Outreach and Communications Manager

About the role

The Outreach and Communications Manager serves as the primary communications strategist and editorial lead for the Owens Institute for Behavioral Research (OIBR). This role plans, develops, and executes integrated communications, outreach, marketing, and engagement initiatives that advance the Institute’s mission and visibility across the University of Georgia and external audiences. Working closely with Institute leadership, the position exercises independent judgment to develop messaging strategies, oversee content development, and guide communications priorities. The role is responsible for producing and directing a wide range of communications deliverables, including newsletters, web and social media content, promotional materials, announcements, and leadership reports, ensuring consistency with University branding and messaging standards.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications & Editorial Leadership
  • Serve as editorial lead for OIBR communications, independently developing messaging strategies and content plans aligned with Institute priorities and University standards.
  • Write, edit, and oversee production of high-profile communications materials, including newsletters, web content, announcements, marketing pieces, and leadership reports.
  • Advise Institute leadership on communications approaches, messaging priorities, and outreach strategies to increase visibility and engagement.
• Digital Communications & Content Strategy
  • Manage and continuously assess OIBR’s digital presence, including website and social media platforms, to ensure accuracy, relevance, engagement, and alignment with brand standards.
  • Develop original content and editorial calendars for digital platforms; evaluate engagement metrics and use data to inform improvements in messaging strategy.
  • Collaborate with campus stakeholders to ensure communications are consistent with University policies and brand identity.
• Event Planning & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Develop, coordinate and execute plans for Institute events, programs, and initiatives, including on-site management, audience targeting, promotional strategy, messaging, and post-event assessment.
  • Collaborate with Institute leadership and campus partners to support outreach and promote research activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience.
• Experience supporting communications, outreach, or stakeholder engagement activities within a university, research institute, nonprofit, government agency, or other mission-driven organization.
• Experience developing and implementing strategic communications and outreach plans for research, scientific, educational, or public service initiatives.
• Experience developing content for multiple platforms, including web, email, social media, newsletters, annual reports, and promotional materials.
• Experience using analytics tools (Google Analytics, social media analytics, CRM systems, etc.) to assess communications effectiveness and guide strategy.
• Experience planning and promoting events (e.g. colloquium, workshops, webinars, community engagement activities, or other public-facing events).

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in written and verbal communications, with the ability to develop audience-focused messaging and provide strategic guidance while engaging effectively with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Advanced proficiency in communications tools, technologies, and platforms, including Microsoft Office Suite and digital publishing systems, with the ability to evaluate, select, and leverage communication channels (web, social media, and design tools) to achieve organizational objectives.
• Ability to independently develop, edit, and oversee high-quality communications deliverables, including publications and executive-level materials, applying professional standards (e.g., AP style) and sound editorial judgment.
• Strong analytical thinking and intellectual curiosity, with the ability to assess communications effectiveness, interpret data and trends, and recommend evidence-based improvements to strategy and operations.
• Prominent ability to collaborate across organizational units and serve as a trusted advisor, building and sustaining effective working relationships while influencing outcomes through professional expertise.
• Organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize competing demands, manage complex initiatives, and align communications activities with institutional goals and timelines.
• Demonstrated commitment to professional integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct, exercising discretion and independent judgment in a professional environment.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects of varying scope and complexity, coordinating diverse stakeholders and ensuring high-quality outcomes with minimal supervision.

Skills

• Demonstrated expertise in written and verbal communications.
• Advanced proficiency in communications tools, technologies, and platforms.
• Ability to independently develop, edit, and oversee high-quality communications deliverables.
• Strong analytical thinking and intellectual curiosity.
• Prominent ability to collaborate across organizational units.
• Organizational and project management skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to professional integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects of varying scope and complexity.

Benefits

Benefits Eligible

Pay

Commensurate with Experience

Schedule

Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.