Outreach and Communications Manager

Position Summary The Outreach and Communications Manager serves as the primary communications strategist and editorial lead for the Owens Institute for Behavioral Research (OIBR). This role plans, develops, and executes integrated communications, outreach, marketing, and engagement initiatives that advance the Institute’s mission and visibility across the University of Georgia and external audiences. Working closely with Institute leadership, the position develops messaging strategies, oversees content development, and guides communications priorities, producing a wide range of deliverables including newsletters, web and social media content, promotional materials, announcements, and leadership reports. The Manager also manages OIBR’s digital presence, develops editorial calendars, evaluates engagement data, leads communications efforts for Institute programs and events, and coordinates essential communications infrastructure such as listservs and faculty directories. Responsibilities Strategic Communications & Editorial Leadership (30%) Serve as editorial lead for OIBR communications, independently developing messaging strategies and content plans aligned with Institute priorities and University standards. Write, edit, and oversee production of high‑profile communications materials, including newsletters, web content, announcements, marketing pieces, and leadership reports. Advise Institute leadership on communications approaches, messaging priorities, and outreach strategies to increase visibility and engagement. Digital Communications & Content Strategy (20%) Manage and continuously assess OIBR’s digital presence, including website and social media platforms, to ensure accuracy, relevance, engagement, and alignment with brand standards. Develop original content and editorial calendars for digital platforms; evaluate engagement metrics and use data to inform improvements in messaging strategy. Coordinate with campus stakeholders to ensure communications are consistent with University policies and brand identity. Event Planning & Stakeholder Engagement (20%) Develop, coordinate and execute plans for Institute events, programs, and initiatives, including on‑site management, audience targeting, promotional strategy, messaging, and post‑event assessment. Collaborate with internal and external partners to support speaker engagement, promotional materials, and Institute visibility. Analysis, Benchmarking & Continuous Improvement (15%) Conduct benchmarking research of peer institutes and centers; analyze findings and present synthesized insights and recommendations to Institute leadership. Independently evaluate current communications methods and services and recommend innovations or improvements based on best practices and Institute needs. Analyze, synthesize, and interpret communications and engagement data for inclusion in the Annual Report and other leadership materials. Coordination & Institutional Support (15%) Coordinate communications workflows across OIBR centers and initiatives to ensure consistency, quality, and effectiveness. Maintain authoritative Institute content resources, directories, and communications documentation using professional judgment rather than routine clerical processes. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience. Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting communications, outreach, or stakeholder engagement activities within a university, research institute, nonprofit, government agency, or other mission‑driven organization. Experience developing and implementing strategic communications and outreach plans for research, scientific, educational, or public service initiatives. Experience developing content for multiple platforms, including web, email, social media, newsletters, annual reports, and promotional materials. Experience using analytics tools (Google Analytics, social media analytics, CRM systems, etc.) to assess communications effectiveness and guide strategy. Experience planning and promoting events such as colloquia, workshops, webinars, community engagement activities, or other public‑facing events. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies Demonstrated expertise in written and verbal communications, with the ability to develop audience‑focused messaging and provide strategic guidance while engaging effectively with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders. Advanced proficiency in communications tools, technologies, and platforms, including Microsoft Office Suite and digital publishing systems, with the ability to evaluate, select, and leverage communication channels to achieve organizational objectives. Ability to independently develop, edit, and oversee high‑quality communications deliverables, including publications and executive‑level materials, applying professional standards such as AP style and sound editorial judgment. Strong analytical thinking and intellectual curiosity, with the ability to assess communications effectiveness, interpret data and trends, and recommend evidence‑based improvements to strategy and operations. Proven ability to collaborate across organizational units and serve as a trusted advisor, building and sustaining effective working relationships while influencing outcomes through professional expertise. Organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize competing demands, manage complex initiatives, and align communications activities with institutional goals and timelines. Demonstrated commitment to professional integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct, exercising discretion and independent judgment in a professional environment. Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects of varying scope and complexity, coordinating diverse stakeholders and ensuring high‑quality outcomes with minimal supervision. Physical Demands Ability to work at a computer for long periods of time. Background Investigation Policy Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check, verification of credentials, and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. A pre‑employment drug test may be required for high‑risk responsibilities. Posting Details Posting Number: S15324P Title: Outreach and Communications Manager Department: VPR‑Owens Institute for Behavioral Research (OIBR) Position Type: External Employment Type: Employee Schedule: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience Open Until: Filled No Closing Date: 07/31/2026 Proposed Starting Date: 08/17/2026 EEO Statement The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Contact Information Recruitment Contact: Kimberly Cherewick Email: View email address on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Georgia