Communications Director

Communications Director – Inside Higher Ed

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About the University of Georgia

The University of Georgia () is the state’s flagship university, chartered in 1785 and ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The main campus is in Athens, 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full‑time staff, with enrollment exceeding 41,000 students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including a newly established School of Medicine.

College / Unit / Department

Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR).

The Office of Communications serves as the in‑house marketing agency for DAR, collaborating with the Marketing & Communications division and others to advance the university’s brand.

Job Details

Posting Number : S14300P

Working Title :

Communications Director

Department : DAR‑Communications

Posting Type : External

Employment Type : Employee (Full Time)

FLSA : Exempt

Salary :

$85,000+ (commensurate with qualifications)

Benefits Eligibility :

Yes

Schedule :

8 : 00am–5 : 00pm, willing to work evenings and weekends as necessary

Location of Vacancy :

Athens Area

Proposed Starting Date :

12 / 01 / 2025

Retirement Plan : TRS or ORP

FTE : 1.00

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or any other protected status. Persons needing accommodations are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values

Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect.

More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2; see and for Freedom of Expression.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent plus 10 years of professional experience, including 3 years of supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

At least five years of experience in journalism, broadcasting, public relations, or a related field.

At least five years of experience managing a team and coaching members to success.

At least five years of experience in a project management role.

Experience with complex project management platforms.

Client services / customer service experience.

Experience in media relations, digital advertising, email marketing, and / or social marketing.

Design knowledge or proficiency in design programs (bonus).

Experience in nonprofit and / or higher education settings (desired).

Behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the University of Georgia.

Position Summary

The Communications Director leads a sub‑team within DAR Communications, reporting to the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications.

The role functions as the most senior Project Manager for DARCOMM, overseeing a portfolio of key projects, providing strategic oversight, and ensuring delivery of complex projects within budget and on schedule.

The Director collaborates with other leadership to develop marketing plans, guides specialists, mentors the team, and coordinates communications for Vice President and division leadership.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, & Competencies

Detail‑oriented, multi‑tasking, self‑starter, and initiative‑driven.

Strong writing, proofreading, and AP style skills.

Knowledge of marketing, communications tactics, and trends.

Project navigation and deadline management.

Excellent written and verbal communication.

Commitment to outstanding customer service.

Collaborative and inclusive leadership.

Professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct.

Effective people‑management skills.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Lead team of Communications Coordinators & Associates (55%)

Build communication plans for DAR units.

Cultivate relationships between DARCOMM and other DAR units.

Identify overlapping goals / projects and facilitate collaboration.

Prioritize projects for strategic focus.

Maintain efficient project management system.

Prepare the division for major initiatives.

Ensure high‑quality, accurate deliverables.

Guide direct reports toward goals.

Clarify roles and expectations.

Manage HR functions for direct reports (leave tracking, evaluations).

Oversee DAR projects & responsibilities (20%)

Lead select, high‑profile projects from start to completion.

Organize planning meetings with DAR partners twice a year.

Manage non‑digital advertising : needs assessment, partner selection, relationship management.

Coordinate Vice Presidential Communications (15%)

Develop, write, and send monthly internal division newsletter (Pulse).

Prepare VP talking points and presentations.

Develop LinkedIn posts with digital strategists.

Serve as DAR liaison & media relations support (10%)

Attend StratComm meetings; provide updates.

Respond to press inquiries.

Recommend media strategies and tactics.

Build relationships with marketing & communications media team.

Support team in executing media relations strategies.

Additional Division Expectations

Maintain fairness, compassion, and decency in interactions.

Promote a stable, productive, and healthy work environment.

Adhere to CASE and commonly accepted fundraising reporting standards.

Physical Demands

Standard office environment; seated work at computer for extended periods.

Use of electronic mail, telephone, face‑to‑face discussions, and paper correspondence.

Effective communication in writing, speaking, and listening.

Organize and prioritize; multi‑task.

Lift and / or move up to 20 pounds.

Walk, stand, stoop, lift, kneel, climb.

Work evenings and weekends as needed.

Travel in and out of state as required.

Contact Details

Recruitment Contact Name : Development & Alumni Relations’ Office of Talent Management

Recruitment Contact Email : dartalent@uga.edu

Job Classification

Classification Title :

Public Relations Manager

Seni­ority level : Director

Employment Type : Employee (Full Time)

Job Function :

Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing / Editing

Industries :

Online Audio and Video Media

Additional Notes

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