Communications Specialist III

Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $53,500 - Midpoint: $66,900 (Salaried E8)

Department/Organization: 750501 - Alabama Water Institute (AWI)

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:45pm

Note to Applicants: Position is eligible for hybrid work subject to University policy.

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: Supports the Institute’s mission of effective scientific and research communications by playing an active role in managing the Institute’s various forms of digital and written media. Leads videography & broadcast initiatives and aids with photography efforts. Writes, develops, and curates content for the Institute’s multiple newsletters and social media platforms. Serves as the Institute’s lead Editor, proofreading Institute and affiliate publications and proposals. Supervises the Institute’s Science Communications Intern.

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: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work on many projects simultaneously, have proven experience in a deadline orientated setting, and interact effectively with a varied constituency. Ability to translate science related research concepts into easily understood reports, grant applications and publications. Ability to work with multiple forms of both digital and written media. Ability to work both independently or as part of team. High standards or quality and attention to detail.

Must provide writing samples and examples of social media and multimedia content creation.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or higher in Journalism, English, or Communications. Experience writing in Science or engineering related research or similar field.

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 race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other 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.