Communications Specialist

Overview:

The Communications Specialist role is responsible for executing a communications strategy for the SAP group here at Patterson. This role will be responsible for designing the communications plan, creating communication vehicles, crafting key messages, and defining objectives and success requirements of communication initiatives. The Communications Specialist will take a hands-on approach to ensure deliverables are achieved with the highest standard of quality and value. Additionally, the Communications Specialist will assist with other Organizational Change Management (OCM) deliverables, including Training and Site Readiness.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborates with a variety of internal customers to plan, identify key messages and execute communications tactics to multiple audiences 
• Supports OCM team through delivery of written communications vehicles such as monthly newsletters, emails, presentations, internal social channels to ensure information is posted in a timely and consistent manner and remains up to date 
• Serves as the main writer and editor for the monthly newsletter around new technology features or project updates 
• Uses planning/coordination skills to ensure consistency of messages, alignment to corporate objectives and values, proper approvals and coordination of publishing in appropriate mediums to meet deadlines. 
• Utilizes conceptualization, business, technical and creative writing skills to tell stories and develop a wide variety of business and technical content and communication. 
• Designs and maintains the SAP communications plan 
• Develops key messages for internal and external customers related to SAP process improvements and new features 
• Maintains company SAP sharepoint site for internal users 
• Measures and reports on Communications feedback and adoption on a quarterly basis and makes recommendations to management based on findings 
• Works with Creative services colleagues to devise marketing strategies that meet the SAP project’s creative brief and budget 
• Conduct meetings with the core team members to keep them informed about the current work status of communication initiatives 
• Serves as primary communication consultant for any priority incidence (urgent system issues)

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in business, communications, advertising, or area of functional responsibility preferred, or a combination of equivalent education and experience 
• At least 1 year of experience doing similar communications work 
• Ability to effectively communicate with business leaders and collaborate with cross-department representatives 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills 
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to step back and review the overall vision 
• Able to work closely with agency experts in various strategy, digital, traditional and creative roles to identify and evaluate solutions to grow a client’s business and meet their objectives 
• Previous experience with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system or other HR Technology 
• Proficiency with basic office technologies and ability to learn new tools quickly; experience with graphic design and/or photo and video editing tools a plus 
• Strong positive problem-solving and decision-making skills 
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and critical thinking 
• Thorough understanding of communications principles and best practices (written, visual, environmental, and interpersonal) 
• Project management experience preferred. 
• Ability to be flexible, manage multiple projects with competing timelines, proactively manage up, push for solutions, and/or escalate for a resolution 
• Experience working with email marketing software (such as Constant Contact), SharePoint, and the Adobe Creative Suite is a plus