Strategic Institutional Initiatives Communications Specialist
The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, us, 30604
Position Summary
The Strategic Institutional Initiatives Communications Specialist supports the Office of Strategic Institutional Initiatives in the Division of Marketing & Communications (MarComm) in developing and executing a comprehensive communication strategy to advance the university’s strategic goals, with a primary focus on external communications, publications, and digital media for UGA’s Innovation District. This role also collaborates with key campus units on communications that enhance high‑visibility, enterprise‑level initiatives defined by UGA’s senior leadership. Key responsibilities include creating and distributing compelling content, monitoring and managing digital content channels, designing and implementing targeted email marketing campaigns, and using data analytics to inform ongoing communications efforts.
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent
Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience
Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading ability for technical and non‑technical audiences
Proficiency in Microsoft 365
Familiarity with AP Style
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines
Experience in designing graphics, presentations and event collateral
Strong understanding of digital marketing campaigns and analytics
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and Canva
Familiarity with project management systems, such as Asana
Familiarity with higher education
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
Strong knowledge of marketing, communications, and public relations principles
Strong project management skills with the ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders and deadlines
Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize competing demands.
Familiarity with digital communications platforms, content management systems, and project management tools.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including copywriting, editing, general interest writing, and technical/science writing
Demonstrated ability to work independently with a high degree of judgment, discretion, and professionalism
Innovation District communications Act as the primary liaison between the Innovation District and MarComm, ensuring collaboration and alignment of shared priorities.
Develop and maintain a strategic and effective communication plan for UGA’s Innovation District in line with the university’s strategic priorities.
Develop story ideas, conduct interviews with faculty, staff and stakeholders, and write high‑quality content to elevate the Innovation District through compelling storytelling.
Oversee the Innovation District’s digital communications, managing official associated social media channels, calendar and websites.
Coordinate social media posts with UGA’s central accounts for greater visibility and impact.
Maintain and update content to ensure accuracy, relevance, and consistency with the institution’s brand and messaging.
Develop, design and review presentations, newsletters, publications, infographics and talking points to inform and market to Innovation District stakeholders.
Regularly analyze communication metrics to inform and refine overall strategy.
Work with an event manager to plan and implement annual events for the Innovation District.
Percentage of time:
50
Strategic Institutional Initiatives communications
Develop story ideas, conduct interviews with faculty, staff and stakeholders, and write high‑quality content to support the institution’s strategic initiatives through press releases, marketing copy and research stories.
Collaborate with MarComm editorial, creative and digital media staff to strengthen communications and storytelling about key initiatives.
Assist with ongoing maintenance of stakeholder mailing lists.
Percentage of time:
25
Collaboration with key campus units
Collaborate with communicators from key campus units to develop content that reinforces the university’s support of key unit announcements, such as building dedications and recognition events.
Cultivate relationships with unit communicators to foster a collaborative work environment that supports the university’s goals and ensures an ongoing dialogue.
Be knowledgeable about MarComm’s resources and tools that can help units with marketing/communications needs.
Percentage of time:
15
Contribution to unit synergy
Utilize MarComm’s workflow processes and tools and leverage the project management system to ensure projects are completed efficiently and adhere to deadlines.
Attend all Strategic Institutional Initiatives and MarComm meetings as relevant to advance the division’s priorities. Communicate recurrently with supervisor and team members to foster transparency.
Interact with other disciplines within MarComm to cultivate an engaging, productive, and healthy work environment.
Percentage of time:
5
Other duties as assigned Percentage of time:
5
Special Instructions to Applicants Required Materials for Application:
Resume
Cover letter
Three published writing samples
Three professional references
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, or 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).
Physical Demands Standard office environment
Contact Details For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name: Angela Hurt
Recruitment Contact Email: angelahurt@uga.edu
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent
Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience
Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading ability for technical and non‑technical audiences
Proficiency in Microsoft 365
Familiarity with AP Style
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines
Experience in designing graphics, presentations and event collateral
Strong understanding of digital marketing campaigns and analytics
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and Canva
Familiarity with project management systems, such as Asana
Familiarity with higher education
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
Strong knowledge of marketing, communications, and public relations principles
Strong project management skills with the ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders and deadlines
Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize competing demands.
Familiarity with digital communications platforms, content management systems, and project management tools.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including copywriting, editing, general interest writing, and technical/science writing
Demonstrated ability to work independently with a high degree of judgment, discretion, and professionalism
Innovation District communications Act as the primary liaison between the Innovation District and MarComm, ensuring collaboration and alignment of shared priorities.
Develop and maintain a strategic and effective communication plan for UGA’s Innovation District in line with the university’s strategic priorities.
Develop story ideas, conduct interviews with faculty, staff and stakeholders, and write high‑quality content to elevate the Innovation District through compelling storytelling.
Oversee the Innovation District’s digital communications, managing official associated social media channels, calendar and websites.
Coordinate social media posts with UGA’s central accounts for greater visibility and impact.
Maintain and update content to ensure accuracy, relevance, and consistency with the institution’s brand and messaging.
Develop, design and review presentations, newsletters, publications, infographics and talking points to inform and market to Innovation District stakeholders.
Regularly analyze communication metrics to inform and refine overall strategy.
Work with an event manager to plan and implement annual events for the Innovation District.
Percentage of time:
50
Strategic Institutional Initiatives communications
Develop story ideas, conduct interviews with faculty, staff and stakeholders, and write high‑quality content to support the institution’s strategic initiatives through press releases, marketing copy and research stories.
Collaborate with MarComm editorial, creative and digital media staff to strengthen communications and storytelling about key initiatives.
Assist with ongoing maintenance of stakeholder mailing lists.
Percentage of time:
25
Collaboration with key campus units
Collaborate with communicators from key campus units to develop content that reinforces the university’s support of key unit announcements, such as building dedications and recognition events.
Cultivate relationships with unit communicators to foster a collaborative work environment that supports the university’s goals and ensures an ongoing dialogue.
Be knowledgeable about MarComm’s resources and tools that can help units with marketing/communications needs.
Percentage of time:
15
Contribution to unit synergy
Utilize MarComm’s workflow processes and tools and leverage the project management system to ensure projects are completed efficiently and adhere to deadlines.
Attend all Strategic Institutional Initiatives and MarComm meetings as relevant to advance the division’s priorities. Communicate recurrently with supervisor and team members to foster transparency.
Interact with other disciplines within MarComm to cultivate an engaging, productive, and healthy work environment.
Percentage of time:
5
Other duties as assigned Percentage of time:
5
Special Instructions to Applicants Required Materials for Application:
Resume
Cover letter
Three published writing samples
Three professional references
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, or 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).
Physical Demands Standard office environment
Contact Details For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name: Angela Hurt
Recruitment Contact Email: angelahurt@uga.edu
#J-18808-Ljbffr