Director of Communications - Athens, United States - University of Georgia

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    Description
    Posting Details

    Posting Details

    Posting Number S11916P

    Working Title Director of Communications

    Department VPI-VP of Instruction

    About the University of Georgia

    Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

    About the College/Unit/Department

    The Office of Instruction is responsible for supporting teaching, advising, and student learning on UGA's main and extended campuses.

    The Office of Instruction provides critical student academic services, from recruitment through graduation as well as faculty support related to teaching and curricular matters. It is charged with empowering instructors and students to enhance the teaching and learning environment across campus, to champion new ideas and methods for teaching and learning, and to prepare students to understand and navigate the global world in which they live, work, and learn.

    The Office of Instruction is responsible for a wide range of initiatives that advance the University of Georgia as a national leader and as a preeminent, global university.

    College/Unit/Department website

    Posting Type External

    Retirement Plan TRS or ORP

    Employment Type Employee

    Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible

    Full/Part time Full Time

    Work Schedule

    Additional Schedule Information

    Standard Monday - Friday 8:00-5:00 schedule with potential night or weekend work based on events and office needs.

    Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience

    Posting Date 04/08/2024

    Open until filled Yes

    Closing Date

    Proposed Starting Date 06/01/2024

    Special Instructions to Applicants

    Application review will begin April 22, 2024. For full consideration, interested individuals are encouraged to submit application materials by this date.

    Location of Vacancy Athens Area

    EEO Policy Statement

    The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([redacted]).

    Position Information

    Classification Title Marketing/Public Relations Professional

    FLSA Exempt

    FTE 1.00

    Minimum Qualifications

    Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

    Preferred Qualifications

    Master's degree in journalism, public relations or other related field and 5 or more years of relevant experience in a highly collaborative environment.
    One or more years of experience working for a public research university with a land-grant and/or sea-grant mission.

    Position Summary

    The Director of Communications will assist in providing a positive organizational image to the general public, clients, stakeholders, and the UGA community for the Office of Instruction ("Instruction"). This position coordinates and participates in the implementation of promotional ideas and marketing activities for all units and programs that report to the Vice President for Instruction. This position serves as the primary point of contact for Instruction units and works with university-wide communications professionals to provide input in strategic communications. The director will be responsible for composing and managing the distribution of digital newsletters; developing stories for distribution to the university community and beyond, working closely with colleagues in the Instruction office and University Marketing and Communications; serving as project manager for events; serving on advisory boards and other needs as they arise; serving as primary website contact for Instruction and program websites, personally managing the Instruction and UGA Summer School sites; developing marketing and communications plans for academic initiatives; and managing social media accounts. The director of communications reports directly to the Vice President for Instruction.

    Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

    Ability to work independently, efficiently, thoughtfully, conceptualize projects, and manage multiple priorities, which may be on short deadlines. Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external audiences and across various media and situations, including conducting interviews. Ability to work with designers, consultants, and creative teams. Knowledgeable about higher education issues and able to understand and interpret information to help advance the university and its institutional priorities. Superb written, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills. Strong organizational and project management skills. Experience in marketing automation (e.g., MailChimp), SEO, Google analytics, social media and online marketing. Experience in project management tools and creative media tools. Familiarity and background in media creation/videography/photography and graphic design. Experience in web development and content management systems. Interest and experience in supervising student teams for media/content development and dissemination.

    Physical Demands

    Sit at desk and computer for long periods of time. Lift up to 25 pounds and walk short distances on the UGA campus.

    Is driving a responsibility of this position? No

    Is this a Position of Trust? No

    Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No

    Does this position require a P-Card? No

    Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

    Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No

    Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No

    Credit and P-Card policy

    Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

    Duties/Responsibilities

    Duties/Responsibilities

    Develop a clear, dynamic, multi-channel communications strategic plan with components designed to communicate effectively with both internal and external audiences to highlight the priorities and strategic initiatives of the Vice President for Instruction and the Office of Instruction, including mechanisms to track impact. The implementation should include campaigns that leverage print, digital advertising, and social media to enhance the reputation of UGA as a leading research university that values instructional excellence, with a focus on initiatives of the Office of Instruction. Works with Instruction units to create a concise, annual report that highlights key work within the Office of Instruction.

    Percentage of time 40 Duties/Responsibilities

    Work with the Vice President and the Unit heads in the Office of Instruction to develop and carry out coordinated communication strategies to support key university goals. Drafts newsletter content, remarks, presentations, talking points, and other documents for the Vice President of Instruction as needed, including for special events. Maintain consistent branding for Instruction units. Collaborates directly with the UGA Division of Marketing and Communications and academic units to help drive university objectives and tell the institution's story. Write news releases and serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries associated with the Office of Instruction. Maintain a comprehensive calendar of annual communications and supplements touch points with highlights from the various units in the Office of Instruction.

    Percentage of time 40 Duties/Responsibilities

    Foster collaboration, camaraderie, communication, and best practices (including professional development) with other communicators within the Office of Instruction. Represents and serves as a liaison for the Office of Instruction in a variety of settings, including providing communications and website support for committees, task forces, and ad hoc groups convened to advance various institutions issues, programs, and projects.

    Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities

    Supervise and manage others on the communication team (including student workers) who complete research, writing, design, and production of print and web materials for specific strategic academic goals and initiatives.

    Percentage of time 5 Duties/Responsibilities

    Participate as a member of various campus-wide communications committees with focus on effective communication of UGA's academic mission.

    Percentage of time 5

    Contact Information

    Recruitment Contact

    Contact Details

    For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

    Recruitment Contact Name Jonathan Wentworth

    Recruitment Contact Phone

    Posting Specific Questions

    Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). Applicant DocumentsRequired Documents
    1. Resume/CV
    2. Cover Letter
    Optional Documents
    1. Portfolio
    2. List of References with Contact Information