Communications Specialist II - 525998

Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $48,600 - Midpoint: $60,800 (Salaried E7)

Department/Organization: 214103 - Engineering Development

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

Job Summary: The Communications Specialist II writes and edits communications for a college, division, and/or the University. 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: Plays a key part of the External Affairs team in the College of Engineering. Collaborates with the Director of External Affairs, other External Affairs team members, and the Division of Strategic Communications to develop and implement communication plans and activities to support the goals of the College of Engineering and the University. Communicates with external and internal stakeholders across various media platforms (web communication, print publications, e-newsletters, social media, media releases, etc.). Creates and edits video as needed. Shoots and edits photographs as needed. Serves on a project team for designated publications. Creates, writes, and edits content for external communications that require a quick turnaround. Integrates communication strategy and activities with other University operations frequently. Monitors internal workflow system to address time-sensitive Engineering news as reported by faculty and staff. Builds base of knowledge about the College of Engineering. Generates specialized reporting and communication with faculty, staff, and students as sources for material, face-to-face and electronically. Interacts with and reports activities involving alumni and friends outside of the College occasionally.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of experience in journalism, public relations, marketing, and/or communications; OR master's degree and some experience in journalism, public relations, marketing, and/or communications.

Skills and Knowledge: Adept at writing stories or news releases within tight deadlines. Ability to interact with constituents and maintaining relationships within the College and University. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong organizational and personal skills. Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects with varying deadlines. Knowledge of AP Style, content management systems, and news release distribution. Proficiency in objective/inverted pyramid journalistic writing style and feature writing style depending on situation.

Preferred Qualifications: Higher education experience. Podcasting and audio/video editing software experience.

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. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" Poster