Communication specialist Jobs in Tacoma, WA

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Communication Specialist, WSUAA

role at

Washington State University

Online applications must be received before 11 : 59pm on January 11, 2026.

Available Title(s) : 1181-YN_ADMINPRO - Development Coordinator

Business Title : Communication Specialist, WSUAA

Employee Type : Admin. Professional

Position Details

The Washington State University Alumni Association (WSUAA) is focused on proactively increasing membership and expanding the ways alumni and friends can become meaningfully engaged with the University. As the Communications Specialist, you would report directly to the Communications Manager and play a key role in supporting the strategic communication efforts of the WSU Alumni Association. In this role, you would help strengthen alumni connection, drive membership, and increase participation in events, programs, and philanthropic initiatives, contributing to integrated campaigns that engage more than 250,000 alumni worldwide.

As a member of the Communications team, you would create and manage content across all channels—including email, social media, newsletters, and the alumni website—while owning the execution of WSUAA’s email strategy (copywriting, email builds, and analytics reporting) and leading social media scheduling, content development, and community engagement. In this role, you would also support signature events such as Homecoming, CougsGive, and PreGames, collaborating with internal teams and volunteers to ensure consistent messaging while cultivating relationships with alumni.

By combining tactical execution with creative storytelling, you would provide essential support to the Communications Manager and play a vital role in advancing the mission of the WSU Alumni Association.

Required Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree and two (2) years of experience, which includes six (6) months of full-time experience in marketing, gift solicitation or public contact work with evidence of ability to work collaboratively, communicate effectively orally and in writing and organize and execute assignments. A Master’s degree in a relevant field may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required experience. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year‑for‑year basis.

Knowledge of marketing principles, concepts, techniques, and applications relevant to the field of digital communication and social media.

Demonstrated project management skills.

Experience working successfully with diverse teams.

Demonstrated ability to handle change, and experience navigating unexpected situations.

Strong planning, organization and time management skills.

Demonstrated experience being detail‑oriented.

Excellent written / oral communication skills.

Demonstrated editing and proofreading skills.

The ability to work some overtime and on the occasional weekend or evening.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with content management and website development.

Knowledge of social media best practices, implementation and measurement techniques.

Experience working with a CRM or other complex database.

Knowledge of or a connection to the WSU system is highly desirable.

Knowledge of and experience with a membership organization, non‑profit or Advancement unit, preferably in higher education.

About WSUAA

We will advance Washington State University by engaging a diverse Cougar community— including alumni, parents, students, and friends— in meaningful ways that inspire lifelong connection and foster a culture of philanthropy that helps the university achieve its aspirations.

Application Instructions

Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

Resume

Cover Letter

Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible. Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.

Notice of Non‑Discrimination

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract. Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA / Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both. More information, resources, and contact information are available here :

Other Information

Salary : $3,750.85–$5,397.56 per month (commensurate with experience and qualifications). Benefits include paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance; retirement; deferred compensation; optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver.

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