

The following skills and experience are strongly desired:

• Media relations, to include responding to inquiries, arranging interviews and site visits, and providing informational background materials.
• Professional photography and videography.
• Digital and physical production of newsletters, flyers, posters and related materials.
• Management of organizational social media accounts, including LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
• Experience maintaining and updating an organizational website.
• Special event coordination.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Bridge, Premiere Pro, Audition and Acrobat.

Submission of writing and/or media samples is not required but encouraged. Incumbent must successfully complete a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs background check.

Develops complex web and print content and marketing. Acts as strategic contributor for communications team and creates marketing materials for marketing team. Participates in meetings designed for content planning and development. Ensures consistent messaging and maintains University brand and style.

• Serves as HERL’s primary contact for and liaison with all media and public relations entities.
• Designs, produces and publishes multimedia products, to include videos, still photography, podcasts and related materials.
• Identifies, tracks and fulfills all sponsored project communications requirements.
• Maintains the HERL website.
• Manages HERL social media accounts.
• Designs, edits and publishes HERL’s quarterly newsletter and annual calendar.
• Assists with coordination of HERL special events.
• Promotes opportunities for human subject trial participation in HERL research.
• Catalogs and curates the online publication of HERL academic research.
• Adheres to legal, regulatory and policy requirements required of the VA and University of Pittsburgh.
  

Light. May be required to move objects up to 25 pounds occasionally. Work is largely performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards.