Inside Higher Ed is hiring: Public Relations Specialist in Athens

Public Relations Specialist

Posting Number: S14545P

Working Title: Public Relations Specialist

Department: Grady-External Relations

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS

Employment Type: Employee (Full Time)

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Typical Schedule: 8am – 5pm with some after hours.

Advertised Salary: $35,031 – $45,540

Posting Date: 12/23/2025

Open Until Filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 02/02/2026

Location: Athens Area

Position Summary

The Public Relations Specialist supports the Communications Director in shaping and delivering the strategic messages of the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. This role contributes to the development and execution of integrated communication efforts across print and broadcast media, digital and web platforms, social media channels, and multimedia formats. The specialist plays a key role in elevating the College’s visibility by producing compelling stories, managing digital content, and supporting a range of communication initiatives that highlight the College’s mission, achievements, and programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and produce written and visual content for web, digital platforms, print publications, newsletters, press releases, and feature stories highlighting teaching, research, students, and outreach initiatives of Grady College.
• Manage internal communication channels, including digital newsletters, display screens, and campus communication platforms.
• In collaboration with the Communications Director, manage the College’s social media presence on alternating weeks, including content planning, posting, monitoring engagement, and escalating issues as needed.
• Produce and support multimedia assets—photography, graphics, social media visuals, and video content—to strengthen the College’s brand and storytelling.
• Plan, produce, and host the College’s research‑focused podcast featuring faculty research initiatives.
• Serve as a secondary media contact, helping facilitate media inquiries and external coverage of Grady programs and projects.
• Participate in UGA Marketing & Communications meetings, trainings, and content‑sharing initiatives to broaden visibility and alignment with institutional messaging.
• Partner with internal stakeholders—including department heads, development and alumni relations teams, diversity and external relations staff, research centers and institutes, faculty, and staff—to advance communication and marketing goals.
• Assist in planning, coordinating, promoting, and executing College events, lectures, and special programs.
• Collaborate with the Communications Director on the development, implementation, and evaluation of strategic communication plans for the College and affiliated units.
• Assist in training, supervising, and mentoring Yarbrough Communications interns, supporting their professional development and ensuring high‑quality contributions to communication projects and initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

• Demonstrated excellence in writing and storytelling, engaging diverse audiences through print, visual, audio, and video formats.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while navigating shifting priorities and deadlines.
• Working knowledge of graphic design, videography, audio production, and photography to support the creation of website content, social media posts, promotional materials, and other communications assets.
• Proficiency in AP Style.
• Strong social media capabilities, including content development, scheduling, platform management, and basic analytics.
• Advanced computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite—particularly Photoshop, InDesign, and Premiere—as well as familiarity with WordPress or similar CMS.

Physical Demands

• Sitting and Typing: Frequent sitting at a computer workstation for extended periods.
• Standing and Walking: Occasional standing and walking during event coverage, interviews, or photography/videography assignments.
• Lifting/Carrying: Ability to lift and carry equipment such as cameras, lighting, or promotional materials (typically up to 20 pounds).

Other Requirements

• No driving responsibility.
• Position of Trust: Yes.
• Access to financial resources: No.
• P-Card required: No.
• Direct interaction with minors or patient care: No.
• Security Access: Yes.

Classification and Labor Information

Classification Title: Public Relations Assistant II

FLSA: Non-Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Percentage of Time Allocation: 65% Strategic Content Creation, 25% Stakeholder Collaboration, 10% Internship Oversight.

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

Contact Details

Recruitment Contact Name: Sarah Freeman

Recruitment Contact Email: freemans@uga.edu

Seniority Level

Entry level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing