Communications Coordinator

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

13d • Onsite

About The Position

The Communications Coordinator works under general supervision to support communications for the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS). The role creates news and feature stories, research, medical, and science communication content, digital content, newsletters, and other informational and promotional materials for internal and external audiences. It oversees planning and publication of editorial and news content on the web and manages the college’s calendaring system. The coordinator also supports content creation, editing, design, and production of VMBS materials, presentations, and digital and multimedia campaigns. Communications must meet high quality standards, reflect VMBS and Texas A&M University values, and follow institutional identity standards.

This research-communications role requires understanding complex scientific concepts—through research or interviews with faculty—and translating them into stories for the general public. Understanding research protocols and how research is conducted, as well as higher education elements related to research, is also important. The position is based in College Station, Texas, and is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Occasional work outside those hours, including weekends, and travel on or off campus may be required. The role is considered essential during declared emergencies, campus closures, and class cancellations, and the employee must report to work and remain on duty unless relieved by the direct supervisor.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three years of communications and/or marketing experience.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
• Self-starter with intrinsic motivation to accomplish objectives.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, excellent proofreading and copy-editing abilities, and strong attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to present information clearly and concisely.
• Proficiency in the AP Style Guide.
• Knowledge of communicating with large audiences through online communications platforms.
• Highest level of professionalism and respect for confidentiality.
• Ability to understand complex scientific concepts and translate them into stories for the general public.
• Understanding of research protocols, how research is conducted, and higher education elements related to research.
• Ability to comply with applicable state and federal laws and codes and Texas A&M University System and University policies, regulations, rules, procedures, and safety requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in communications, writing, English, or a related field.
• Experience writing about complex topics such as science, medicine, technology, or research for a variety of audiences.
• Familiarity with higher education goals, structures, and communication standards.
• Experience using content management systems to manage web content.
• Familiarity with SEO and SEM best practices.

Responsibilities

• Collect information and write news releases, feature stories, and other content for web, handouts, magazines, video scripts, and other print or electronic promotional materials, with an emphasis on research, medical, and science topics.
• Support production of general content with VMBS Marketing & Communications team members and help proactively maintain and update materials.
• Develop sources and conduct interviews.
• Contribute to the editorial calendar and advise on story release timing.
• Generate story ideas.
• Ensure print and web products conform to VMBS, Texas A&M, and journalistic standards.
• Respond to inquiries and track news coverage as necessary.
• Cover VMBS-related events.
• Help maintain the VMBS website and affiliated web properties, including posting stories, overseeing blogs, and copy-editing and updating web pages.
• Collaborate on content development for search engine optimization and integration of new media and web tools to increase VMBS visibility and awareness.
• Oversee the VMBS calendaring system.
• Assist with promoting general-content materials through appropriate print, electronic, and digital media, including digital signage.
• Help integrate internal and external digital communication tools to increase VMBS visibility and awareness.
• Track targeted marketing and communications projects and develop execution timelines.
• Lead development and promotion of emails for internal and external events and other necessary email communications.
• Develop monthly and/or quarterly newsletters for VMBS stakeholders.
• Evaluate email marketing campaign analytics to determine optimal send times and other audience-reach considerations.
• Prepare and present information to educate internal stakeholders on journalistic communication practices, including communicating technical scientific topics to lay audiences and preparing news releases, publications, and external media interviews.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance; Texas A&M contributes to employee health and basic life premiums.
• 12–15 days of annual paid holidays.
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Free exercise programs and release time for health and wellness.
• Free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more.
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while employed by Texas A&M.
• Access to the Living Well program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level