Communications Director

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:

For more than 50 years, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant has served the state through integrated research, education, and extension programs that promote the responsible use and stewardship of Georgia’s coastal resources.

By serving as a bridge between scientists, local governments, and marine industries, we help communities protect coastal resources through sustainable, science-based solutions. Our extension specialists connect university expertise with local needs to strengthen the economic vitality and resilience of coastal communities. Education staff enhance environmental literacy and inspire stewardship by engaging the public, teachers, and students in programs that highlight the importance of Georgia’s coastal ecosystems. We also prepare the next generation of educators and marine scientists through workforce development opportunities for college students. Meanwhile, our research program supports applied studies across Georgia that expand understanding of coastal and estuarine systems and address pressing environmental challenges.

Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant is managed through a federal-state partnership between the University of Georgia (UGA) and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Sea Grant College Program, a network of 34 Sea Grant programs located in coastal and Great Lakes states and territories.

College/Unit/Department website: https://gacoast.uga.edu/

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: Some weekend and evening work may be needed

Advertised Salary: Commensurate with experience

Posting Date: 09/02/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 01/04/2027

Special Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by November 1, 2026 will be assured of review. This position may be headquartered in either Athens, Brunswick, or Savannah, based on organizational needs and the selected candidate’s location.

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 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well 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 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Classification Title: Marketing Comms Supervisor

FLSA: Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 8 years of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Five (5) or more years of related professional experience.
• Experience working in a complex organizational environment.
• Supervisory or team leadership experience.

Position Summary: The Communications Director serves on the Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant leadership team, providing strategic direction for the unit’s communications program and contributing to organizational planning and decision-making. Reporting directly to the Director, this position oversees all aspects of communications operations, including the development and implementation of internal and external communication strategies, policies, processes and priorities that enhance the visibility and impact of the unit’s research, education and extension programs. The position supervises two full-time communications professionals and regularly mentors undergraduate and graduate students while collaborating with leadership, faculty, staff, partners and stakeholders to develop products, resources and communications materials that support coastal communities. Responsibilities include managing the creation of print, digital and multimedia content; overseeing website, social media, publication and media relations efforts; providing communications training and support for staff, students and partners; and promoting events and fundraising initiatives that advance the mission of Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Ability to develop strategies and resources to strengthen and direct the operations of a communication program.
• Strong project management skills having the ability to work independently yet collaboratively within the department as well as external stakeholders and partners.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated strength in copywriting, editing, and strategic message development. Proven ability to communicate technical information to a lay audience.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage priorities, balance competing demands, and meet deadlines in fast-paced environments.
• Experience with digital communications platforms, content management systems, social media, multimedia production, photography and graphic design.
• Experience supervising and managing employees.
• Familiarity with environmental, coastal or marine science issues.

Physical Demands: Some events may be held outside in coastal harsh weather; extensive sitting at computer work required

Is driving a responsibility of this position?: Yes

Is this a Position of Trust?: Yes

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?: Yes

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:

Direct the operations of the communications department, ensuring alignment with the strategic goals of Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant; Serve as a member of the unit’s leadership team and support the director in overall management and direction; Establish and maintain relationships with external partners to enhance communication strategies and outreach efforts, serving as a liaison between upper management, staff and stakeholders; Supervise communications staff and interns specializing in graphic design, digital content development, marketing, illustration and videography.

Percentage of time: 30

Duties/Responsibilities:

Develop and implement internal and external communication strategies, guidance, and processes. Provide high-level direction to faculty and staff producing print and digital materials for research, education, and extension projects. Oversee messaging strategy, brand positioning, and quality control across all unit publications and digital assets.

Percentage of time: 25

Duties/Responsibilities:

Oversee digital communications strategy, managing content creation, quality, and maintenance for the unit’s website, social media platforms, and newsletters. Lead media relations efforts, engaging with reporters, pitching stories, and elevating organizational visibility. Direct multimedia production and write feature stories and press releases to support high-impact outreach.

Percentage of time: 20

Duties/Responsibilities:

Assist with internal and external reporting requirements, including NOAA-mandated documentation, monthly highlights, and annual impacts reporting. Ensures accuracy, compliance, and transparent communication of organizational accomplishments to federal, university and public stakeholders.

Percentage of time: 5

Duties/Responsibilities:

Promotes public programs, workshops, conferences, and training events hosted by the unit. Develops full promotional strategies, audience-specific messaging, and engagement methods to drive participation and enhance the visibility and impact of educational programming.

Percentage of time: 10

Duties/Responsibilities:

Participate in the National Sea Grant Communications Network and the PSO Communicators Network, supporting national office and state-wide initiatives. Represent the unit in external affairs initiatives, fostering partnerships with relevant stakeholders and organizations.

Percentage of time: 5

Duties/Responsibilities:

Provide communications leadership and support for fundraising initiatives, including donor campaigns, promotional materials, reporting on donor impact, and administration of materials for development. Strengthen stakeholder engagement and donor communication strategies.

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: Mark Risse

Recruitment Contact Email: mrisse@uga.edu

Recruitment Contact Phone: 706-202-9576

Organization

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.

Website: https://www.uga.edu/

Telephone: 706-542-3000

Location: 215 S. Jackson St., Athens, Georgia, 30602, United States