Communication and Events Specialist

POSITION TITLE: Communication and Events Specialist

COMPENSATION RANGE: 50,000.00 - 63,000.00 USD per year

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Professional Administrative

DEPARTMENT: Dean Col Osteopathic Med Office

TARGET HIRE DATE: 11/1/2026

BENEFITS: UNC's Career Hub

Candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; UNC cannot provide H-1B sponsorship at this time.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 10/04/2026.

Position Summary:

The Communications and Event Planning Specialist supports the mission and growth of the College of Osteopathic Medicine by leading the development and execution of integrated communications and strategic events that advance the college's identity, visibility, and engagement with key audiences.

Reporting to the Associate Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs, this position is responsible for creating clear, consistent, and compelling messaging across internal and external channels, while also planning and implementing events that support recruitment, community engagement, faculty development, and institutional milestones. By aligning communications and events with the college's strategic priorities, this role strengthens relationships with prospective students, faculty, staff, healthcare partners, and the broader community.

Working within the Administrative Service Center model and in collaboration with central marketing and college leadership, the specialist manages a portfolio of projects that includes content development, digital and print communications, and end-to-end event coordination. This role ensures that all communications and events reflect the mission, values, and professional standards of osteopathic medical education while contributing to the successful launch and long-term reputation of the COM.

Job Duties:

Internal Communications (25-35%)

• Develop and execute internal communication strategies that support faculty, staff, and student engagement within the College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM).
• Develop and maintain an intranet system for the COM.
• Create, write, and manage content for newsletters, announcements, websites, and other internal communication channels.
• Maintain and enhance college and departmental websites, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and alignment with institutional branding and messaging standards.
• Collaborate with faculty and leadership to translate complex academic and clinical information into clear, audience-appropriate communications.
• Coordinate the development of digital and print assets to support college initiatives, programs, and events.

External Communications & Marketing (35-45%)

• Develop, conceptualize, research, write and edit promotional and task-based information for unit publications and web content within the strategic communication guidance from University Advancement ensuring consistent university voice, tone and messaging.
• Create and manage content for web, social media, and print materials to support student recruitment, faculty recruitment, and community engagement.
• Develop, manage, and execute the college's social media strategy, including content planning, posting, and audience engagement.
• Collaborate with University Advancement, COM Admissions and Enrollment services, and central marketing to ensure alignment with institutional branding and recruitment goals.
• Contribute to storytelling efforts that highlight student success, faculty expertise, clinical partnerships, and community impact.

Event Planning & Coordination (30-35%)

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of college events that support recruitment, engagement, and institutional visibility, including signature events such as white coat ceremonies, match day celebrations, accreditation visits, and community outreach activities.
• Develop event strategies, timelines, and logistics, ensuring alignment with college priorities and compliance with university policies and procedures.
• Coordinate event communications, marketing materials, and promotional efforts to maximize participation and impact.
• Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, vendors, and community or clinical partners.
• Oversee event logistics including scheduling, venue coordination, catering, audiovisual needs, and on-site event management.
• Evaluate event effectiveness and recommend improvements based on feedback and outcomes.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

• Collaborate with the Academic Affairs and ASC communications teams to align messaging, share best practices, and support university-wide initiatives.
• Contribute to the development of processes, standards, and tools that improve communication and event planning across the college.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required. Substitution: Additional appropriate experience will substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• Four years' work experience in a related field is required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with website design and/or hands-on updating of website pages
• Basic skill set in graphic design, marketing materials, photography, video, and/or audio productio.

Substitution: Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Benefits:

Benefits available include health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, as well as a selection of several defined contribution retirement plans for all full-time positions. Employees at UNC receive sick leave, and other leave options may be available based on position. Full-time employees are eligible to receive tuition waiver benefits, as well as dependents and spouses of UNC Employees who are employed at 0.5 FTE or above are eligible for undergraduate dependent tuition grants of up to 50%. These tuition grants will cover in-state tuition charges. Further requirements may exist. Other benefits may be available based on position.

About UNC

The University of Northern Colorado is a public doctoral/research institution located in Greeley, Colorado. UNC's commitment to education began in 1889 and continues to be a transformational force for our students. Recognized as a top university for social mobility, UNC is proud to be a Hispanic Serving Institution and to serve more than 44% of our undergraduates who are the first in their family to attend college. UNC is also committed to providing our faculty and staff with the support they need to succeed as professionals, educators, and in life. Please visit UNC's Career Hub, to learn more about UNC's strategic plan, school programs, and employee benefits. Go Bears!

EEO Statement

The University of Northern Colorado offers an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the UNC community. In accordance with federal and state law, UNC prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. UNC also prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure UNC's compliance with this policy.

ADA Accommodations

The University of Northern Colorado is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 970-351-2718 or human.resources@unco.edu.

Background Check

Satisfactory completion of a background check, educational check, and authorization to work in the United States is required after a conditional offer of employment has been made. The successful candidate must submit original transcripts within one (1) month of hire.

This position is contingent on funding from the Colorado State Legislature, approval by the Board of Trustees, and subject to the policies and regulations of the University of Northern Colorado.

Clery Act

In compliance with the Clery Act, the most recent University of Northern Colorado Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online. A paper copy can be requested at the UNC Police Department. This report contains crime statistics and policy statements related to safety, conduct processes and Title IX investigations.