Communications Coordinator

Communications Communicator

Reporting to the Director of News & Media Relations, the Communications Communicator is a talented and multifaceted writer responsible for producing a high volume of newsworthy story content aimed at generating earned media placements for the university. Stories will be pitched to reporters (local, state and national) as well as published to the university's website and promoted in its alumni magazine, campus newsletters and more. This position will also serve as the primary backup to the director in engaging with reporters, pitching stories, distributing releases, coordinating interviews and escorting media on campus visits, and will play a pivotal role in editing content developed by the team. Communications coordinators must be comfortable interacting with individuals across the university to gather story leads, conduct interviews, and ensure proper approval of all written news content.

News Writing - 60% - Find and develop stories about the latest university news, with special attention given to stories with potentially broad media appeal, such as those that highlight innovative research projects with real-world impacts, significant student successes, community partnerships, hands-on learning opportunities, university accomplishments and more. Success in this role depends on building and maintaining healthy relationships with faculty and staff across campus. The person in this role will regularly check in with campus sources to solicit fresh story ideas, as well as ensure that every story they write is appropriately fact-checked prior to publication. Regularly query faculty for commentary on current events to potentially highlight their expertise in thought leadership pieces that reinforce the university's authority in strategic fields of study. Collaborate with colleagues within the communications team to have news content published on the university's website, internal news platform and in print publications.

Editing - 20% - This position will also copyedit/proof colleagues' editorial content prior to publication, in a backup capacity to the director.

Media Relations - 10% - Serving in a support role to the director, this position will pitch stories as news releases/event advisories to reporters to encourage in-person media visits to campus. Field queries from reporters and help set up interviews with subject matter experts by phone, email and in-person. Escort reporters during campus visits. Help refine university media lists to ensure proper targeting of reporters according to coverage area, beat and areas of interest. Provide faculty with talking points and media training as needed.

Other - 10% - Working closely with fellow members of the team, this position must be available 24/7 during university crisis situations to help share critical messaging to campus, the public and student families. Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications Educational Requirements Bachelor's Degree in English, journalism, communications or related field. Other Required Qualifications Exceptional writing skills and the versatility to write for various audiences. Required Experience 3-5 years of professional writing experience, preferably in a news setting.

Preferred Qualifications Additional Preferred Qualifications Preferred candidate should have a demonstrated ability to be able to work with a wide-variety of clients: students, faculty, staff, administrators, community members, and high-level corporate personnel. Prior experience working within higher education is a plus. Preferred Educational Qualifications Master's degree Preferred Experience In addition to prior experience working in marketing, communications, journalism, or a related field, at least two years of prior project management experience is preferred.

Proposed Salary This position is a pay grade 8. The available salary range is $47,476 to $69,081. Starting salary within this range is based on relevant years of experience. For more information about GCSU compensation practices, click here:

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities ABILITIES - Ability to consistently craft engaging headlines, strong/concise news leads and clean copy. Ability to think big-picture and tell stories that reveal the universal through the specific. Ability to conduct interviews and research. Must be a flexible team player who stays cool under pressure and is happy to share responsibilities/contribute in any way that helps the team. Ability to adhere to strict deadlines. KNOWLEDGE - Fluent in AP style. SKILLS - Exceptional writing skills and the versatility to write for various audiences. A+ editing skill.

USG Core Values The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 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 on-line at . Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at .

Equal Employment Opportunity Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

Other Information This is not a supervisory position. This position does not have any financial responsibilities. This position will not be required to drive. This role is not considered a position of trust. This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card). This position does not require security clearance.

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