Senior Communications Specialist

Job Title

Senior Communications Specialist

Agency

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Department

Harte Research Institute

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Corpus Christi, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

PURPOSE

The Senior Communications Specialist, under supervision, writes, edits, designs and assists in the production of informational and promotional materials, presentations and special events.

DESCRIPTION

Functional Area 1: Communications

Percent Effort: 60%

• Research, interview, write, and edit Institute external content: articles, press releases, publication content, newsletters, web content, and other projects as assigned.
• Assure that print and web-based products conform to journalistic standards.
• Proofs, edits and updates and add content to institute websites.
• Develops and implements the institute communications plan.
• Generates communications strategies and develops promotional plans and tactics.
• Creates all forms of content for Institute.
• Maintain a proactive annual schedule of long form written material to include annual report, monthly newsletter, stories, stakeholder reports, collateral material, etc.
• Maintain communication with TAMU-CC Marcomm on scheduling and requests.
• Write and edit Institute internal messaging as needed, including listserv management.
• Coordinate and create Institute podcast including guest research, invitations, guest hosts, and interviews.

Functional Area 2: Media Relations

Percent Effort: 20%

• Develop and maintain media relationships.
• Write and submit relevant, timely stories and press releases to media and other appropriate outlets.
• Field media inquiries and coordinate interviews/statements.
• Maintain communication with TAMU-CC Marcomm on media features.
• Monitor media presence and track statistics. Field public requests regarding departmental activities and publications to include briefings, interviews, tours, and events.

Functional Area 3: Social Media

Percent Effort: 20%

• Create content, post, and monitor multiple Institute social media platforms.
• Track social account statistics.
• Participate with departmental strategic marketing and communication plans.
• Assist with events as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in applicable field
• Seven (7) years of communications or writing experience.
• Additional education and/or experience may substitute for the minimum requirements.
  • Associate's degree and nine (9) years of experience.
  • Master's Degree and five (5) years of experience.
• Strong skills in word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to present information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to plan and meet deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Environmental writing and reporting
• Long-form writing experience
• Press relations
• Social media experience

NOTE: Employment may be impacted by the Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025 and the moratorium issued by Texas Governor Abbott on January 27, 2026.

BENEFITS

From our generous benefits package and professional development opportunities, to our retirement programs and our commitment to service excellence, the Island University is an engaging and rewarding place to work.

INSURANCE: Details

• Medical (+ details)
• Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account

DUAL CAREER PARTNER PROGRAM

ON-CAMPUS WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES

Work Life Solutions: Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources

Tuition Benefits: Public Loan Forgiveness, Book scholarships, 100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply).

Retirement: Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan

Time Off: 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month, 8 hours of sick leave time off every month, 8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave, 12-15 paid holidays each year.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.