Communications Specialist Senior

Southern Arkansas University; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A state university in Minnesota is seeking an experienced communications professional to execute strategic initiatives and manage relationships with various audiences, including media and the public. The ideal candidate will possess strong editing abilities, experience with public relations, and a degree in a relevant field. Responsibilities include developing content for multiple channels and maintaining media relations. This role is crucial for positively representing university plans to the community.

Qualifications

• Strong editing skills with familiarity with AP style guidelines.
• Ability to positively represent plans and programs to media and citizens.
• Skill in organizing and synthesizing complex issues into clear content.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage communication news vehicles and publication content.
• Develop message and talking points on emerging issues.
• Establish and maintain relationships with media.

Skills

Editorial skills

Public speaking

Content management systems

Writing for multiple audiences

Education

Degree in Communications, Public Relations, or Journalism

Tools

MS Office

Job description

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Execute the strategic communications plan and statewide communications initiatives. Support VDOT leaders and staff regarding internal and external communications. Support includes local, state and federal audiences, media, government officials, non-profit, private sector and general public. Establish and maintain effective relationships with media. Maintain employee publications and internet site, web content, external newsletters, press releases, brochures, reports and outreach initiatives.

How you will contribute:

• Communication Programs and Initiatives: Direct and manage communication news vehicles and publication content as assigned. Develop news or publication sources and establish relationships with all levels of employees and applicable contacts inside and outside of the organization. Develop new methods of communication in order to maintain and improve communications.
• Media Relations and Emergency Response: Provide information and content to media and serve as official spokesperson or publication writer or editor as assigned. Develop message and talking points on emerging and current issues. Establish and maintain media relationships. Maintain appropriate contact or publication lists.

What will make you successful:

• Ability to edit documents representing numerous areas of engineering, legal, and social science research.
• Ability to maintain web site and use content management system.
• Ability to organize and synthesize complex issues into clear and concise content.
• Ability to positively represent VDOT plans and programs to media, citizens and elected officials.
• Ability to understand news media needs.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work well with authors as well as all levels of Research staff.
• Knowledge of communication methods and theory as they relate to public and media relations.
• Skill in editing and with familiarity with AP style guidelines.
• Skill in public speaking and conducting media interviews.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications to include MS Office products.
• Skill in writing for multiple audiences using multiple formats.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to maintain web site and use content management system.
• Ability to organize, synthesize complex issues into clear and concise content.
• Ability to positively represent VDOT plans, programs to media citizens and elected officials.
• Ability to understand news media needs.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of communications methods, theory as they relate to public and media relations.
• Skill in the use of computers, software applications to include MS Office products and digital cameras.
• Skill in writing for multiple audiences using multiple formats.
• Strong editing skills with familiarity with AP style guidelines.

Additional Considerations:

• A combination of training, experience, or education in Communications, Public Relations, English, Journalism or related field desired.
• Professional experience in public relations or news media setting to include conducting media interviews.