"Communications Specialist, University College"

Communications Specialist, University College

Company: Austin Peay State University

Job Location: Clarksville, 37044

Category: Communications, Marketing, and Public Affairs

Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director for University Partnerships and Success Initiatives, the Communication Specialist plays a vital role in advancing the visibility, branding, and strategic communications of the University College. This position supports a diverse team of faculty, staff, and student programs across multiple departments by developing engaging print, digital, and social media content. The Communications Specialist collaborates closely with internal units and external stakeholders to ensure that all communication efforts align with APSU's brand standards and positively reflect the work of the University College.

Austin Peay State University is a four-year public, doctoral-level university, with six colleges and four Chairs of Excellence. The University has an enrollment of over 10,000 students and is located in Clarksville, Tennessee, a community of an estimated 180,716 people located approximately 40 miles northwest of Nashville, TN.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Content Leadership: Lead the development, design, and dissemination of strategic communication and marketing materials, including electronic publications, print collateral, presentations, and social media campaigns.
• Brand and Message Stewardship: Ensure consistency with APSU branding and messaging guidelines; stay current with university-wide communication policies and best practices.
• Cross-Unit Collaboration: Build and maintain effective working relationships with University College staff and university partners to promote programs such as Student Success Teams, Undergraduate Research, Honors Programs, and Degree Programs.
• Executive Support: Assist Executive Directors with the preparation of briefings, reports, and materials for external communications, including requests from university leadership, community partners, and the media.
• Strategic Communication Planning: Contribute to college-wide communication strategy development and provide expert guidance to leadership on approaches that raise awareness, celebrate student success, and support recruitment and retention goals.
• Data-Driven Strategy: Use analytics, engagement metrics, and feedback to refine communication approaches and evaluate the impact of outreach efforts.
• Adaptability: Respond flexibly to emerging needs and shifting priorities in a fast-paced, student-focused environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated understanding of communication strategy and branding in a higher education setting.
• Proficiency with digital media tools, content creation software, and social media platforms.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with diverse groups, including students, families, faculty, and staff.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with attention to detail and messaging clarity.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other relevant platforms; experience with APSU systems such as Banner is a plus.
• Commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and equity-minded practices.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations or related field.
• A minimum of two years or experience in Journalism, Marketing copy, or related field.
• Results oriented, facts driven, high energy/drive, a positive attitude with excellent listening skills. Team player

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