$84K - 105K a year
Develop and execute strategic internal communication initiatives to engage faculty, staff, and students, ensuring clear, timely, and meaningful messaging aligned with the School of Medicine's mission.
Bachelor’s degree with 4+ years of communications experience, exceptional writing and storytelling skills, collaboration across departments, proficiency with communication tools, and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Job Description UW Medicine Strategic Marketing and Communications has an outstanding opportunity for an Internal Communications Specialist for the UW School of Medicine to join their team. At UW Medicine, we work to improve health for all people through excellence in clinical, research, and education and training programs. As the only comprehensive clinical, research and learning health system in the five-state WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, Idaho) region, UW Medicine provides the most up-to-date care for each individual patient, leads one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive medical research programs, and provides innovative learning programs for students, trainees, and practitioners in the health professions. UW Medicine’s Strategic Marketing and Communications (SMC) team plays a unique and vital role in advancing UW Medicine’s mission to improve the health of all people. We advance UW Medicine’s mission by creating connections to the discoveries, knowledge, and care that improve people’s lives. Our team is comprised of 50+ dedicated professionals who work across a variety of marketing and communications disciplines for both the health system and UW School of Medicine, including brand and marketing strategy, news and media relations, internal and crisis communications, web development, UX/DX strategies, social media, writing, and graphic design. Our success lies in our core values: respect, teamwork, creativity, continuous improvement, and focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, that are reflected in all that we do. POSITION PURPOSE Reporting to the Senior Director, Marketing and Communications, the Internal Communications Specialist (Specialist) plays a vital role in fostering a connected, informed, and engaged community across the University of Washington’s School of Medicine (SoM). This position is responsible for developing and executing strategic internal communication initiatives that align with the SoM’s mission, support leadership priorities, and promote a culture of transparency, inclusion, and collaboration. Working across academic and administrative units, the strategist will ensure that faculty, staff, and students receive clear, timely, and meaningful information that enhances understanding, drives engagement, and reinforces the school’s identity as a leading institution in medical research and education. The ideal candidate is a skilled communicator who brings exceptional writing skills, a strong understanding of academic and healthcare environments, and the ability to translate complex information into accessible and inspiring content. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Content Development – 60% Write, edit, and produce clear, concise, and engaging internal content including announcements, leadership messages, newsletters, intranet posts, and presentations. Produce content for a wide variety of audiences including faculty, researchers, students and staff. Partner with departments, faculty leadership and administration to ensure consistent and coordinated messaging across the medical school. Serve as a liaison among different departments and employee groups to facilitate and produce transparent and open communication, addressing concerns and promoting a collaborative work environment. Help reinforce the medical school’s mission and values through intentional storytelling and messaging. Ensure that all materials are on message and embody a high degree of professionalism through an understanding of the SoM culture and services. Channel Management – 20% Support communications around internal events such as town halls, faculty forums, accreditation updates, and organizational changes. Monitor communication effectiveness through engagement metrics and surveys; recommend improvements based on data and feedback. Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in internal communications, incorporating innovative approaches to enhance employee engagement and satisfaction. Strategic Planning – 15% Working with the SoM Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, develop and lead internal communication strategies that support the SoM’s strategic priorities, academic programs, leadership initiatives, and institutional culture. Other Duties – 5% Other duties may consist of project work or other business needs related to marketing and communications. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field. Four or more years of progressively responsible communications experience. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences. Proven ability to collaborate across multiple departments and levels of leadership. Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines. Proficiency with communications tools such as Microsoft Office, Intranet platform (Simpplr), content management system (SharePoint), and digital collaboration tools (e.g., Teams, Slack). Experience designing, implementing and leading successful internal communications programs. Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, high-change environment with demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously. Ability to occasionally work outside of typical business hours as needed to address urgent situations. Demonstrated commitment to integrity. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS Five or more years of progressively responsible communications experience. Prior work in academic medicine or higher education communications. Familiarity with medical or scientific terminology. Familiarity with the AP style. Compensation, Benefits and Position Details Pay Range Minimum: $84,000.00 annual Pay Range Maximum: $104,568.00 annual Other Compensation: - Benefits: For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/ Shift: First Shift (United States of America) Temporary or Regular? This is a regular position FTE (Full-Time Equivalent): 100.00% Union/Bargaining Unit: Not Applicable About the UW Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. Our Commitment The University of Washington is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law. Use the filters or enter keywords in the search box (such as “custodian,” “nursing” or “manager”) to explore available opportunities. To find temporary opportunities, enter “temporary” in the search box. 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This job posting was last updated on 10/14/2025