Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via connectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

Definition of Class

The Communications Specialist supports the Division of Student Affairs by developing and administering integrated communication strategies and content. This position collaborates with Student Affairs departments, campus partners, external audiences, and students to develop, manage, and implement timely communication plans and materials that educate, engage and positively impact the University community and build ties between students and the Division of Student Affairs, as well as provide support for projects for the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs.

Examples of Work Performed

• Assists in the timely, accurate, and effective development and dissemination of printed and electronic information to internal and external audiences for a wide range of publications, advertising copy, news releases, brochures, and/or other presentations.
• Applies communication approaches and strategies that reaches students, staff, faculty, families, and other stakeholders and supports Student Affairs goals.
• Provides leadership, guidance, and resources to Student Affairs departments regarding effective communication strategies with print and digital content for websites, direct mailings, social media, brochures, news releases, and other Divisional communication channels with a focus on quality assurance, accessibility, and search optimization.
• Develops student outreach strategies establishing relationships with students and organizations across campus to increase student awareness and identify opportunities for collaboration, collecting feedback, and future communication efforts.
• Collaborates with the University's Marketing and Communications team to develop content and distribution strategies, meet deadlines, and ensure an integrated campus-wide marketing and communications plan.
• Develops and maintains SMS content calendar as well as manage lists and triage responses for university chatbot. Works in collaboration with University Marketing and Communications team to ensure chatbot knowledge base consistently and accurately conveys information to current student audiences.
• Informs a diverse set of audiences to heighten awareness of Student Affairs events and achievements, departmental interests, and elevate the Student Affairs brand.
• Oversees promotional efforts for special Divisional and campus events or projects.
• Produces specialized editorial content for major announcements, publications, and websites.
• Manages and executes multiple projects simultaneously often working with other stakeholders to achieve results with minimal supervision.
• Crafts talking points and remarks for events for the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.
• Stays abreast of best practices, technologies, and trends in communications and social media.
• Supervises a graduate student staff member.
• Performs similar or related duties as assigned or required.

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following. Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.

• Participates in the implementation of a full-service communications program.
• Contributes to the production and dissemination of information and materials to internal and external audiences.
• Interfaces with administrators, faculty, and staff to generate positive attention.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education:
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Journalism, Communications, English or a related field.

AND

Experience:
Three (3) years of experience related to the above described duties.

Substitution Statement:
Related experience may be substituted for education, on a basis set forth and approved by the Department of Human Resources.

Interview Requirements:

Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Salary/Wage Information

Communications Specialist Salary Range: $46,000 - 70,000

To learn more about our pay structure and view our salary ranges, click here to visit the Compensation page of our Human Resources website. This link is provided for general pay information. Hourly rate or salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and departmental budget. Note: Unclassified positions (faculty, executives, researchers and coaches) do not have established salary ranges.

EEO Statement

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.