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Strategic Institutional Initiatives Communications Specialist

University of Georgia

retirement plan

United States, Georgia, Athens

Feb 09, 2026

Posting Details

Posting Number	S14689P
Working Title	Strategic Institutional Initiatives Communications Specialist
Department	MarComm-VP Office
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 College/Unit/Department
College/Unit/Department website
Posting Type	External
Retirement Plan	TRS or ORP
Employment Type	Employee
Benefits Eligibility	Benefits Eligible
Full/Part time	Full Time
Work Schedule
Additional Schedule Information	Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. Occasional nights and weekends required.
Advertised Salary	$48,000-$55,000
Posting Date	02/09/2026
Open until filled	Yes
Closing Date
Proposed Starting Date	05/01/2026
Special Instructions to Applicants	Required Materials for Application: Resume Cover letter Three published writing samples Three professional references
Location of Vacancy	Athens Area
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).
USG Core Values Statement	The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 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 online 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 online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Position Information

Classification Title	Communications Pro II
FLSA	Exempt
FTE	1.00
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
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.
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
Physical Demands	Standard office environment
Is driving a responsibility of this position?	No
Is this a Position of Trust?	No
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?	No
Does this position require a P-Card?	No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?	No
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?	No
Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)	No
Credit and P-Card policy	Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy	Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

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

Duties/Responsibilities

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

Duties/Responsibilities

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

Duties/Responsibilities

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

Duties/Responsibilities	Other duties as assigned
Percentage of time	5