Job SummaryThis position directs the institution's internal and external integrated communications strategy and implementation, which includes media relations, crisis communications, social media, and digital/print publication.
Responsibilities Communications (20%) - Provide oversight of all aspects of the institution's communications efforts and provide ongoing thought leadership to identify specific opportunities to advance the reputation of the institution.
Serves as University spokesperson when needed.
Manages crisis communications for the institution on efforts and platforms, which includes deploying messaging and maintenance of the institution's crisis communication plan.
Offer continuous monitoring of the institution's traditional media, social media, and online presence for any issues that may impact the institution and alert departments in a timely manner.
Serves as the managing editor of the University magazine, MGA Today, and for other printed pieces that support communications efforts.
Media Relations (25%) - Develop and maintain a proactive media relations strategy, to include story pitches.
Maintain strong relationships with the local media and serve as point of contact for media outreach for the University.
Provide media training/coaching to University community members as needed.
Manage all news release production, which requires the ability to write news releases, articles, announcements, make presentations, etc.
Content Strategy (30%) - Create and implement an integrated institutional communication plan that strengthens the brand and improves visibility/reputation. This plan should include external communications/media relations, internal communications, social media, and website.
Assess the effectiveness of all activities and produce regular reports with metrics for media coverage, social media engagement, and website statistics.
Provide editorial leadership, which includes developing and maintaining an editorial calendar and making decisions that properly align content with communication channel and audience. Chairs the office's Beat System and ensures the development and execution of all approved story packages that result from the system.
Works with MarComm team to ensure uniformity in branding and consistent adherence to standards, by developing, maintaining and promoting models/guidelines to aid faculty, staff and students in adhering to standards, i.e. branding guidelines, writing style guide, social media guidelines.
Supervision (10%) - Provide supervision and direction for full-time direct reports.
Encourage participation in professional development activities for direct reports and develop business continuity plans for each role. Identifies succession plan avenues for each role.
Manage freelancers as needed.
Collaboration (10%) - Collaborate with the Web Content Manager to ensure that assets needed (copy) are created and provided as needed to support the University's website.
Work with the Director of Marketing to coordinate the development of assets (photo, video) needed for social media content and/or story content.
Establish strong, positive relationships with the institution's multiple campuses, academic programs, and various departments to positively impact the college's public image.
Work with other campus stakeholders to support University initiatives, which may include serving on planning committees and/or representing the University externally with community organizations.
Other (5%) - Perform other duties as assigned.
Travel off site and to all five campus locations to perform job functions as needed.
Serves as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) as defined by the Jeanne Clery Act
Required QualificationsEducational RequirementsBachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, media, or a closely related field AND 4 to 5 years of professional-level experience working in communications
Other Required Qualifications Excellent writing and editing skills, including the ability to successfully communicate complicated information both internally and externally
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Superior interpersonal skills
Willingness to work a flexible schedule in order to meet deadlines or attend events
Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
Required Experience Experience in team management/mentoring/coaching
Experience working within content management systems
Preferred QualificationsPreferred Educational Qualifications Master's degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, media, or a closely related field
Preferred Experience Experience working within higher education
Knowledge, Skills, & AbilitiesKnowledge of strategic communications.
Knowledge of public relations and media relations best practices.
Knowledge of social media platforms and related best practices.
Knowledge of website technology and publishing, to include best practices, usability, search engine optimization and rankings.
Knowledge of website analysis using Google Analytics.
Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.
Skill in website and mobile technology.
Skill in decision making and problem solving.
Skill in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the public and community organizations
Skill in project management.
Skill in developing communication objectives that support business goals and establish strategies that achieve objectives.
Skill in graphic design.
Ability to handle confidential information
Ability to respond quickly in situations that could be high stress
USG Core ValuesThe University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .
Institutional ValuesMiddle Georgia State University is committed to four core values in what we do and represent: CORE VALUES: Stewardship - Engagement - Adaptability - Learning
Other InformationThis is a full-time, 12-month, exempt (salaried) staff position and includes a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits include:
- Health insurance
- Dental
- Vision
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Life Insurance
- Sick Leave
- Vacation Leave
- Parental Leave
- Retirement
- Employee discounts
- Tuition reimbursement
