What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Specialist position at William & Mary Global Research Institute?
Launch Your Career in High-Impact Research Communication
Want to be part of the team that gets cutting-edge research into the headlines? As GRI's Communications Specialist, you'll support the communication of research that influences policy, drives innovation, and tackles global challenges. You'll help craft social media campaigns, produce multimedia content, and coordinate events that bring together leading researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world.
This role is ideal for an energetic communicator who wants hands-on experience with digital marketing, content creation, and event coordination in a dynamic research environment. You'll work closely with renowned faculty, learn about emerging global issues, and contribute to communications that reach audiences from Capitol Hill to international organizations.
The Communications Specialist provides essential support for GRI's communications activities, focusing on digital content creation, event coordination, and operational communications tasks. This role offers excellent opportunities for professional development in research communication and strategic messaging.
Success Metrics & Accountability:
Primary Metrics:
- •Social media engagement growth and content production volume
- Event communications effectiveness and audience reach
- Quality and timeliness of content production support
Secondary Metrics:
- Digital platform maintenance and optimization
- Internal customer satisfaction with communications support
- Professional development and skill building progress
Job Description:
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or related field, or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
- Working knowledge in communications, digital marketing, or related field.
- Strong social media and digital content creation skills.
- Excellent writing and basic design capabilities.
- Digital marketing and social media platform expertise.
- Creative content development and basic design skills.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and team collaboration.
- Adaptability and willingness to learn new tools and techniques.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with higher education or research institution communications.
- Knowledge of graphic design software, photography, and video editing tools.
- Interest in global policy issues and research topics.
Conditions of Employment:
This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.
This is a restricted position, subject to the continued availability of funding.
Duties:
40% - Digital Content & Social Media:
- Create and schedule social media content across multiple platforms.
- Develop graphics, videos, and multimedia content for digital channels.
- Monitor social media engagement and respond to comments/inquiries.
- Support website updates and content management system maintenance.
- Track digital analytics and prepare regular performance reports.
25% - Event Communications Support:
- Coordinate communications for workshops, seminars, and major events.
- Develop event promotional materials and registration coordination.
- Manage real-time event coverage.
- Create post-event summaries and highlight materials.
- Support virtual event technical coordination and audience engagement.
20% - Content Production Support:
- Assist with research brief formatting and publication design.
- Execute regular stewardship, newsletter, and email campaign outreach to GRI audiences.
- Proofread and edit communications materials for accuracy and consistency.
- Maintain communications calendar and deadline tracking.
- Support newsletter development and email campaign management.
- Assist with photography and documentation of events and activities.
15% - Administrative & Operational Support:
- Maintain media contact databases and communications lists.
- Support faculty with basic communications training and technical assistance.
- Coordinate with other GRI teams on communications needs.
- Manage communications supplies, subscriptions, and vendor relationships.
- Provide general administrative support to Communications Manager as needed.
- Manage student interns, as needed.
Posting Range: $43,000-$50,000 commensurate with experience
Salary : $43,000 - $50,000