Communications Specialist

Position Details Closing Date: 06/25/2026 Type of Position: Professional Staff - Project/Program Administration Job Type: Regular Sponsorship Available: No Institution Name: University of Arkansas System Summary of Job Duties This dual part‑time position (20 hours) with a hybrid office/work‑from‑home option satisfies and assists with public relations, media relations and assorted communications needs between the University of Arkansas System and the Winthrop Rockefeller Distinguished Lectures. The right candidate will receive guidance from the Director of Communications for the UA System and the Chair of the WRDL Advisory Board. WRDL Executive Assistant Duties Develop a relationship with the chair of the WRDL Advisory Board to understand the needs of the Board and its regular meetings, especially in all aspects of planning three prominent annual lectures held on alternating campuses within the UA System. Prepare Board meeting annual schedules and send invites to committee members’ calendars; reserve meeting spaces and make location arrangements, and coordinate catering for lunches. Prepare meeting agenda in consultation with Board Chair, including committee reports for Finance, Promotion, and Preservation. Prepare and present financial reports at meetings and as requested by Chair; prepare campus lecture schedule, record and prepare minutes. Serve as a liaison between Chair, public members and campus reps on activity related to campus lectures, working closely with campus communications/marketing offices to use combined resources for content and promotion. Assist campuses with the process of bringing lecturers to campuses, being a liaison between campus reps and UA System Office of General Counsel for issuing lecturer contracts for legal review and completion. Review, edit and approve marketing, content and promotional items created by campuses to ensure adherence to WRDL brand requirements. Advise campus reps regarding appropriate expenses and processes for payment. Ensure lecturer honorariums are paid according to contract deadline and campus reimbursements are paid promptly. Draft correspondence for Chair’s signature. Submit request for approval by UA Board of Trustees when new Board members are appointed and track member terms. Assist with orienting new campus representatives. Organize annual Board retreat when scheduled. Act as a steward of WRDL content and brand, providing historical information upon request; interact with the UALR Center for Arkansas History and Culture (CAHC), the holder of WRDL historical records; transfer records/documents to CAHC on a determined schedule. Work with Board and UA System Director of Communications in developing a new WRDL website that includes legacy content and creation of fresh content for a new home for all things related to WRDL. Create and maintain social media and web presences for WRDL that drive traffic to its website and keep content regarding its lectures schedule and Board information up to date. Update WRDL Procedures Handbook as needed. UA System Communications Assistant Duties Report to the UA System Director of Communications to manage combined workload and assignments between the UA System and WRDL, manage work location scheduling, and maintain a balanced relationship on a part‑time schedule. Workspace is at 2404 N. University in the UA System Administration building, with flexibility to visit campuses and work remotely when needed. Learn and become an ambassador of the UA System brand, covering all its 22 campuses, divisions and units statewide. Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders inside the UA System, including Office of General Counsel, Government Relations/Public Affairs, Academic Affairs, Finance, Risk Management, Human Resources, Audit, communications, and leadership at campuses, divisions and units, and the UA System President’s office. Build and maintain external relationships with local, statewide, and national media. Proficiently create content related to websites, news releases, social media, administrative letters, policy, speech writing, talking points, advertising and announcements—managing projects for a variety of audiences. Familiar with communications‑related software such as MailChimp, Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, Canva, and others to create and edit compelling graphic design, photography, video and content. Willingness to learn and assist with addressing, organizing, redacting, exempting FOIA incoming requests for public information. Rewrite, update, create, and edit content on uasys.edu. Brainstorm new communications‑related ideas, strategies, trends and bring creative spirit to assist with office‑related projects and design needs. Qualifications Required Qualifications The right candidate will have earned a bachelor’s degree in a communications‑related field and have at least five (5) years of experience in content creation, design, public relations, journalism, event planning, or related fields. The candidate must be able to adapt to new software and systems quickly; possess excellent written and verbal communication skills; organize and prioritize multiple tasks; maintain high attention to detail; use independent judgment, troubleshoot issues, adapt to shifting demands; work independently and collaboratively with senior staff, campus leadership, and the Board of Trustees; and handle sensitive information and records with discretion. Preferred Qualifications Previous experience in graphic design, content creation, editing, social media managing within a higher‑education institution; experience with the Workday platform and web content management systems, particularly WordPress. Salary $33.65 per hour Required Documents to Apply Cover Letter / Letter of Application Resume Optional Documents Proof of Veteran Status Recruitment Contact Information Nate Hinkle View email address on click.appcast.io Pre‑employment Screening Requirements Criminal background check (criminal background check and sex offender registry check; additional checks may be required). Screening is conducted confidentially and non‑discriminatory, consistent with state and federal law. Equal Opportunity and Legal Status The University of Arkansas is an equal‑opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its educational programs or activities, including admission and employment, on the basis of any protected category. Questions about Title IX may be directed to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. Freedom of Information Act Disclosure All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Physical Activity Requirements Constant Physical Activity Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Talking Frequent Physical Activity Sitting Occasional Physical Activity Driving, Walking Benefits No #J-18808-Ljbffr