Communications Specialist – News Job at University of Southern Mississippi in Ha

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Communications Specialist – News.

Location: Hattiesburg,
118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001, United States

Division: University Communications

Position Type: Staff

Employment Status: Full Time

Grant Funded: No

Pay Grade: E08

Posting Close Date: Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, one press release, and one feature story demonstrating strong writing and editing skills, AP‑style proficiency, and the ability to produce clear, engaging, well‑structured content. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H‑1B).

Job Summary

The Communications Specialist for News will produce clear, accurate, and compelling news releases and feature stories to highlight the university’s mission, achievements, and impact. This position will be responsible for proofreading, editing, and drafting press releases, feature stories, and related content in support of the university’s overall content strategy. The Communications Specialist for News will report to the Assistant Director for News and Media Relations and will work collaboratively with the department to ensure consistency, accuracy, and alignment of messaging across platforms.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Conceptualizes, develops and writes media content as identified by the Assistant Director for News and Media Relations that promotes university initiatives, programs, and events that highlight faculty, students and institutional impact.
• Proofreads and edits submitted press releases, feature stories, and university news content for grammar, style, clarity, accuracy and Associated Press Style compliance; ensures consistency of tone, branding and messaging across all written materials.
• Assists the Assistant Director for News in planning, prioritizing, and executing news and feature content to support university communications goals; provides input on content calendars and key messaging priorities.
• Serves as an editor of the Southern Miss Now news web page; posts news stories and identifies appropriate photos for maximum impact; updates existing articles with new information or links, as needed for accuracy.
• Counsels University administrators, faculty, and staff on items related to regional and national news outlets.
• Maintains active knowledge of developments in field, seeks out learning opportunities and completes other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in journalism, public relations, communications, or a closely related field; and two (2) years of demonstrated writing and editing experience within the field of journalism.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

• Excellent writing and editing skills, utilizing Associated Press (AP) guidelines for the effective creation of press releases, feature stories and informational copy while operating under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrates strong, practical interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse constituencies.
• Skilled in problem‑solving, including defining issues, gathering data, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions independently.
• Proficient in analyzing media activity and preparing clear, concise reports.
• Detail‑oriented with a high degree of accuracy in all communications.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience with journalism in a higher education or media setting.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community‑engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation’s leading research institutions. Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others. We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student‑athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.