Strategic Content Specialist - Web - PRI
University of Illinois

Strategic Content Specialist - Web - PRI

Prairie Research Institute

Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

Illinois is a world leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. We serve the state, the nation, and the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and addressing critical societal needs through the transfer and application of knowledge. Illinois is the place where we embrace difference. We embrace it because we value it. Illinois is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the Illinois community.

The Prairie Research Institute (PRI), a research and service institute of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, houses five large scientific surveys covering a wide range of expertise including biology, water resources, climate, geology, sustainable technology, and archaeology. PRI's mission is to provide objective, integrated scientific research and service that allow citizens and decision-makers to make choices that ensure sustainable economic development, enduring environmental quality, and cultural resource preservation for the people, businesses, and governments of Illinois. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs .

Why Work at the Prairie Research Institute?

Highlights of Employee Benefits

PRI is seeking to hire a Strategic Content Specialist - Web to ( as part of the PRI Strategic Communications team) write, manage, and optimize content for PRI's major websites . Develop and implement website content strategies based on best practices, analytics, and SEO to ensure high-quality user experiences. Assist with management of PRI's major websites and microsites. Build and maintain relationships with subject matter experts across PRI.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Content Development

• Write targeted copy to reach key audiences on PRI's major websites, following SEO best practices.

• Make regular updates to existing web content.

• Review and implement suggested content edits , revising when necessary.

• Evaluate and revise new and existing content to improve SEO.

Content Management and Strategy

• Manage content across PRI's major websites.

• Conduct periodic assessments of PRI websites-including monitoring updates for timeliness and effectiveness- and make recommendations that improve content and overall user experience.

• Research, develop, and help implement SEO strategies across PRI websites.

• Help develop and implement strategies aimed at ensuring PRI websites are on brand, focused on key audiences, and effectively support PRI's strategic priorities.

• Help create and implement a plan for refreshing web content on a rolling basis.

• Stay informed on current best practices for website communications-especially content marketing, analytics, and SEO-and make recommendations for new features and tactics based on this.

• Provide guidance to subject matter experts on how to effectively develop web content and use content management system(s).

Website Management

• Help update WordPress themes on PIE sites.

• Cover web team email inbox and cPanel management.

Other

• Document processes as needed.

• Contribute to and work within the project management application used by the team for maximum organization and efficiency.

Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of PRI and the University of Illinois.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field.
2. One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area.
3. D emonstrated experience writing, specifically for the web or other marketing channels.
4. Demonstrated experience with website analytics analysis and search engine optimization (SEO).

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with managing web content through a WordPress content management system (CMS). Experience working in a higher education environment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of best practices in writing content and producing media for the web. Knowledge of web analytics tools including Google Analytics. Knowledge of search engine optimization (SEO) and implementing content optimizations to improve organic search. Familiarity with website accessibility standards. Ability to communicate effectively with others. Excellent written communication skills. Awareness of, and sensitivity to, cultural and linguistic differences. Commitment to diversity and inclusion. Ability to manage multiple projects at once, meet deadlines, maintain attention to detail, and work collaboratively in a team environment. Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment. Demonstrated research and analytical skills for evaluation and measurement of web content. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with technical professionals and understand technical requirements of web technologies.

Working Conditions: The work of this position takes place in an office setting. The work is sedentary and involves remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time working at a computer, using a keyboard and mouse, and using repetitive hand motions.

Appointment Information: This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5004 - Marketing Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after October 10, 2024. Salary is commensurate with experience. The budgeted amount for this position is $60,000 to $70,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position.

Benefits: The University of Illinois offers a wide variety of benefits https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/benefits , including paid leave https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave and holidays https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave/holidays . For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on October 10, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications should include cover letter, resume, and references. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Megan Weeks, mkweeks@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1026730
Job Category: Administrative Support
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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