Communications Specialist

Ugajobsearch; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia’s Small Business Development Center is seeking a Communications Specialist to provide statewide marketing support, develop social media content, run email campaigns, and assist with digital ads. This role collaborates with the SBDC marketing team to ensure branding and messaging consistency across Georgia.

The position involves coordinating a statewide editorial calendar, analyzing analytics, and training field office staff on marketing policies and tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent.
• 2 years of experience in communications, marketing or public relations.
• Experience with social media content creation and management.
• Experience with email marketing platforms (MailChimp).
• Experience with digital paid ads (Meta, LinkedIn).
• Proficient in Adobe Suite (InDesign, Illustrator).
• Proficient in typical office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Provide Communications and Marketing Support for SBDC Offices: fulfill requests for marketing support including program graphics, social media content, digital ads or email templates.
• Develop Social Media Content: create engaging content for Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn focused on small business topics; monitor channels for compliance; review analytics quarterly.
• Maintain Communications and Marketing Intranet Pages: keep Clarity pages up-to-date and user-friendly; refresh templates and resources regularly.
• Maintain Marketing Editorial Calendar: manage statewide calendar; coordinate with managers and specialists; solicit content as needed.
• Provide overall SBDC Marketing Support and Training: backup support to marketing team; handle external print and promotional needs; train new staff on policies.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Project management

Social media content creation

Email marketing

Digital paid ads

Adobe Suite (InDesign, Illustrator)

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPo

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent

Tools

MailChimp

Meta ads

LinkedIn ads

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Illustrator

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Communications Specialist

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Posting Details

Posting Number S16033P

Working Title Communications Specialist

Department PSO-Small Business Dev Center

About the University of Georgia Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 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 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

Posting Type External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP

Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Full/Part time Full Time

Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information M-F, 8-5

Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date 11/05/2026 Open until filled Yes

Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 12/14/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants Location of Vacancy Athens Area

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, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well 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 08.02.18.01.02.

Position Information

Classification Title Public Relations Pro I FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications

2 years of experience in communications, marketing or public relations.

Position Summary

The Communications Specialist provides marketing support to SBDC offices across the state, through social media, graphic design and email marketing support. This incumbent will also develop social media content centered around small business topics and evaluate the effectiveness of the SBDC office’s social media channels using analytics tools. Additionally, this role provides organizational support to the existing SBDC marketing team through the coordination of a statewide editorial calendar and supports marketing training efforts for field office program assistants.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Strong organizational skills and project management experience
• Experience with social media content creation and management
• Experience with email marketing platforms (MailChimp)
• Experience with digital paid ads (Meta, Linkedin)
• Proficient in Adobe Suite (InDesign, Illustrator)
• Proficient in typical office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Physical Demands

• Sitting at computer for extended periods of time.
• Lift 25lbs.
• Driving as needed to complete job tasks.

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes

Is this a Position of Trust? No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No

Credit and P-Card policy

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.

Background Investigation Policy

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.

Duties/Responsibilities

Provide Communications and Marketing Support for SBDC Offices

• Fulfill request from SBDC offices for marketing support; requests may include program graphics, social media content, digital ads or email templates.
• Utilize UGA branding guidelines and marketing best practices. Identify opportunities and implement marketing strategies to address the needs of the office.
• Update offices on the status of their requests and communicate with the SBDC marketing team on the progress.
• Ensure requests are filled in a timely manner.
• Check in regularly with offices on their marketing needs.

Percentage of time 45

Develop Social Media Content

• Create engaging social media (Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn) content focused on small business-related topics for UGA SBDC offices across Georgia.
• Utilize social media best practices and adhere to UGA branding guidelines.
• Monitor UGA SBDC social media channels for compliance.
• Review analytics and performance data quarterly and adjust strategies and content accordingly.

Percentage of time 40

Maintain Communications and Marketing Intranet Pages

• Ensure the Communications and Marketing Intranet (known internally as Clarity) pages are up-to-date and user friendly.
• Update page with new resources and content on a biweekly schedule.
• Refresh templates and resources regularly.
• Work with SBDC marketing team to develop resources as needed.

Percentage of time 5

Maintain Marketing Editorial Calendar

• Manage statewide marketing editorial calendar.
• Coordinate with marketing manager, communications specialist and pr specialist for important dates.
• Solicit content from business consultants or statewide resources as needed.

Percentage of time 5

Provide overall SBDC Marketing Support and Training

• Provide backup support to the SBDC marketing team as needed.
• Handle external print and promotional product needs for the SBDC.
• Provide training to new support staff on marketing policies and procedures as needed.

Percentage of time 5

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact Name: Macy Thomas

Recruitment Contact Email: [e-mail]

Recruitment Contact Phone:

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents