Senior Communications Specialist

Job Title

Senior Communications Specialist

Agency

Prairie View A&M University

Department

Cooperative Agricultural Research Center

Proposed Minimum Salary

$4,848.59 monthly

Job Location

Prairie View, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The Senior Communications Specialist is responsible for developing, writing, editing, and designing informational and promotional materials to support agricultural research, in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at a land-grant institution. This position involves executing communications strategies, managing special events, and providing leadership and direction for the communication efforts within the college.

This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding.

This position may pay more than the salary listed above depending on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.  

Responsibilities:

• Drafts, edits, and disseminates communications materials, including press releases, op-eds, blogs, feature stories, media advisories, scripts, public service announcements, e-newsletters, website content, presentations, and other promotional materials.  Conceptualizes and creates compelling content for websites, social media platforms, and marketing campaigns, ensuring adherence to university brand standards and website style guidelines. Ensures web content is up-to-date, accessible, and optimized to meet communication goals.  Assists in preparing and executing complex messaging, presentations, and displays for the research, teaching, and academic mission areas, including executive-level correspondences.

• Serves as the lead Communications Specialist, providing additional support, direction, and guidance to the communication team within the college.  Works closely with the CAFNR staff, faculty, and stakeholders to align communication efforts with the College’s strategic goals. Assists in the development and execution of communications strategies designed to further the mission and goals of CAHS. Works closely with the Assistant Director to develop and implement the overall strategic communications plan for CAHS.  Manages, plans, implements, and promotes special events and programs. Provides communication and logistical support for events, ensuring alignment with the college's strategic objectives.  Manages the tracking portal for the College’s project needs and requests, ensuring that communications projects are prioritized and completed within deadlines.  Manages the College event calendar, ensuring accurate and timely updates.  Stays current with industry trends and best practices in communications, applying relevant insights to enhance the College’s communication strategies.

• Crafts press releases, media releases, and executes pitches to promote the College’s subject matter experts and their work to local, regional, and national media publications. Builds relationships with media outlets, potential clients, and other key stakeholders.  Serves as the lead media trainer, preparing subject matter experts for media interviews and ensuring effective communication of the College’s research and academic achievements.  Utilizes analytics from social media campaigns to drive future communications strategies. Ensures that social media content aligns with the college’s communication goals and resonates with the target audience.  Tracks and analyzes the performance of communication and social media activities, providing insights and recommendations for future campaigns.

• Participates in college-wide activities, committees, and performs other duties as necessary to support the overall mission and goals of the college.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Five years of communications and/or marketing experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.

• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.