Communication Specialist

Spelman College Portal•Atlanta, GA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Spelman College is seeking an experienced Communications Specialist to support both internal and external communications efforts within the Office of Communications & Marketing. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Communications and Marketing, this role helps strengthen visibility and engagement through timely, insightful, and research-based content. The specialist will identify story opportunities and highlight the work of leadership, students, faculty, and key initiatives by staying informed about trends and areas of interest. The role supports communications to internal campus audiences as well as information shared with media, stakeholders, and partners. Responsibilities include drafting messages, preparing materials for media inquiries, supporting media interviews, and developing editorial content such as internal articles, news/feature stories, media advisories, press releases, opinion pieces, blog posts, and event materials in collaboration with colleagues across the institution. The specialist will also prepare media briefings, produce analytic reports on coverage and impressions, and contribute content to institutional publications.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, communications, or related field.
3 years of related experience in a public relations, corporate/strategic communications, higher education communications, or newsroom environment.
Exceptional editorial/journalism writing, proofreading, and editing skills.
Experience leveraging social media to reach media and other key audiences.
Excellent portfolio with a proven track-record of successful project management examples.
Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of higher education
MA in public relations, communications, or journalism
Knowledge of APA writing style

Responsibilities

Researches, writes, and edits editorial content for internal and external audiences, including messages for students, faculty, staff, alumnae, stakeholders, and partners.
Updates web page content on spelman.edu while ensuring consistency to brand standards and narrative strategies.
Develops content that can be adapted for internal emails, web pages, social media, digital and print newsletters, and institutional publications.
Prepares press briefings, talking points, and background materials for leadership, faculty, staff, and students.
Supports the development of faculty, staff, and student stories.
Edits and proofreads materials to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with Associated Press and institutional style guidelines.
Works with Communications colleagues and others to develop strategic messages that elevate awareness of institutional initiatives, programs, and experts.
Assists in drafting rapid responses, including emergency communications and time-sensitive updates.
Supports responses to incoming media inquiries by gathering information, drafting materials, and coordinating interviews and logistics.
Prepares media advisories, press releases, background materials, and talking points in collaboration with Communications leadership and campus partners.
Maintains accurate media lists and uses monitoring tools to track coverage, identify relevant trends, and prepare analytic reports.
Assists with media-related components of campus events, briefings, and high-visibility meetings.
Attends regular Communications staff meetings and meetings with campus partners as required to support strategic communications and operational success.
Attends campus events as needed to represent the Communications team.
Supports other communication related activities as needed, including but not limited to campus partners special events that require photography and or video shoots and social media coverage.