University of Georgia
Communications Director
Communications Director leads a sub‑team within the DAR Communications (DARCOMM) department within the Division of Development & Alumni Relations (DAR) and reports to the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications.
Posting Details Posting Number: S14300P Working Title: Communications Director Department: DAR-Communications Employment Type: Employee (Full Time)
Work Schedule: 8:00am–5:00pm (Willing and able to work evenings and weekends, as necessary) Salary: $85,000+ (commensurate qualifications and experience) Location: Athens Area
About the University of Georgia: Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 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 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full‑time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
About the Division of Development and Alumni Relations: The Division of Development and Alumni Relations at the University of Georgia advances the goals, objectives, and priorities of the university by generating private financial support, building, and maintaining relationships with alumni and donors, and assisting students with career development opportunities.
Development and Alumni Relations’ Office of Communications: We serve as an in‑house marketing agency for the Development & Alumni Relations division (DAR) at the University of Georgia. Twice a year, we plan. The rest of the time, we design mailers, build websites, write, film, photograph, tweet, and a lot more. Collaboration is how we do our best work. White‑boarding and idea‑bouncing get us going. Data and analytics teach us how to do better next time. We love to learn from one another. We often partner with the Marketing & Communications division to help further the UGA brand. We streamline and dot‑connect. And always do our best to consider our audiences’ perspectives. We are always searching for new ways—more creative ways—to reach our alumni and donors to help our division achieve its mission and help every DAR unit achieve its goals. College/Unit/Department website: give.uga.edu, dar.uga.edu, alumni.uga.edu, innovation.uga.edu, dar.uga.edu/communications
Responsibilities
Lead team of Communications Coordinators and Communications Associates to develop marketing plans to meet DAR units’ goals, align the DAR Communications (DARCOMM) team.
Build communication plans for Development & Alumni Relations (DAR) units.
Lead team who will cultivate relationships between DARCOMM and other DAR units.
Identify goals and projects where units overlap and may benefit from working together – or where DARCOMM may be able to work more efficiently.
Participate in planning with units and identify creative solutions that can help the division and specific units reach their goals.
Help prioritize projects to ensure the team is focused on the most strategically important work.
Ensure DARCOMM has an efficient project management system in place to get projects completed in an efficient manner.
Help to cultivate relationships between DARCOMM and other divisions and schools, colleges in preparation for partnering on major initiatives.
Ensure DARCOMM is consistently putting forth excellent work that is both high‑quality and accurate.
Help direct reports develop and reach their goals.
Ensure roles and expectations for each direct report are clear and align with the overall goals of the team.
Manage human resources functions for direct reports, including tracking leave time, evaluations, etc.
Percentage of time: 55%
Oversee a portfolio of DAR projects and responsibilities.
Lead select, high‑profile projects from start to completion.
Organize planning meetings with all DAR partners twice a year.
Manage non‑digital advertising on behalf of DAR including assessing needs based on DAR goals, identifying best non‑digital advertising partners based on budget and strategic priorities, and managing relationships with advertising partners.
Percentage of time: 20%
Coordinate Vice Presidential Communications.
Develop, write, and send the monthly internal division email newsletter (The Pulse).
Develop the Vice President’s talking points and presentations for speaking engagements.
Develop social media posts on LinkedIn in coordination with digital strategists.
Percentage of time: 15%
Serve as a DAR liaison with internal and external communications partners and support media relations on behalf of the division.
Attend StratComm meetings on behalf of DARCOMM and provide pertinent updates to the team.
Respond to press inquiries, as necessary.
Recommend media relations strategies and tactics to help DAR reach its goals.
Foster a relationship with the Marketing & Communications media relations team.
Support team members in building and executing media relations strategies.
Percentage of time: 10%
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent plus 10 years of professional experience to include 3 years of supervisory experience
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in executive speech development and at least five years of experience in journalism, broadcasting, public relations, or a related field of work
At least five years of experience managing a team and coaching team members to be successful
At least five years of experience in a project management role
Experience working within complex project management platforms
Experience in client services/customer service
Experience in media relations, digital advertising, email marketing, and/or social marketing
An eye for design and/or knowledge of design programs is a bonus
Experience in nonprofit and/or higher education is desired
Exhibits behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the University of Georgia
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
Detail‑oriented
Ability to multi‑task
Self‑starter, takes initiative, and can work independently as well as in a team environment
Strong writing and proofreading skills with knowledge of AP Style and correct grammar
Knowledge of marketing, communications tactics, and trends
Ability to navigate complex projects and ensure they are completed on deadline
Exemplary communications skills (both written and verbal)
Demonstrates a commitment to outstanding customer service
Ability to collaborate with others and enlist buy‑in from different groups
Communicates and employs interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct
Effective leadership and people management skills
Physical Demands
Work in a standard office environment
Sit and work at a computer workstation for extended periods of time
Work using electronic mail, telephone, face‑to‑face discussions, paper form correspondence
Communicate effectively in writing, speaking, and listening
Organize and establish priorities; remember detail; multi‑task
Lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
Walk, stand, stoop, lift, kneel, climb
Work evenings and weekends, as necessary
Travel in and out of state, as necessary
EEO 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 Information
Recruitment Contact Name: Development & Alumni Relations’ Office of Talent Management
Email: dartalent@uga.edu
Phone: (phone number not provided)
Posting Specific Questions
* How did you hear about this job opportunity in the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR)?
