📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Executive Communications Specialist
🔹 Company: University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
🔹 Location: Albuquerque, NM
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Communications, Higher Education
🔹 Date Posted: May 14, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid flexibility
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Working closely with executive leadership to write and strategize internal and external communications
- Writing weekly memos, speeches, and talking points for various events
- Collaborating with the HSC Marketing and Communications team on executive communications strategies
- Utilizing software for mass emailing to create, produce, and distribute internal communications
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong writing skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure. It also demands a deep understanding of the health care and higher education sectors.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Work with executive and senior HSC leadership to write, create, and strategize internal and external communications
✅ Write a weekly memo for an executive leader that is distributed across the HSC campus and beyond
✅ Write speeches and talking points for a variety of events including graduations, faculty and provider work groups, student groups, legislators, conferences, and other public-facing events
✅ Work in tandem with leadership at UNM HSC Marketing and Communications to organize and strategize effective executive communications
✅ Work with software used for mass emailing to create, produce, and distribute internal communications
✅ Assist in creating collateral that would be used for other executive communications
ASSUMPTION: The role may require working limited hours on evenings and weekends, depending on event schedules.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree
Experience: At least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified
Required Skills:
- Excellent writing and communication skills
- Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Proficiency in using software for mass emailing
Preferred Skills:
- At least 2 years of experience writing for an executive leader
- Experience working in higher education communications
- Experience working in health care or health care communications
ASSUMPTION: While a Bachelor's degree is required, relevant experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $4,073.33 - $5,721.73 per month
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Educational benefits through tuition remission and dependent education programs
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with hybrid work schedule available
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the University of New Mexico's pay scale for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience and performance.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education, Health Care
Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees
Founded: 1994 (as the UNM Health Sciences Center)
Company Description:
- As the only academic health center in New Mexico, UNM HSC combines its three mission areas - education, research, and patient care - to provide New Mexicans with the highest level of health care.
- UNM HSC is made up of several academic and clinical entities, including the School of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, College of Population Health, Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center, Clinical & Translational Science Center, UNM Hospitals, UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, and UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center.
Company Specialties:
- Health care education and training
- Medical research
- Patient care and clinical services
Company Website: http://hsc.unm.edu/
ASSUMPTION: UNM HSC is a large and complex organization, with many departments and entities. Applicants should familiarize themselves with the specific department they are applying to work in.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level, with potential for growth and advancement
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the HSC Director of Communications
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with on-campus time required and potential limited work on evenings and weekends
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to take on additional responsibilities and advance within the communications department
- Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and events
- Possibility to transition into other roles within the UNM HSC system
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the UNM HSC system.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-campus, with hybrid work schedule available
Office Location(s): 2500 Marble Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87131, US and 2211 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, US
Geographic Context:
- Albuquerque is the most populous city in New Mexico, with a diverse cultural scene and a growing job market
- The UNM campus is located in the heart of Albuquerque, offering easy access to amenities and services
- New Mexico is known for its unique cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and mild climate
Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with hybrid work schedule available
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work schedule allows for flexibility, but applicants should be prepared to work on-campus and potentially on evenings and weekends as needed.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the HSC Director of Communications
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing and communication skills
- Understanding of the health care and higher education sectors
- Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines
- Cultural fit with the UNM HSC system
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
- Include a minimum of three writing samples that demonstrate your ability to write for an executive leader
- Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the health care and higher education sectors, as well as your ability to work well under pressure
ATS Keywords: Executive communications, writing, higher education, health care, strategic communications, mass emailing, event coordination
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may take several weeks, depending on the volume of applicants and the hiring team's schedule.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Software for mass emailing (e.g., Constant Contact, Mailchimp)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
- Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets)
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be comfortable using software for mass emailing and other common communication tools.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence in education, research, and patient care
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Innovation and continuous improvement
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic environment
- Strong focus on communication and collaboration
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong commitment to excellence in your work?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
- Are you seeking opportunities for professional growth and development?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should assess their fit with the UNM HSC system's values and work style before applying.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working under tight deadlines and pressure
- Managing multiple projects and priorities
- Navigating a large and complex organization
- Adapting to a hybrid work schedule and on-campus time requirements
ASSUMPTION: These challenges are common to roles of this nature and can be managed with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective time management.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to other communications specialist positions in higher education and health care settings, but may have more focus on executive communications and less on day-to-day marketing and branding efforts
- UNM HSC is a large and complex organization, offering more opportunities for growth and advancement than smaller institutions
- This role may offer more opportunities for event coordination and public speaking than other communications specialist positions
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should research similar roles in higher education and health care settings to better understand the unique aspects of this position.
📝 Sample Projects
- Writing a weekly memo for an executive leader, summarizing key events and initiatives across the HSC campus
- Creating talking points for a faculty work group presentation on a new health care initiative
- Writing a speech for a graduation ceremony, highlighting the achievements of the graduating class and the future of the health care industry
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of tasks the Executive Communications Specialist may be responsible for, but the actual projects may vary depending on the needs of the HSC leadership.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most pressing communications challenges facing the HSC leadership?
- How does this role fit into the overall communications strategy for the UNM HSC system?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the UNM HSC system?
- How does the HSC Director of Communications support the success of the Executive Communications Specialist?
- What is the typical work schedule for this role, and how flexible is it?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should use the interview to gain a deeper understanding of the role, the team, and the organization's culture.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the UNMJobs website
- Upload a current resume, cover letter, and three professional references
- In your cover letter, explain how you meet the qualifications of this position and submit a minimum of three writing samples that demonstrate your ability to write for an executive leader
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about next steps
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
