Communication Specialist

informed about trends and areas of interest.

The role supports communications to internal campus audiences as well as information shared with media, stakeholders, and partners. Responsibilities include drafting messages preparing materials for media inquiries; supporting media interviews; and developing editorial content such as internal articles, news/feature stories, media advisories, press releases, opinion pieces, blog posts, and event materials in collaboration with colleagues across the institution. The specialist will also prepare media briefings, produce analytic reports on coverage and impressions, and contribute content to institutional publications.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Writing & Editing (60%)

• Researches, writes, and edits editorial content for internal and external audiences, including messages for students, faculty, staff, alumnae, stakeholders, and partners.
• Updates web page content on spelman.edu while ensuring consistency to brand standards and narrative strategies.
• Develops content that can be adapted for internal emails, web pages, social media, digital and print newsletters, and institutional publications.
• Prepares press briefings, talking points, and background materials for leadership, faculty, staff, and students.
• Supports the development of faculty, staff, and student stories.
• Edits and proofreads materials to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with Associated Press and institutional style guidelines.
• Works with Communications colleagues and others to develop strategic messages that elevate awareness of institutional initiatives, programs, and experts.
• Assists in drafting rapid responses, including emergency communications and time-sensitive updates.

Media Relations (35%)

• Supports responses to incoming media inquiries by gathering information, drafting materials, and coordinating interviews and logistics.
• Prepares media advisories, press releases, background materials, and talking points in collaboration with Communications leadership and campus partners.
• Maintains accurate media lists and uses monitoring tools to track coverage, identify relevant trends, and prepare analytic reports.
• Assists with media-related components of campus events, briefings, and high-visibility meetings.

Office Duties and Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

• Attends regular Communications staff meetings and meetings with campus partners as required to support strategic communications and operational success.
• Attends campus events as needed to represent the Communications team.
• Supports other communication related activities as needed, including but not limited to campus partners special events that require photography and or video shoots and social media coverage.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, English, communications, or related field.
• 3 years of related experience in a public relations, corporate/strategic communications, higher education communications, or newsroom environment.
• Exceptional editorial/journalism writing, proofreading, and editing skills.
• Experience leveraging social media to reach media and other key audiences.
• Excellent portfolio with a proven track-record of successful project management examples.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of higher education
• MA in public relations, communications, or journalism
• Knowledge of APA writing style

Certifications, Licenses, Restrictions

N/A

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to operate and handle office equipment and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus.

Full Time/Part Time: Full-time

Work Location/Schedule: This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement.

Posting Number: SC0931P

Open Until Filled: Yes

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