Executive Director of Marketing and Communications: Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

Department: Franklin-Deans Communications

About the University of Georgia

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.

About the College/Unit/Department

Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of the University of Georgia's learning environment, advancing new knowledge, research, scholarship and creative output by faculty, students, and staff in more than 80-degree programs across 40+ units.

College/Unit/Department website: https://franklin.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: M-F, 8am-5pm; Evening and weekend work required as needed.

Advertised Salary: Commensurate with experience

Posting Date: 09/17/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 11/01/2026

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: Comms Director-Coll/Div

FLSA: Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent plus 12 years of professional experience to include 5 years of supervisory experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with colleges of Arts and Sciences, and the ability to communicate technical content to a general audience.
• Experience with branding and/or fundraising campaign.
• Demonstrated experience supervising communications and marketing professionals.
• Advanced degree in communications, journalism, or related field.
• Experience working with business/industry, alumni engagement, or development initiatives.
• Experience in a higher education, independent school, or nonprofit environment.
• Strong skills using technology in the workplace, familiarity with content management systems and email platforms; social media competencies.
• Significant prior communications experience writing and producing publications and developing and placing stories with external media.

Position Summary

The Executive Director of Marketing and Communications for the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Georgia will lead the College's Office of Marketing and Communications, with responsibility for the development, planning, execution, and evaluation of a comprehensive, integrated, strategic communications and marketing program (including educational, research, philanthropic, alumni and public engagement, media relations, and service missions to multiple constituencies), while aligning those activities with university-wide communications, marketing, and branding initiatives.

We seek a collaborative, energetic, and inclusive leader who has a deep commitment to the college's wide-ranging disciplines and is an entrepreneurial, forward-looking, and incisive advocate and representative for the college; its programs; and its faculty, staff, students, and alumni. The Executive Director will develop and implement a comprehensive, strategic, data-driven, and cross-platform internal and external marketing and communications plan that is consistent with the college's distinctive needs, brand, and messaging, while also working within the university's larger marketing and communications framework.

The Executive Director reports directly to the Dean of the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and serves on the college's leadership team. The position will collaborate with Associate Deans, college-level Directors and unit leadership, and the college's Development and Alumni Relations group as well as with the University's Marketing, Communications, Development, and Alumni Relations units.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Significant professional experience in communications, marketing, branding, or related field.
• Proven ability to develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive, strategic communications and marketing program.
• Expressed ability to define goals and objectives, identify target audiences, and measure progress toward communications and marketing goals.
• Strong communications, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated familiarity with a range of communications principles including messaging, writing, editing, graphic design, visual communications, branding, marketing, advertising, electronic communications, and social media.

Physical Demands

This position will spend long periods of time working on computers.

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?: 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?: No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications): Yes

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

Develop, plan, execute and evaluate a comprehensive marketing, communications, and branding program for the college, including brand messaging, visual brand management, content planning and delivery that promotes the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences' visibility and reputation, driving more robust engagement and supporting recruitment and resource generation (research expenditures, philanthropy, and industry support). Set quality standards and establish priorities and measurable data-driven outcomes. Plan and oversee activities and consult with the dean regarding all marketing and communications related efforts and strategies.

Percentage of time: 50

Manage the daily administration of the marketing and communications team. Manage a team of staff focused on support and delivery of college's marketing and communication priorities. Directly plan, train and mentor staff while overseeing activities and evaluating performance of positions reporting to this position.

Percentage of time: 20

Work with Department Heads, Institute Directors and individual faculty to ensure they are supported and represented.

Percentage of time: 10

Serve as liaison to UGA Division of Marketing and Communications to coordinate messaging, consistent throughout the university, while also coordination communication efforts with the University's Development and Alumni Relations Communications group.

Percentage of time: 10

Present to various stakeholders as necessary.

Percentage of time: 5

Additional responsibilities 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: Stephanie Rosso

Recruitment Contact Email: srosso@uga.edu