Chronicle of Higher Education
DAR Careers Page
Handshake
Insight Into Academia
Inside Higher Ed
LinkedIn
UGAJobs (UGA's job board)
Other (Please provide name of source)
Applicant Documents Required Documents
Resume/CV
Cover Letter
Optional Documents
(No optional documents listed)
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Posting Details Posting Number: S14300P Working Title: Communications Director Department: DAR-Communications Employment Type: Employee (Full Time)
Work Schedule: 8:00am–5:00pm (Willing and able to work evenings and weekends, as necessary) Salary: $85,000+ (commensurate qualifications and experience) Location: Athens Area
About the University of Georgia: Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 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 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full‑time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
About the Division of Development and Alumni Relations: The Division of Development and Alumni Relations at the University of Georgia advances the goals, objectives, and priorities of the university by generating private financial support, building, and maintaining relationships with alumni and donors, and assisting students with career development opportunities.
Development and Alumni Relations’ Office of Communications: We serve as an in‑house marketing agency for the Development & Alumni Relations division (DAR) at the University of Georgia. Twice a year, we plan. The rest of the time, we design mailers, build websites, write, film, photograph, tweet, and a lot more. Collaboration is how we do our best work. White‑boarding and idea‑bouncing get us going. Data and analytics teach us how to do better next time. We love to learn from one another. We often partner with the Marketing & Communications division to help further the UGA brand. We streamline and dot‑connect. And always do our best to consider our audiences’ perspectives. We are always searching for new ways—more creative ways—to reach our alumni and donors to help our division achieve its mission and help every DAR unit achieve its goals. College/Unit/Department website: give.uga.edu, dar.uga.edu, alumni.uga.edu, innovation.uga.edu, dar.uga.edu/communications
Responsibilities
Lead team of Communications Coordinators and Communications Associates to develop marketing plans to meet DAR units’ goals, align the DAR Communications (DARCOMM) team.
Build communication plans for Development & Alumni Relations (DAR) units.
Lead team who will cultivate relationships between DARCOMM and other DAR units.
Identify goals and projects where units overlap and may benefit from working together – or where DARCOMM may be able to work more efficiently.
Participate in planning with units and identify creative solutions that can help the division and specific units reach their goals.
Help prioritize projects to ensure the team is focused on the most strategically important work.
Ensure DARCOMM has an efficient project management system in place to get projects completed in an efficient manner.
Help to cultivate relationships between DARCOMM and other divisions and schools, colleges in preparation for partnering on major initiatives.
Ensure DARCOMM is consistently putting forth excellent work that is both high‑quality and accurate.
Help direct reports develop and reach their goals.
Ensure roles and expectations for each direct report are clear and align with the overall goals of the team.
Manage human resources functions for direct reports, including tracking leave time, evaluations, etc.
Percentage of time: 55%
Oversee a portfolio of DAR projects and responsibilities.
Lead select, high‑profile projects from start to completion.
Organize planning meetings with all DAR partners twice a year.
Manage non‑digital advertising on behalf of DAR including assessing needs based on DAR goals, identifying best non‑digital advertising partners based on budget and strategic priorities, and managing relationships with advertising partners.
Percentage of time: 20%
Coordinate Vice Presidential Communications.
Develop, write, and send the monthly internal division email newsletter (The Pulse).
Develop the Vice President’s talking points and presentations for speaking engagements.
Develop social media posts on LinkedIn in coordination with digital strategists.
Percentage of time: 15%
Serve as a DAR liaison with internal and external communications partners and support media relations on behalf of the division.
Attend StratComm meetings on behalf of DARCOMM and provide pertinent updates to the team.
Respond to press inquiries, as necessary.
Recommend media relations strategies and tactics to help DAR reach its goals.
Foster a relationship with the Marketing & Communications media relations team.
Support team members in building and executing media relations strategies.
Percentage of time: 10%
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent plus 10 years of professional experience to include 3 years of supervisory experience
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in executive speech development and at least five years of experience in journalism, broadcasting, public relations, or a related field of work
At least five years of experience managing a team and coaching team members to be successful
At least five years of experience in a project management role
Experience working within complex project management platforms
Experience in client services/customer service
Experience in media relations, digital advertising, email marketing, and/or social marketing
An eye for design and/or knowledge of design programs is a bonus
Experience in nonprofit and/or higher education is desired
Exhibits behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the University of Georgia
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
Detail‑oriented
Ability to multi‑task
Self‑starter, takes initiative, and can work independently as well as in a team environment
Strong writing and proofreading skills with knowledge of AP Style and correct grammar
Knowledge of marketing, communications tactics, and trends
Ability to navigate complex projects and ensure they are completed on deadline
Exemplary communications skills (both written and verbal)
Demonstrates a commitment to outstanding customer service
Ability to collaborate with others and enlist buy‑in from different groups
Communicates and employs interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct
Effective leadership and people management skills
Physical Demands
Work in a standard office environment
Sit and work at a computer workstation for extended periods of time
Work using electronic mail, telephone, face‑to‑face discussions, paper form correspondence
Communicate effectively in writing, speaking, and listening
Organize and establish priorities; remember detail; multi‑task
Lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
Walk, stand, stoop, lift, kneel, climb
Work evenings and weekends, as necessary
Travel in and out of state, as necessary
EEO 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 Information
Recruitment Contact Name: Development & Alumni Relations’ Office of Talent Management
Email: dartalent@uga.edu
Phone: (phone number not provided)
Posting Specific Questions
* How did you hear about this job opportunity in the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR)?
Chronicle of Higher Education
DAR Careers Page
Handshake
Insight Into Academia
Inside Higher Ed
UGAJobs (UGA's job board)
Other (Please provide name of source)
Applicant Documents Required Documents
Resume/CV
Cover Letter
Optional Documents
(No optional documents listed)
#J-18808-Ljbffr