Mgr, External Communications

Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Brand Communications, the Manager, External Relations supervises three Senior Communications and Media Coordinator positions and creates engaging content to enhance the organization's reputation, achieve university goals, and raise the university's profile in the higher education and research university spaces. The position oversees the development and implementation of media relations strategy to advance the university's brand pillars and is responsible for creating a robust expert pitch model and coordinating the creation and digital distribution of content to appeal to external audiences including the media, both regionally and nationally.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Supervises Senior Communications and Media Coordinator positions and develops, implements and optimizes a digital communications content and distribution strategy across all channels in collaboration with department leads.
• Manages content creation via photo, video and other digital assets appealing to our target audiences.
• Creates digital content for news platforms, external media outlets, social channels, including digital media campaigns to promote major initiatives.
• Contributes to traditional media relations and marketing duties as required, including crisis communications; and provide project management and evaluation for assigned projects on schedule and on budget.
• Manages expert pitch strategy through the implementation of tactical, and strategic initiatives, and education to stakeholders throughout the organization.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a business-related field of study, with media relations experience and seven years experience in communications and marketing. Minimum of 5 years of related work experience and 2 years in a supervisory role.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field.

Experience with expert pitching in higher education.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Detail-oriented.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and other computer software/databases.

Shift/Salary/Benefits

Shift: Days/M-F (work outside of normal business hours will likely be required of an employee in an exempt level position)

Pay Band: B11

Salary Range: $56,600/annually - $72,200/annually

Salary to be commensurate with qualifications of the selected candidate within the established range (generally minimum-midpoint) of the position.

Recruitment Period: 3/13/26 - Until Filled

Augusta University offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees.

Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays.

Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today!

Conditions of Employment

All selected candidates are required to successfully pass a Background Check review prior to starting with Augusta University.

If applicable for the specific position based on the duties: the candidate will also need to have a credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage.

Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive an Augusta University vehicle.

For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.

All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive [patient, student, employee, financial, business, etc.] information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond.