Senior Communications Specialist

Job Title

Senior Communications Specialist

Agency

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Department

Harte Research Institute

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Corpus Christi, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

TAMU-CC is a dynamic university designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) with approximately 11,000 students from 47 states and 54 foreign nations. We employ over 1,400 full-time and 2,000 part-time Islanders (including students/GAs). The University attracts highly talented faculty and staff and offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral programs.  As a member of the Texas A&M University System, TAMU-CC benefits from a range of resources, increased visibility and influence, and opportunities to collaborate in mutually beneficial ways with peers across member institutions and associated agencies.

TAMU-CC’s beautiful campus is located on a 240-acre island on Corpus Christi Bay and was ranked #1 College by the Sea by Best College Reviews. Our natural setting is enhanced by its modern, attractive, and state-of-the-art classroom buildings and support facilities.

Learn more information here !

PURPOSE

The Senior Communications Specialist, under supervision, writes, edits, designs and assists in the production of informational and promotional materials, presentations and special events.

DESCRIPTION

Functional Area 1: Communications

 Percent Effort: 60%

Job Duties

• Research, interview, write, and edit Institute external content: articles, press releases, publication content, newsletters, web content, and other projects as assigned.
• Assure that print and web-based products conform to journalistic standards.
• Proofs, edits and updates and add content to institute websites.
• Develops and implements the institute communications plan.
• Generates communications strategies and develops promotional plans and tactics.
• Creates all forms of content for Institute.
• Maintain a proactive annual schedule of long form written material to include annual report, monthly newsletter, stories, stakeholder reports, collateral material, etc.
• Maintain communication with TAMU-CC Marcomm on scheduling and requests.
• Write and edit Institute internal messaging as needed, including listserv management.
• Coordinate and create Institute podcast including guest research, invitations, guest hosts, and interviews.

Functional Area 2: Media Relations

Percent Effort: 20%       

Job Duties

• Develop and maintain media relationships.
• Write and submit relevant, timely stories and press releases to media and other appropriate outlets.

• Field media inquiries and coordinate interviews/statements.
• Maintain communication with TAMU-CC Marcomm on media features.
• Monitor media presence and track statistics. Field public requests regarding departmental activities and publications to include briefings, interviews, tours, and events.

Functional Area 3: Social Media

Percent Effort: 20%

Job Duties

• Create content, post, and monitor multiple Institute social media platforms.
• Track social account statistics.
• Participate with departmental strategic marketing and communication plans.
• Assist with events as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in applicable field
• Five (5) years of communications or writing experience.
• Additional education and/or experience may substitute for the minimum requirements.
  • High School Diploma/GED and nine (9) years of experience.
  • Associate’s degree and seven (7) of experience.
  • Master’s Degree and three (3) years of experience.
• Strong skills in word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to present information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to plan and meet deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Environmental writing and reporting
• Long-form writing experience
• Press relations
• Social media experience

BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply)

From our generous benefits package and professional development opportunities, to our retirement programs and our commitment to service excellence, the Island University is an engaging and rewarding place to work.

Insurance

• Medical

  • $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value).

  • Up to 83% of premium covered by the university:

    • Employee and Spouse

    • Employee and Children

    • Employee and Family coverage

• Dental & Vision

• Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account

On-campus wellness opportunities

Work Life Solutions:

• Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources

Tuition Benefits:

• Public Loan Forgiveness

• Book scholarships

• 100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply).

Retirement

• Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)

• Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan

Time Off:

• 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month.

• 8 hours of sick leave time off every month.

• 8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave.

• 12-15 paid holidays each year.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.