S12887P

Public Relations & Communications Director, Aux Svcs

Auxiliary Marketing

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

auxiliary.uga.edu

External

TRS or ORP

Employee

Benefits Eligible

Full Time

This position offers a 40 hour work week. Hours and schedule may vary, but will typically be Monday – Friday.

$ 95,000 / yr - $ 105,000 / yr ; Commensurate with Experience

11/07/2024

Yes

01/06/2025

Athens Area

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

External Affairs Manager

Exempt

1.0

Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

five years of writing, public relations, and communications experience preferably in a higher education setting; master’s degree is preferred.

The Public Relations and Communications Director for Auxiliary Services at the University of Georgia (UGA) will lead the strategic communication efforts to enhance the visibility and reputation of the University’s Auxiliary Services to UGA students, faculty, and staff, as well as external visitors utilizing the Division’s services and operations. This role involves developing and implementing comprehensive Public Relations strategies, managing media relations, and overseeing internal and external communications to support the diverse range of services provided by Auxiliary Services while adhering to policies and procedures established by the University’s Marketing and Communications division and Finance and Administration.

• Ability to manage a communications team, multiple projects, and deadlines
• Experience with writing, editing, and public relations
• Exemplary written and verbal communications skills
• Ability to take initiative and work independently as well as in a team environment
• Organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrate a commitment to outstanding customer service
• Ability to think creatively and communicate creative ideas to others
• Knowledge of the higher education landscape and the specific needs of auxiliary services.
• Experience in event planning and management.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful PR strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong media relations skills and experience.
• Project and change management experience.
• Experience with crisis communication and brand management.
• Proficiency in using social media platforms and digital communication tools.

• Sitting for long periods of time.
• Light to Moderate lifting of media equipment.
• May use push, pull, reaching, grabbing and other ranges of motions while operating administrative and media equipment.
• Driving as needed for job related tasks

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

Yes

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

• Developing and implementing comprehensive Public Relations strategies, managing media relations, and overseeing internal and external communications
• Direct and guide a team of communications professionals for diverse administrative and operational units in a fast-paced environment while strategizing future needs and initiatives. Assign tasks and submitted work tickets to support team members.
• Drive strategic project management by ensuring communications tasks and projects are on target for meeting project deadlines.
• Direct oversight and expert guidance to the communications team for obtaining social and digital assets as well as the management of all written needs of Auxiliary Services.
• Assume executive responsibility over and control quality assurance for communications projects by creating status updates to affected internal and external entities.
• Direct and implement new communications strategies as approved by the Senior Director of Auxiliary Support Services, the Auxiliary Services Chief of Staff, and the Associate Vice President for Auxiliary Services.
• Act as primary communications advisor and Public Relations subject matter expert for Auxiliary Services administrative and operational leadership.

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• Oversee, edit, and write public relations and general communications content for the Auxiliary Services units.
• Develop and oversee a creative and engaging social media and digital communications strategy that promotes the services of Auxiliary Services, as well as staff recruitment.
• Direct oversight of scheduling and content creation for promotional messages representing the Auxiliary units sent through texts to the student population. This is performed in conjunction with the university’s Student Affairs division.
• Coordinate draft announcements and timing for Auxiliary Services leadership, the Office of the Vice President for Finance & Administration, and other offices as necessary. This includes writing and shepherding drafts through editing and review, as well as coordinating the timing of distribution with the university’s central Marketing & Communications division as needed.
• Develop and maintain emergency communication strategies and protocols to ensure timely and accurate dissemination of critical information to staff and stakeholders.

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• Email correspondence management: Direct and lead the development of engaging and visually appealing email content for Auxiliary Services administration and units; manage the distribution of all email correspondence for Auxiliary Services units in collaboration with unit stakeholders; collaborate with stakeholders to gather information and ensure accurate representation of activities and initiatives; manage several unit and organizational listservs for contacting specific audiences; work closely with Auxiliary Services leadership to align communication efforts with broader organizational goals.
• Partner and collaborate with the Auxiliary Marketing director for management of the Auxiliary Services new student orientation team and ambassador program.
• Direct, develop and ensure implementation of strategic communication plans for events, campaigns, or initiatives specifically including football parking emails and other Auxiliary event and messaging needs.

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• Collaborate with the Marketing Director for the implementation of special projects.
• Act as the communications representative for Auxiliary Services both internal and external to the organization.

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• Other duties as assigned.

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For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Bryan Varin

bvarin@uga.edu