Communications Specialist

Department: Office of the CFO
Salary/Grade: EXS/7

Job Summary

The Communications Specialist, situated within the Office of the CFO, plays a key role in advancing the mission and priorities of Northwestern University's Division of Business and Finance. This position exists to strengthen internal communications across the division and to the community it serves, enhancing transparency, alignment, and engagement among staff. The specialist is responsible for developing and executing strategic communication plans that support divisional goals, promote knowledge and awareness, and foster a unified culture across a complex, service-oriented organization.

Through a variety of channels-including newsletters, web content, training materials, and email-the Communications Specialist will create and manage timely, relevant messaging that informs and connects employees. The role also supports division-wide engagement initiatives, events, and change management communications.
Success in this role requires excellent writing and storytelling skills, strong collaboration with stakeholders, and a continuous improvement mindset to refine messaging strategies based on data and feedback.

*Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the internal communications strategy for the division of Business and Finance and its units, including key messaging, communication channels, and tactics.
• Create and deliver internal communications content, including email, newsletters, website content, videos, and presentations.
• Work iteratively with organizational stakeholders at varying levels to ensure all internal communication is clear, consistent, and aligned with the division's goals and values.
• Develop and maintain a content calendar to ensure that internal communications are timely and relevant.
• Identify opportunities to promote employee engagement and help foster a positive division and university culture.
• Assist with direct communications to both internal division staff and the broader Northwestern community that Business and Finance serves.
• Coordinate internal events and other initiatives to promote employee engagement and strengthen the company culture

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, SKILLS)

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree, or appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 2+ years of experience in internal communications, corporate communications, or related field
• Excellent writing and editorial skills across channels i.e., websites, newsletters, direct comms, training materials.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, SKILLS)

• BA/BS or master's degree in communications, integrated marketing or related field
• Knowledge of Cascade or similar content management systems.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as primary author of a significant document, publication or web content.
• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Experience collaborating with others on content creation and delivery, including newsletters, website content, videos, and presentations
• Knowledge of best practices for internal communications
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
  

Target hiring range for this position will be between $65,000-$80,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.