Position Summary

The Strategic Institutional Initiatives Communications Specialist supports the Office of Strategic Institutional Initiatives in the Division of Marketing & Communications (MarComm) in developing and executing a comprehensive communication strategy to advance the university’s strategic goals, with a primary focus on external communications, publications, and digital media for UGA’s Innovation District. This role also collaborates with key campus units on communications that enhance high-visibility, enterprise-level initiatives defined by UGA’s senior leadership. Key responsibilities include creating and distributing compelling content, monitoring and managing digital content channels, designing and implementing targeted email marketing campaigns, and using data analytics to inform ongoing communications efforts.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading ability for technical and non-technical audiences
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365
• Familiarity with AP Style
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines
• Experience in designing graphics, presentations and event collateral
• Strong understanding of digital marketing campaigns and analytics
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and Canva
• Familiarity with project management systems, such as Asana
• Familiarity with higher education

Duties/Responsibilities

Innovation District communications (50%)

• Act as the primary liaison between the Innovation District and MarComm, ensuring collaboration and alignment of shared priorities.
• Develop and maintain a strategic and effective communication plan for UGA’s Innovation District in line with the university’s strategic priorities.
• Develop story ideas, conduct interviews with faculty, staff and stakeholders, and write high-quality content to elevate the Innovation District through compelling storytelling.
• Oversee the Innovation District’s digital communications, managing official associated social media channels, calendar and websites.
• Coordinate social media posts with UGA’s central accounts for greater visibility and impact.
• Maintain and update content to ensure accuracy, relevance, and consistency with the institution’s brand and messaging.
• Develop, design and review presentations, newsletters, publications, infographics and talking points to inform and market to Innovation District stakeholders.
• Regularly analyze communication metrics to inform and refine overall strategy.
• Work with an event manager to plan and implement annual events for the Innovation District.

Strategic Institutional Initiatives communications (25%)

• Develop story ideas, conduct interviews with faculty, staff and stakeholders, and write high-quality content to support the institution’s strategic initiatives through press releases, marketing copy and research stories.
• Collaborate with MarComm editorial, creative and digital media staff to strengthen communications and storytelling about key initiatives.
• Assist with ongoing maintenance of stakeholder mailing lists.

Collaboration with key campus units (15%)

• Collaborate with communicators from key campus units to develop content that reinforces the university’s support of key unit announcements, such as building dedications and recognition events.
• Cultivate relationships with unit communicators to foster a collaborative work environment that supports the university’s goals and ensures an ongoing dialogue.
• Be knowledgeable about MarComm’s resources and tools that can help units with marketing/communications needs.

Contribution to unit synergy (5%)

• Utilize MarComm’s workflow processes and tools and leverage the project management system to ensure projects are completed efficiently and adhere to deadlines.
• Attend all Strategic Institutional Initiatives and MarComm meetings as relevant to advance the division’s priorities. Communicate recurrently with supervisor and team members to foster transparency.
• Interact with other disciplines within MarComm to cultivate an engaging, productive, and healthy work environment.

Other duties as assigned (5%)