Communications Specialist

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via ConnectU >

The University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi fondly referred to as Ole Miss stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant inclusive community where every member student faculty and staff can achieve their fullest potential.

Department Summary

The Office of Marketing and Communications shares the story of the University of Mississippi with audiences across the state region and nation. Within the office the News and Media Relations team manages proactive and reactive media relations produces stories that highlight the universitys people and impact and supports communications during high-visibility or sensitive issues. We value curiosity collaboration and professionalism and we take pride in being a trusted source of information for journalists and the public alike.

The Communications Specialist plays a key role in supporting the universitys media relations and storytelling efforts. This position helps identify and tell compelling stories about the universitys students faculty and research; assists in managing media requests; drafts and edits news releases; and contributes to coverage that strengthens the universitys reputation and visibility across a variety of media outlets.

Role Specifications

Below you will find classification and compensation information. For additional details behind the University of Mississippi classification system please visit Human Resource Compensation Page

Family -Communications and Marketing

Sub-Family -Communications

Career Track / Level - P2

Grade -6

Role Summary

Develops and drafts communication content and supports the units communication goals.

Examples of Work Performed

• Works in collaboration with others to establish the needs schedule and deadlines for communication projects.
• Assists in the timely accurate and effective production and dissemination of printed and electronic information to internal and external audiences.
• Develops original news and feature stories to generate support for the University and/or departmental interests.
• Develops text for a wide range of publications advertising copy news releases brochures capital campaign communications and/or other presentations.
• Produces specialized editorial content for major gift announcements special projects and publications and web sites. Coordinates additional editorial content (photo video graphics etc.) to support written stories.
• Applies strategic communications approaches to achieve respective individual and departmental goals.
• Works to identify new innovative storytelling platforms that can help share the Universitys story to broader audiences.
• Builds partnerships with other schools colleges and departments across campus to effectively tell those stories to internal and external audiences.
• 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.

1. Evaluates researches and documents content sources according to established policies and procedures.
2. Receives and responds to moderately complex inquiries and individuals and groups according to established policies and procedures.
3. Plans editorial content according to established goals and objects.
4. Communicates with stakeholders to verify requests and identifying editorial resources.
5. Authors and edits a range of documents for use by internal and external audiences.
6. Consults with internal and external stakeholders on editorial matters to ensure accuracy.
7. Assists in creating and implementing communication campaigns that align with work unit or program strategies.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education: Bachelors Degree in Journalism Communications English or a related field

Experience:(3) Three years Experience

An equivalent combination of related experience and education may be considered for this role. Substitutions of the required experience or education will be assessed on a 1:1 substitution basis.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice education program or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race color gender sex pregnancy sexual orientation gender identity or expression religion national origin ethnicity citizenship age disability military status protected veteran status or genetic information or any other legally protected status.

Minimum Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements: These physical requirements are not exhaustive and additional job-related physical requirements may be added to these by individual agencies on an as needed basis.

Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

Physical Exertion: The incumbent may be required to lift up to approximately 10 pounds.

Vision: Requirements of this job include close vision. Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

Motor Coordination: While performing the duties of this job the incumbent is frequently required to talk and hear; and use hands to finger handle or feel. The incumbent is periodically required to sit. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms

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.

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.