Communications Specialist III - 525256

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

Department/Organization: 301202 - Communications-Strategic Communications

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: Works under the supervision of the Executive Director to plan, develop and implement communications for the University's public safety radio station, the University's on-hold messaging system, and other activities and programs to support the University's goals and objectives. Oversees and manages the daily operations of 92.5 FM UA Info Radio, and will hold primary responsibility in planning, producing and managing content for the University's public safety radio station. Educates the public and promotes programs and events by planning all content, writing radio scripts, recording messages, and providing live broadcasts on the University's public safety radio station. Performs on-air duties, including recording scripts and live announcements, for the public safety radio station. Inputs radio content into the ENCO software application for playback and build audio libraries, playlists, and sequences. Relays live emergency messages for immediate playback when necessary. Operates radio studio equipment in both live and delayed recording settings. Manages and schedules all content on the University's on-hold messaging system. Educates and promotes programs and events by strategically planning, writing, producing and editing all content. Recruits and maintains voiceover talent for radio spots and on-hold messaging. Writes press releases, stories or develop communication plans for the department. Conducts interviews. Writes radio scripts, press releases, stories, and communication plans with tight deadlines. Gathers and disseminates information. Troubleshoots and fixies technical issues related to the radio station and on-hold messaging system. Works during all severe weather and other emergency events on campus to provide real-time updates. Works on all home football game Saturdays to provide live traffic, weather, parking, and emergency communication updates for listeners.

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.

Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Must be available as needed to work evenings or weekends during crisis situations or major events.

Skills and Knowledge: Exceptional organization skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Working knowledge of ENCO, iDAD and Ensemble Programs. Working knowledge of sound editing software, including, but not limited to, Adobe Audition, Audacity, GarageBand, Logic, ProTools, etc. Ability to speak well and deliver crucial information in high pressure and emergency situations. Ability to function independently with minimal supervision and meet rigid deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications: Two (2) years of experience in media or higher education communications. Keen knowledge of communications strategies and theories with ability to write, record and edit quickly with a high percentage of accuracy. Skills in examining and developing station operations and procedures, formulating policy, and implementing organizational strategies and procedures. Ability to oversee, coordinate, and support the execution of continuous broadcast schedules on a 24x7 basis. Experience writing for broadcast media. Voiceover/on-air host experience. Knowledge of on-air and remote broadcasting processes and procedures. Knowledge of current and developing trends in radio. Skill in operating radio equipment.

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