Job Title: Communications Specialist

Definition of Class

This position participates in the implementation of communication efforts to raise public awareness of, understanding of, and appreciation for The University of Mississippi and/or departmental interests. The incumbent contributes to the production and dissemination of information to internal and external audiences.

Examples of Work Performed

• Works in collaboration with others to establish the needs, schedule, and deadlines for communication projects.
• Assists in the timely, accurate, and effective production and dissemination of printed and electronic information to internal and external audiences.
• Develops original news and feature stories to generate support for the University and/or departmental interests.
• Develops text for a wide range of publications, advertising copy, news releases, brochures, capital campaign communications, and/or other presentations.
• Produces specialized editorial content for major gift announcements, special projects, and publications, and web sites. Coordinates additional editorial content (photo, video, graphics, etc.) to support written stories.
• Applies strategic communications approaches to achieve respective individual and departmental goals.
• Works to identify new, innovative storytelling platforms that can help share the University’s story to broader audiences.
• Builds partnerships with other schools, colleges and departments across campus to effectively tell those stories to internal and external audiences.
• Performs similar or related duties as assigned or required.

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following. Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.

1. Participates in the implementation of a full-service communications program.
2. Contributes to the production and dissemination of information and materials to internal and external audiences.
3. Interfaces with administrators, faculty, and staff to generate positive attention.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education:
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Journalism, Communications, English or a related field.

AND

Experience:
Three (3) years of experience related to the above described duties.

Substitution Statement:
Related experience may be substituted for education, on a basis set forth and approved by the Department of Human Resources.

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Salary/Wage Information

To learn more about our pay structure and view our salary ranges, click here to visit the Compensation page of our Human Resources website. This link is provided for general pay information. Hourly rate or salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and departmental budget. Note: Unclassified positions (faculty, executives, researchers and coaches) do not have established salary ranges.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.