"Senior Specialist for Publications and Media"

About Us

Since our founding in 2005, Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) has been dedicated to providing an exceptional educational experience to our students. At GGC, we believe that our students' success is our success, and we are committed to creating a culture that supports and uplifts them throughout their academic journey.

As a member of our faculty or staff, you will become part of a dedicated and passionate community of educators and professionals. Together, we work towards a common goal of empowering our students to achieve their full potential, both academically and personally. We take pride in our student body, which represents a multitude of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Whether you are involved in teaching or providing essential services, your contribution will make a significant impact on the lives of our students and the broader community.

In addition to our commitment to student success, we also value the well-being and professional growth of our employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, designed to support the needs of our faculty and staff. From competitive compensation to health and wellness programs, and professional development opportunities to work-life balance initiatives, we strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive and feel valued.

Located in the thriving community of Gwinnett County, GGC offers a rich cultural and social landscape that enhances the overall college experience. Our backdrop is a beautiful, modern 260-acre campus located just 30 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta. Our students and employees benefit from the close proximity to various local amenities, including shopping, dining, entertainment, and outdoor recreational opportunities. This vibrant community serves as an extension of our campus, providing a stimulating environment for personal and professional growth.

Join GGC and become part of a dynamic team that plays a pivotal role in shaping the lives and celebrating the achievements of our students. Together, let's make a positive impact and empower the next generation of leaders.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Public Relations, the Senior Specialist for Publications and Media will lead the editorial direction of GGC's institutional publications, including the college magazine and the president's report.

In this key role, the Senior Specialist for Publications and Media will serve as writer and editor of our premier publications and collaborate across campus to uncover compelling narratives that reflect the dynamic growth and innovation at GGC. This position also play a vital role in media relations and crisis communications by supporting the Director of Public Relations, our public communications strategy and guide content development that elevates our institutional voice.

Responsibilities

• Generates and develops story ideas, writing engaging features and content for the college's magazine, president's report, and other promotional materials; verifies factual accuracy to ensure alignment with institutional identity and messaging; Creates AP-style editorial content that effectively highlights GGC people, programs, and mission.
• Writes compelling marketing copy for college brochures and collateral materials; manages projects from initial concept through final production.
• Develops and implements editorial strategies aimed at increasing readership, engagement, and overall content effectiveness.
• Edits, proofreads, and substantively refines copy for a variety of institutional communications to ensure clarity, consistency, and quality.
• Creates and manages content calendars and production schedules, ensuring timely delivery of publications and marketing materials; Plans and executes the college's annual publications calendar, coordinating content and timelines for recurring institutional communications.
• Collaborates with internal stakeholders across departments to identify and develop compelling story opportunities.
• Serves as backup spokesperson for the director of Public Relations in handling media inquiries; supports emergency and crisis communications.
• Manages external vendors including freelance writers, graphic designers, printers, and Section 508 compliance consultants.
• Maintains and updates the college's media contact list, ensuring outreach efforts are targeted and current.

Required Qualifications

4 Year / Bachelor's Degree in communications, English, public relations or similar discipline

Five years of experience in a communications position, including experience in public relations, media relations or publications.

Preferred Qualifications

Seven or more years of experience in a communications position including management or significant experience in public relations, media relations and publications. Experience working in higher education is ideal.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of best practices, standards and ethical expectations in the public relations profession.
• Knowledge of Associated Press Style and news writing best practices and standards.
• Prioritize and complete projects with competing deadlines on schedule.
• Knowledge of publication editorial, photography and layout/design best practices and standards.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, plan, organize workflow, direct multiple tasks and manage complex projects.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent oral communication skills.
• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Ability to work within tight deadlines.
• Ability to maintain a high level of quality control for all news releases and publications.
• Ability to interact with students, faculty and other staff members to accomplish goals.
• Strong sense of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle confidential information responsibly.
• Knowledge of the media industry, specifically the southeast region of the US and the metro Atlanta markets.
• Knowledge of the publishing, e-publishing and printing industry.
• Ability to manage large publications from concept to completion.
• Ability to update skills on a continual basis.
• Knowledge of issues in higher education preferred.
• Experience with community relations and external stakeholders.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as 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 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Conditions of Employment

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States and proof of eligibility will be contemporaneously required upon acceptance of an employment offer. Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC). Eligibility of employment is determined by GGC in its sole discretion, and includes but is not limited to confirmation of credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test.

Offers are subject to the applicable federal laws, state laws, statutes, rules and regulations of this institution, and to the bylaws and policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Georgia Gwinnett College is an equal employment, equal access, and equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of Georgia Gwinnett College to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Sections 503, and 504, ADEA, ADA, E.O. 11246, and Rev. Proc. 75-50).

For individuals requiring disability-related accommodations for participation in any event including the application, interview process, or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact HR at (678) 407.5746 or email hr@ggc.edu.