📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Communications Specialist
🔹 Company: Johns Hopkins University
🔹 Location: Baltimore, Maryland, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Education Administration Programs
🔹 Date Posted: April 25, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid option
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing the Institute’s social media strategy and channels
- Creating and producing high-quality content for digital promotions
- Supporting various marketing campaigns and stakeholder communication
- Collaborating with the marketing team to drive impactful online tactics
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of digital communications and social media management to effectively promote the Institute's brand and engage stakeholders.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Serve as the primary writer and editor for printed materials related to the area, events, and activities.
✅ Perform a variety of research, writing, and digital production for communications vehicles.
✅ Write new material or contribute to writing a variety of communication media.
✅ Conduct interviews and collect information to develop content for communication materials.
✅ Select visual assets to accompany written work.
✅ Coordinate, oversee, schedule, and make appropriate arrangements for production and distribution of communications materials.
✅ May participate and contribute to planning and identifying content, theme, message, and tone.
✅ Implement project strategies and work plans as developed by project leadership and support team in communicating, coordinating, completing, and disseminating project deliverables; and tracking dissemination metrics.
✅ May manage and maintain social media accounts, newsletters, and/or website content
✅ Support the planning and execution of webinars and other external facing events.
✅ Develop external communication materials for project promotion.
✅ Participate in high-level project team meetings and conference calls, as requested by Communications leaders.
✅ Communicate challenges, requirements, and deadlines to team and ensure project timelines and deliverables are met.
✅ Perform other related duties as requested
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree in a related field
Experience: Two years of related experience
Required Skills:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Developing proficiency in Copywriting and Digital Communications
- Intermediate proficiency in Project Coordination and Writing
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with social media management tools
- Knowledge of HTML and CSS
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with additional education or related experience may substitute for the required qualifications.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $46,200 - $80,800 Annually ($49,440 targeted; Commensurate with experience)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement savings plans
- Tuition remission and assistance
- Generous vacation, sick, and holiday leave
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is based on the company's provided information and industry standards for similar roles.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Education Administration Programs
Company Size: 2-10 employees
Founded: 1876
Company Description:
- The Johns Hopkins University was the first university in the Western Hemisphere based on the European research institution, with a mission both to teach and to advance human knowledge through discovery.
- It ranks first among U.S. universities in winning federal research and development funds.
- Johns Hopkins remains a world leader in education, research, and patient care.
Company Specialties:
Company Website: http://www.jhu.edu/
ASSUMPTION: Johns Hopkins University is a prestigious institution with a strong focus on research and education.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Communications and Web Services Department at the Peabody Institute
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a mix of on-site and remote work
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance within the Communications and Web Services Department
- Opportunities to work on diverse projects and campaigns
- Possibility to gain experience in event planning and webinar coordination
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the Communications and Web Services Department.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid, with a mix of on-site and remote work
Office Location(s): Peabody Institute, 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, US
Geographic Context:
- Baltimore, Maryland, is a mid-sized city with a diverse cultural scene and a rich history
- The Peabody Institute is located in the historic Mount Vernon neighborhood, close to various amenities and attractions
- The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living options
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for occasional evening and weekend work for events
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and team members
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and writing samples
- Social media management and digital content creation
- Project management and organizational skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with the company's mission and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Include examples of your writing and digital content creation work
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your communication, project management, and teamwork skills
ATS Keywords: Social Media Management, Digital Content Creation, Communications Strategy, Project Coordination, Writing, Editing, Event Promotion, Brand Building, Stakeholder Engagement
ASSUMPTION: The application process may vary depending on the specific needs of the hiring team and the volume of applicants.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social)
- Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
- Design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is preferred, but training may be provided for the right candidate.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence in teaching and research
- Diversity and inclusion
- Integrity and accountability
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Results-driven and detail-oriented
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you stay organized and manage multiple projects simultaneously?
- Can you provide an example of a successful social media campaign you've managed?
- How do you ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and engaging for diverse audiences?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with the company's values and work style will be more likely to succeed in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Adapting to changes in priorities and workload
- Balancing on-site and remote work responsibilities
- Ensuring consistent branding and messaging across various communication channels
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and effective communication.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Marketing Coordinator or Communications Coordinator, but with a stronger focus on digital content creation and social media management
- Compared to a Public Relations Specialist, this role has a more internal focus on stakeholder communication and less emphasis on media relations
- Compared to a Content Strategist, this role has a more tactical focus on day-to-day content creation and less emphasis on high-level strategy
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of communication, project management, and digital content creation responsibilities.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a social media campaign to promote an upcoming event or concert series
- Creating a series of blog posts or articles to showcase the Institute's research and achievements
- Designing and implementing a communication plan to launch a new course or program
ASSUMPTION: These projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and initiatives that the Communications Specialist may be involved in.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the overall communications strategy for the Peabody Institute?
- What are the most pressing priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does the Communications and Web Services Department collaborate with other departments and teams at the Peabody Institute?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the department?
- How does the hybrid work arrangement work in practice, and what expectations are there for on-site and remote work?
ASSUMPTION: These questions will help you better understand the role, the team, and the company culture.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your communication, project management, and teamwork skills
- If invited to an in-person or virtual interview, arrive or log in 10-15 minutes early to allow for any technical difficulties or unexpected delays
- Follow up with a thank-you note or email within 24 hours of your interview to express your appreciation for the opportunity
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
