Academic Communications Director

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About Us

Augusta University is Georgia's innovation center for education and health care, training the next generation of innovators, leaders, and healthcare providers in classrooms and clinics on four campuses in Augusta and locations across the state. More than 12,000 students choose Augusta for educational opportunities at the center of Georgia's cybersecurity hub and experiential learning that blends arts and application, humanities, and the health sciences. Augusta is home to Georgia's only public academic health center, where groundbreaking research is creating a healthier, more prosperous Georgia, and world-class clinicians are bringing the medicine of tomorrow to patient care today. Our mission and values make Augusta University an institution like no other.

Augusta University's distinct characteristics in education and research include real-world experiences and community engagement, as well as a culture of building community, corporate and government partnerships that address health, security, economic and societal concerns locally and across the state.

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at .

Location

Augusta University-

Our Health Sciences Campus: 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912

Our Summerville Campus: 2500 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904

Job Summary

The Academic Communications Director provides strategic support to the Provost and Academic Affairs in the development and execution of executive-level communications, messaging frameworks, and stakeholder engagement initiatives. This position is responsible for managing, planning, writing, and coordinating all communications efforts for the Office of the Provost, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and fostering effective engagement across various audiences. The director will develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies with clearly defined target audiences, key messages, and appropriate delivery channels.

Responsibilities

The duties include, but are not limited to:

CONTENT DEVELOPMENT: Ensure all communication materials comply with Plain Language guidelines and accessibility standards. Create communication plans aligned with university priorities, ensuring consistent and ongoing messaging across platforms and audiences. Provides compliance with brand standards and support for a positive image for the University. Approves video, stories, social media posts, and other collateral for the Office of the Provost. Coordinates video production projects, including content development, script writing, and working with Communications & Marketing to complete video projects. Design and produce high-quality communication and visual products using appropriate media tools and formats. Develop and maintain templates for emails, newsletters, announcements, and presentations.

STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS: Advise leadership on message development, audience targeting, and optimal timing and sequencing of outreach activities. Facilitate stakeholder engagement, awareness campaigns, and training sessions to promote understanding and support of key initiatives. Implement continuous feedback and improvement mechanisms, including retrospectives, surveys, and FAQs, to monitor and enhance stakeholder perception and engagement. Support change management initiatives by developing messaging that fosters awareness, acceptance, and buy-in for new projects, products, and process improvements.

STAFF SUPERVISION AND DEVELOPMENT: Recruit, train, and supervise communications positions within the division of academic affairs, and provide support to communications staff in the departments. Unit communications staff will report to this position. Provide ongoing professional development opportunities for staff to enhance their simulation teaching skills. Continually evaluates all services, identifies problems, and utilizes data to analyze and propose innovative approaches. Engages staff and other stakeholders in continuous improvement of systems and processes. Manages resources for staff participation in improvement work activities.

OTHER : Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Journalism, English, Public Affairs, Communications, or related area of study and seven years of experience in strategic communications/writing.

Preferred Qualifications

Extensive knowledge of digital and interactive media best practices. Demonstrated ability to supervise professional staff responsible for producing written and visual content across digital, social, and traditional media platforms. Ability to meet tight deadlines and work on multiple projects simultaneously while managing competing priorities.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

KNOWLEDGE
Proficient in Microsoft Office and other computer software/databases.

SKILLS
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

Detail-oriented with strong prioritization and organizational skills.

ABILITIES
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to interact with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and fields of expertise.
A record of personal and professional integrity with a leadership style that promotes creativity, teamwork, and strategic thinking.

Shift/Salary/Benefits

Shift: Days; M-F (Work outside of the standard business hours may be required)

Pay Band: B16

Salary: $95,200/annually-$120,000/annually

Salary to be commensurate with qualifications of the selected candidate within the established range (generally minimum-midpoint) of the position

Recruitment Period: Until Filled

Augusta University offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees.

Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays.

Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today!

Conditions of Employment

All selected candidates are required to successfully pass a Background Check review prior to starting with Augusta University.

If applicable for the specific position based on the duties: the candidate will also need to have a credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage.

Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive an Augusta University vehicle.

For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.

All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive [patient, student, employee, financial, business, etc.] information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond.

Other Information

This position is also responsible for promoting a customer-friendly environment and providing superior service to our patients, students, faculty, and employees. "Augusta University is a patient-and family-centered care institution, where employees partner every day with patients and families for success."

Augusta University is a tobacco-free environment, and the use of any tobacco products on any part of the campus, both inside and outside, is strictly prohibited.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Augusta University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.

How To Apply

Consider applying with us today!

Applicants are encouraged to tailor their resumes to the position of interest by clearly highlighting relevant work experience and skills gained from previous employment. Resumes should reflect how your background aligns with the qualifications and responsibilities of the role.

Select University Faculty & Staff > External Applicants if you are a candidate from outside the university

Select University Faculty & Staff > Internal Applicants if you are a current university employee

If you need further assistance, please contact us at View phone number on click.appcast.io