The University of Georgia Hiring for Marketing/Public Relations Professional at Athens Area Full Time

Posting Number:

S11072P

Working Title:

Marketing/Public Relations Professional

Department:

Warnell-Communications

About the University of Georgia:

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 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 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

Posting Type:

External

Retirement Plan:

TRS or ORP

Employment Type:

Employee

Benefits Eligibility:

Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time:

Full Time

Additional Schedule Information:

Monday – Friday 8AM – 5PM

Advertised Salary:

65,000 – 75,000

Posting Date:

09/26/2023

Open until filled:

Yes

Proposed Starting Date:

10/15/2023

Location of Vacancy:

Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement:

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([email protected]).

Classification Title:

Marketing/Public Relations Professional

FLSA:

Exempt

FTE:

1.00

Minimum Qualifications:

Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications:

Excellent communication skills, including verbal and written communication, as well as proofreading and editing; ability to created innovate approaches in communicating messages· Ability to understand and interpret information and be able to objectively present news information to wide variety of audiences of general readers· Be knowledgeable in various media formats including print, internet, and video and be knowledgeable in both design and video software platforms; diverse technical skillset related to print and digital communication and production· Ability to interact effectively with the public, media representatives, faculty, students, staff, and alumni in performing communications duties; coordinate with writers and Warnell faculty to develop written content for the Warnell alumni magazine The Warnell Log, annual report, and online websites· A bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism or a related area is required· At least three years of experience in public relations, communications, or journalism· Demonstrated ability to effectively design and implement communications strategies and goals in a higher education or related setting· Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines· Understanding of digital accessibility and commitment to digital accessibility best practices; be proficient in using various social media outlets including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X.
· A master’s degree in journalism, broadcasting, public relations, or a related field preferred· At least five-eight years of experience in print and electronic writing/communications preferred· A background in science reporting or a demonstrated ability to write about scientific research for a general audience is preferred; extra consideration will be given to applicants with a demonstrated photography or video background.· Supervisory experience preferred· Understanding of the school’s mission and activities preferred· Knowledge of forestry and natural resources preferred· Strong computer skills with Microsoft Office software and Adobe Creative Suite software preferred

Position Summary:

The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources is seeking a Director of Communications to lead the development and execution of a strategic communications plan; promote the mission, reputation, and goals of the Warnell School; and ensure effective messaging to all Warnell School stakeholders, both internal and external. This position is the lead public relations coordinator who directs the implementation of the philosophy of the Warnell School as set forth by the dean and key administrators consistent with the goals of the University of Georgia. This is a professional and administrative position that involves coordination and supervision of several communications functions including: developing, writing, and editing press releases, feature stories, newsletters, and social media posts; editing and overseeing production of the biannual The Warnell Log print magazine; event planning and promotion; overseeing visual, multimedia, and digital communications; ensuring that information on the Warnell School website is timely, accurate, and relevant; assisting with the Warnell School’s development and alumni relations program and student services team; overseeing and managing internal communications; and serving as the media relations contact for internal and external media outlets; and supervises the work of a graphic designer and interns/students workers and manages the annual budget for communications and marketing. The person in this position will use considerable interpersonal skills and discretion in planning and performing a variety of public relations, communications, and marketing duties. This position reports to the dean of the Warnell School and is an active contributor to and leader of the school external relations team.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Excellent communication skills, including verbal and written communication, as well as proofreading and editing; ability to created innovate approaches in communicating messages.
• Ability to understand and interpret information and be able to objectively present news information to a wide variety of audiences of general readers.
• Be knowledgeable in various media formats including print, internet, and video and be knowledgeable in both design and video software platforms; diverse technical skillset related to print and digital communication and production.
• Ability to interact effectively with the public, media representatives, faculty, students, staff, and alumni in performing communications duties; coordinate with writers and Warnell faculty to develop written content for the Warnell alumni magazine The Warnell Log, annual report, and online websites.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively design and implement communications strategies and goals in a higher education or related setting.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Understanding of digital accessibility and commitment to digital accessibility best practices; be proficient in using various social media outlets including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X.

