Communications Program Manager

Additional Department Summary: Oversees and implements marketing and communication efforts for The University of Alabama School of Leadership and Policy. Develops content and communication strategies to build awareness of the school, support student and faculty recruitment, promote academic programs and research, and strengthen engagement with internal and external audiences. Works closely with school leadership and University partners to help establish and maintain a clear, consistent identity for the school. Ensures marketing and communication materials align with The University of Alabama's brand standards, editorial guidance, and institutional priorities.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and six (6) years of journalism, public relations, marketing, or communications experience; OR master's degree and four (4) years of journalism, public relations, marketing, or communications experience.

Skills and Knowledge: Exceptional written and verbal communication, editing, and interpersonal skills. Knowledge of marketing, public relations, digital communications, and content strategies. Ability to translate academic, policy, and research topics into clear, engaging content for varied audiences. Knowledge of Associated Press (AP) style and professional editorial practices. Ability to develop and implement integrated communication plans. Strong project management, organizational, and time-management skills. Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines with attention to detail. Working knowledge of content management systems, preferably WordPress. Understanding of brand management and visual communication principles. Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, students, senior leaders, and external partners. Ability to use sound judgment when handling sensitive, developing, or confidential information. Ability to review communication results and use available data to improve future efforts. Proficiency with standard office and digital communication tools.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or higher in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, English, or a related field. Experience working in higher education, government, public policy, nonprofit communications, or a similarly complex organization. Experience developing and implementing communication or content strategies. Experience managing websites and social media accounts. Experience developing content for websites, email platforms, and social media channels. Experience writing about academic programs, research, public service or policy-related topics. Experience coordinating photography, video, design, publication or event-promotion projects. Familiarity with web accessibility, email marketing and digital analytics. Experience working collaboratively with senior leaders and subject-matter experts.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More information is available in the EEOC's Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal poster.

The University of Alabama affirms its longstanding commitment to institutional neutrality, free speech, and academic freedom.

Organization

The University of Alabama embodies an academic community that demands excellence in teaching, research and service and provides an inclusive, nurturing environment for the discovery of knowledge and the development of well-rounded leaders. Founded in 1831 as Alabama's first public college and known as the Capstone of Higher Education, UA provides a premier undergraduate and graduate education built upon global engagement, high-quality scholarship, outstanding teaching, and diversity and inclusivity throughout the community.

Our Mission

The University of Alabama will advance the intellectual and social condition of the people of the state, the nation and the world through the creation, translation and dissemination of knowledge with an emphasis on quality programs in the areas of teaching, research and service.

Our Vision

The University of Alabama will be known as the university of choice for the best and brightest students in Alabama, and all students who seek exceptional educational opportunities. The University of Alabama will be a student-centered research university and an academic community united in its commitment to enhance the quality of life for all Alabamians and the citizens of the nation and the world.

Our Core Values

The University of Alabama is committed to:

• Undergraduate education that produces socially-conscious, ethical and well-rounded leaders who are grounded in their subject matter and capable of controlling their own destinies.
• Graduate education that is deeply vested in subject matter knowledge, professional content, research skills and creative activity.
• Public outreach and service that is held in the highest regard and fosters impactful public engagement to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Alabama, the nation and the world.
• Campus life that embodies collaboration, collegiality, respect and a culture of inclusivity.

Our Strategic Goals

• Provide a premier undergraduate and graduate education that offers a global perspective and is characterized by outstanding teaching, high-quality scholarship and distinctive curricular and co-curricular programs. Increase the University's productivity and innovation in research, scholarship and creative activities that impact economic and societal development.
• Enrich our learning and work environment by providing an accepting, inclusive community that attracts and supports a diverse faculty, staff and student body.
• Provide opportunities and resources that facilitate work-life balance and enhance the recruitment and retention of outstanding faculty and staff.