What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Specialist I - 529073 position at Inside Higher Ed?
Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $44,200 - Midpoint: $55,300 (Salaried E6)
Department/Organization: 204671 - Institute for Soc Sciences Res
Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
Note to Applicants: Portfolio of media and narrative work required at time of application.
Job Summary: The Communications Specialist I writes and edits communications for a department, college, and/or division under general 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.
Additional Department Summary: Plans, produces, and distributes communications content across multiple channels to advance organizational visibility, stakeholder engagement, and mission alignment. Independently manages media asset creation, publication development, event coordination, and external media relations. Serves as the primary production and distribution lead for print, digital, and multimedia content and plays a key role in shaping the organization's public narrative.
Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and some journalism, public relations, marketing, or communications experience.
Skills and Knowledge: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling narratives aligned with strategic goals. Expertise in strategic storytelling and content development, coupled with disciplined project and production timeline management to ensure timely, high-quality deliverables. Builds and maintains effective media relationships to support outreach and visibility, while exercising strong attention to detail and editorial judgment. Effectively manages multiple concurrent projects and collaborates closely with internal stakeholders to align messaging, priorities, and execution.
Technically proficient in a range of design, communications, and analytics tools, including Canva and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) for visual content production. Experience with email marketing platforms such as Emma and Constant Contact, as well as social media management and scheduling tools. Skilled in content management systems (e.g., WordPress), with capabilities in photography and basic video production/editing. Advanced user of Microsoft Office Suite, with working knowledge of digital analytics and reporting tools such as Google Analytics to inform strategy and assess performance.
Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Graphic Design, Journalism, or a closely related field. Two or more years of professional experience in communications production, media relations, or a comparable role. Demonstrated proficiency with digital content tools and platforms.
Prior experience in a communications, marketing, or public affairs role within a university, nonprofit, government, or complex organizational setting. Experience managing print and digital publication production from concept through distribution. Demonstrated experience with media pitching and press release writing resulting in earned media coverage. Experience with event communications and production logistics. Familiarity with accessibility standards for digital and print content (WCAG, Section 508).
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.
Department/Organization: 204671 - Institute for Soc Sciences Res
Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
Note to Applicants: Portfolio of media and narrative work required at time of application.
Job Summary: The Communications Specialist I writes and edits communications for a department, college, and/or division under general 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.
Additional Department Summary: Plans, produces, and distributes communications content across multiple channels to advance organizational visibility, stakeholder engagement, and mission alignment. Independently manages media asset creation, publication development, event coordination, and external media relations. Serves as the primary production and distribution lead for print, digital, and multimedia content and plays a key role in shaping the organization's public narrative.
Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and some journalism, public relations, marketing, or communications experience.
Skills and Knowledge: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling narratives aligned with strategic goals. Expertise in strategic storytelling and content development, coupled with disciplined project and production timeline management to ensure timely, high-quality deliverables. Builds and maintains effective media relationships to support outreach and visibility, while exercising strong attention to detail and editorial judgment. Effectively manages multiple concurrent projects and collaborates closely with internal stakeholders to align messaging, priorities, and execution.
Technically proficient in a range of design, communications, and analytics tools, including Canva and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) for visual content production. Experience with email marketing platforms such as Emma and Constant Contact, as well as social media management and scheduling tools. Skilled in content management systems (e.g., WordPress), with capabilities in photography and basic video production/editing. Advanced user of Microsoft Office Suite, with working knowledge of digital analytics and reporting tools such as Google Analytics to inform strategy and assess performance.
Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Graphic Design, Journalism, or a closely related field. Two or more years of professional experience in communications production, media relations, or a comparable role. Demonstrated proficiency with digital content tools and platforms.
Prior experience in a communications, marketing, or public affairs role within a university, nonprofit, government, or complex organizational setting. Experience managing print and digital publication production from concept through distribution. Demonstrated experience with media pitching and press release writing resulting in earned media coverage. Experience with event communications and production logistics. Familiarity with accessibility standards for digital and print content (WCAG, Section 508).
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.
Salary : $44,200 - $55,300