Communications Specialist II - 525635

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

Department/Organization: 224102 - Social Work

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:45pm; may include nights and weekends.

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: Works under minimal supervision to create, develop, approve, and implement communication plans and activities to support the goals of the School of Social Work. Communicates with external and internal stakeholders across various media platforms including web communication, social media, print publications, e-newsletters, media releases, and various other media. Designs marketing campaigns for the school. Serves as the project lead on publications. Reviews and approves all graphics and communications designed by faculty, staff, and students. Uses photography and videography to provide creative storytelling for alumni/donor engagement and prospective students. Creates formal communications and PR materials on behalf of the Dean and for special projects related to the school. Applies fundamental communications and public relations concepts, practices, and processes; implements requirements using appropriate available technologies. Researches and analyzes customer needs, developing trends in communication, and new forms of digital communication outlets. Compiles analytics data from various marketing projects to evaluate effectiveness. Builds and maintains a knowledge base regarding general communication practices and resources for faculty, staff and students within the School. Provides consultation to faculty and staff on visual projects that include graphic design, usability design, content management, and photography support. Works closely with departmental leadership on communication projects that support the school's strategic plan, vision, and goals, and integrates communication strategy and activities with other campus units to support the goals of the University. May supervise students.

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.

Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Must be able to present a substantive portfolio of prior work.

Skills and Knowledge: Strong verbal and written communication skills. Knowledge of AP Style, content management systems, and news release distribution. Proficiency in objective/inverted pyramid journalistic writing style and feature writing style. Ability to exercise sound judgment in providing formal communications on behalf of a professional organization. Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, and high-ranking administrators throughout the School and University. Familiarity with content management system technologies, customer service, problem-solving, interpersonal skills, and planning/organization. Ability to work effectively as part of a team, be self-motivated to complete independent tasks, effectively manage multiple projects, and adhere to project deadlines. Strong graphic design skills. Skills with Adobe Creative Cloud: Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Creative Cloud Express. Proficient skills with Qualtrics and Microsoft 365. Strong project management and multitasking skills. Ability to work with and embrace new technologies.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with podcasting and/or audio/video editing software. Experience developing graphic design solutions for online, internet-based publications and be able to create visual projects for School-wide or administrative initiatives. Experience with creating and editing video. Experience with social media management systems.

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