Communications & Media Coordinator

Augusta University is Georgia's innovation center for education and health care, training the next generation of innovators, leaders, and healthcare providers. With more than 12,000 students, Augusta offers educational opportunities at the center of Georgia's cybersecurity hub and experiential learning that blends arts and application, humanities, and the health sciences. The university is home to Georgia's only public academic health center, where groundbreaking research and world-class clinicians deliver the medicine of tomorrow.

About the role

The Communications & Media Coordinator uses mass communication to advance the Augusta University brand and support institutional priorities by connecting faculty, staff, students, the community, and other stakeholders to the university's strategic plan pillars and goals. This position identifies stories about university initiatives, accomplishments, and achievements that warrant internal or external promotion and produces compelling print and multimedia content for digital platforms, including writing, video, photos, and graphics. The role serves as a liaison for institutional priority areas, prepares AU experts for interviews, and works with local, regional, and national media to obtain news coverage for the university.

Responsibilities

• Identifies stories about university initiatives, accomplishments, and achievements that warrant internal or external promotion; conceptualizes and produces compelling print and multimedia content for digital platforms, including writing, video, photos, and graphics.
• Serves as a liaison for institutional priority areas, proactively communicating news of interest to the broader community; prepares AU experts for interviews, including helping to hone clear, effective messaging and staffing interviews.
• Works with local, regional, and national media to obtain news coverage for the university; crafts media pitches and news releases and coordinates news coverage for events; takes after-hours calls and serves as a point of contact with the media in the event of an emergency.
• Maintains current digital and media relations knowledge.
• Uses a project management system on a daily basis to document and track projects from beginning to end.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communication, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional communications experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Three or more years of relevant experience.

Skills

• Proficient in WordPress.
• Knowledge of Jagwire, Fine Print, and Experts Center.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Understanding of AP style and media concepts.
• Ability to understand and decipher complex concepts.
• Self-starter with strategic thinking about how AU's mission aligns with, influences, or supports world affairs.
• Experience coordinating/conducting media training.
• Creative and enthusiastic team player.
• Relationships with development journalists a plus.

Pay

Pay Band: B8

Salary Range: $45,400/annually - $56,700/annually (commensurate with qualifications of the selected candidate within the established range).

Schedule

Days/Monday-Friday (work outside of normal business hours will likely be required).

Benefits

• Health insurance, dental insurance, and life insurance.
• Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan).
• Earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays.
• Tuition Assistance Program for full-time employees employed successfully for more than 6 months.