Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $53,500 - Midpoint: $66,900 (Salaried E8)
Department/Organization: 800110 - Student Life Communications
Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm; some evenings & weekends required.
Job Summary: The Communications Specialist III writes and edits communications for a college, division, and/or the University under minimal supervision. 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. Participates in planning and execution of special projects to support the assigned area's overall development and marketing strategies.
Additional Department Summary: Serves as the primary communications strategist for assigned departments within the Division of Student Life. Serves as a key member of the Student Life Communications team. Serves as the design lead on graphic design projects for over 20 departments within Student Life and for the office of the Vice President for Student Life. Works collaboratively with the divisional communications team on social media content creation and strategy, public relations, advertising and/or circulation responsibilities of a publication or program(s) for departments within the Division of Student Life. Completes required training and promoting a safe, hospitable, and respectful workplace.
Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and four (4) years of journalism, public relations, marketing, or communications experience; OR master's degree and two (2) years of journalism, public relations, marketing, or communications experience.
Skills and Knowledge: Ability to work with others in a team environment. Exceptional proficiency in graphic design, including the Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, etc.). Demonstrated knowledge of graphic design and graphic design software such as Creative Cloud, specifically Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, or Adobe InDesign. Excellent project management and time management skills. Excellent ability to write for a wide range of audiences and communication channels. Demonstrated ability to develop proactive communication plans within deadlines. Demonstrates initiative and creativity in promotional and design efforts. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines. Demonstrated knowledge of accessibility standards for print and electronic media. Ability to work independently and on a team. Demonstrates commitment to supporting all students.
Preferred Qualifications: Experience supervising and managing interns and student workers. Experience promoting and managing communications for traditional college student-aged audiences. Experience in developing/managing communication campaigns. Experience in photography, videography, print and electronic media. Experience in web design, specifically the WordPress website platform and Shorthand.
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.
The University of Alabama affirms its longstanding commitment to institutional neutrality, free speech, and academic freedom.
