Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $48,600 - Midpoint: $60,800 (Salaried E7)
Department/Organization: 701106 - Office for Research Communication
Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
Note to Applicants: Position is eligible for hybrid work subject to University policy.
Job Summary: The Communications Specialist II writes and edits communications for a college, division, and/or the University. Develops and implements plans, activities, and tactics to support the goals of assigned areas. Coordinates the production of materials and resources through a variety of platforms, including digital and physical mediums.
Additional Department Summary: The Communication Specialist II will play a key role in elevating the visibility and impact of the University’s research enterprise, working as part of the Office for Research Communications team. Plans, writes, edits, and manages content across news stories, websites, newsletters, social media, and marketing materials, translating complex information into clear, accessible communications. Maintains and updates websites for the Office for Research & Economic Development (ORED) and its signature research institutes; produces digital and print communications; captures and edits photos and videos to support research storytelling; and manages ORED’s social media presence. Collaborates across the division to support special projects, events, and initiatives.
Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of experience in journalism, public relations, marketing, and/or communications; OR master's degree and some experience in journalism, public relations, marketing, and/or communications.
Skills and Knowledge: Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills and proficiency in AP style. Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders. Strong organizational and project management skills and attention to detail. Ability to translate technical or research-related concepts into clear, accessible communications.
Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, social media content creation, and analytics platforms. Knowledge of WordPress or similar content management system.
Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or higher in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, or related field. Familiarity with higher education, research communications, or science writing.
Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.
Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More information is available in the EEOC’s Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal poster.
