Communications Specialist I - 531011

The University of Alabama•Tuscaloosa, AL

3d•$44,600 - $55,800

About The Position

The Communications Specialist I writes and edits communications for a department, college, and/or division under general supervision. The role develops and implements plans, activities, and tactics to support assigned areas and coordinates the production of materials and resources across digital and physical platforms. This position supports the Office of External Affairs within the Styslinger College of Engineering by developing and distributing strategic communications that promote the College, its students, faculty, alumni, and initiatives. It produces content for internal and external audiences, including news stories, feature articles, website content, email communications, media releases, and social media content. The specialist interviews and gathers information from faculty, staff, students, alumni, and industry partners to create accurate, engaging content aligned with College and university messaging standards. The role assists with planning and executing digital communications, including social media management and email marketing. It provides basic photography and videography support for storytelling, marketing, and special projects as needed. In collaboration with the Communications Program Manager and other team members, the specialist implements communication strategies, supports special projects and events, and maintains a consistent brand voice across communications platforms.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
Some experience in journalism, public relations, marketing, or communications.
Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to produce long-form and short-form content for varied audiences and platforms.
Strong knowledge of AP style, feature writing, news writing, and storytelling principles.
Understanding of social media strategy, content planning, scheduling platforms, and audience engagement practices.
Familiarity with email marketing platforms and analytics.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience writing and editing content for print and digital communications.
Experience managing social media accounts and creating platform-specific content.
Familiarity with email marketing platforms, content management systems, and basic analytics reporting.
Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, photography, videography, and multimedia content creation.
Experience conducting interviews, synthesizing information, and translating complex topics into engaging content.

Responsibilities

Write and edit communications for a department, college, and/or division.
Develop and implement plans, activities, and tactics that support assigned areas.
Coordinate the production of materials and resources through digital and physical platforms.
Develop and distribute strategic communications promoting the College, its students, faculty, alumni, and initiatives.
Produce content for internal and external audiences, including news stories, feature articles, website content, email communications, media releases, and social media content.
Conduct interviews and gather information from faculty, staff, students, alumni, and industry partners.
Assist with planning and executing digital communications efforts, including social media management and email marketing initiatives.
Provide basic photography and videography support for storytelling, marketing, and special projects as needed.
Collaborate with the Communications Program Manager and team members to implement communication strategies and support special projects and events.
Help maintain a consistent brand voice across communications platforms.