Physical Demands:

Occasional travel.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?:

No

Is this a Position of Trust?:

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?:

Yes

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.

Duties/Responsibilities:

a. Guide Warnell voice and identity in communications with internal and external constituents: students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, government leaders, and corporate partners.b. Share Warnell emerging research, outreach programs, school news and updates, and more. Select appropriate channel (described below) and collaborate as necessary with relevant faculty and staff to distribute.c. Supervise graphic designer position. Supervise student interns or workers as applicable.d. Serve as liaison with UGA Division of Marketing & Communications; attend monthly meetings of relevant MARCOMM subgroups.e. Ensure communications are appropriate, accurate, consistent, and adhere to UGA and Warnell brand guidelines. Follow guidance and suggestions from MARCOMM.f. Communicate regularly with dean and external facing staff to ensure cohesion in communications.g. Develop, maintain, oversee implementation, track metrics, and report on progress of Warnell communications goals in the Warnell strategic plan. Consult with dean to ensure current school priorities are emphasized.h. Work closely with development and alumni and student services teams. Collaborate with these groups and correspond frequently with them to address their communication needs. Attend monthly communications meetings.

Percentage of time:

35

Duties/Responsibilities:

a. Write and edit stories on emerging and established research, teaching, and outreach programs at Warnell and explain the significance to the general public in a straightforward, understandable and engaging style for a variety of media. Utilize a wide array of communication channels to expand the Warnell School reach.b. Produce weekly internal email newsletter—Warnell Update; promote internal events.c. Follow University policy, format, and procedures for news distribution.d. Serve as primary liaison working with MARCOMM on media inquiries, visiting news media, and arranging photo/video opportunities. Track national media opportunities and media mentions for monthly and annual reporting metrics.

Percentage of time:

25

Duties/Responsibilities:

a. Oversee production and distribution of a twice-yearly alumni magazine, The Warnell Log. Write and solicit stories, edit all content, oversee design, develop and manage budget, proofread and copy edit, coordinate printing and mailing.b. Oversee Warnell-owned social media sites; monitor, write, and edit content for social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, etc.).c. Coordinate with Warnell Director of Information Technology on the design and content of the school’s website. Update/edit pages to keep current in cooperation with faculty or staff responsible for the content.d. Update and maintain content on school’s digital signage.e. Develop print/digital advertising, promotional materials, outreach papers, e-newsletters and advertising copy.

Percentage of time:

20

Duties/Responsibilities:

a. Oversee the quality control of the Warnell image, message oversight, and brand management, including adherence to UGA branding and style guidelines.b. Work with the school graphic designer to develop brand-appropriate images and promotional products, as well as faculty and staff name tags, and serve as the school’s point person for submitting UGA Trademark requests.c. Plans annual budget, authorize purchase requests, and approve expenditures for advertising opportunities and equipment.

Percentage of time:

10

Duties/Responsibilities:

a. Coordinate and oversee photography and videography assignments and serve as staff photographer.b. Work with external photographers/videographers to document events, faculty, and students for use in communication efforts when not available to provide these services or if there is a need for paid services.c. Maintain an up-to-date archive of photos and videos to promote the school’s mission.d. Manage and update digital archives of past projects.e. Select and manage vendors to execute digital marketing campaigns, photography, printing and other communications and marketing as needed.f. Manage subscriptions to online software tools used for metrics and annual reporting.

Percentage of time:

5

Duties/Responsibilities:

a. Serve on the Leadership Team and Communications Team at Warnell.b. Attend after-hours events as needed.c. Participate in Faculty Meetings and events as needed.d. Other duties as assigned.

Percentage of time:

5

Contact Details:

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name:

Wendy Holland

Recruitment Contact Email:

[email protected]