Digital Communications Specialist (Contingent II - Grant Funded)

UM23 Bowie State University (BSU); United States; On-site; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Paid holidays

Tuition remission

Retirement plan

Job summary

Bowie State University is seeking a Digital Communications Specialist (Contingent II) to support the Business Operations unit. You will craft technology announcements, create newsletters, translate technical content for diverse audiences, and maintain project documentation.

This role supports Title III activities and grant reporting under supervision. You will collaborate with the Director of Business Operations and the Strategic Initiatives Project Coordinator, managing communications calendars

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in a relevant field.
• 2–4 years of experience in communications, content development, technical writing, or related areas.
• Experience with content tools ( Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, MS Publisher or similar ).
• Higher education or public sector experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Draft and update technology announcements, newsletters, website content, FAQs, service notices, and other communications.
• Translate technical information into clear language for faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain a communications calendar for projects and initiatives.
• Review content for accuracy, readability, accessibility, and consistency with university standards.
• Prepare meeting materials and document decisions and action items for Strategic Initiatives.
• Maintain project trackers, contact lists, and documentation checklists with project owners.
• Format summaries, status reports, and closeout materials using approved content.
• Collect and organize supporting documentation for Title III activities and grant reporting.
• Prepare visual summaries and presentation materials communicating project accomplishments.

Skills

Digital communications

Technical writing

Content development

Editing & proofreading

Organization & coordination

Stakeholder communication

Independent & collaborative work

Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PPT)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, English, Journalism, Business Administration, IT, or related field

Tools

Canva

Adobe Creative Suite

MS Publisher

MS Office / SharePoint

Job description

Job Posting: JR102239 Digital Communications Specialist (Contingent II -- Grant Funded) (Open) Department: BSU Business Operations, JM Position Type: Non-Regular Fixed Term (Fixed Term) Open Date: 10-23-2026 Close Date: $48,138 - $55,146

Under general supervision, performs a variety of routine professional and analytical assignments involving the practical application of management principles and techniques to routine operational activities. The Digital Communications and Project Support Specialist supports the Department of Information Technology’s Business Operations unit through digital content development, technology communications, project documentation, and administrative support for assigned initiatives. The position prepares clear, accessible communications and maintains organized materials that support Title III Digital Transformation activities and other approved departmental projects. Working under the direction of the Director of Business Operations and in collaboration with the Strategic Initiatives Project Coordinator, the Specialist completes assigned communication, documentation, tracking, and logistical tasks.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Digital Communications and Content Development · Draft and update technology announcements, newsletters, website content, FAQs, service notices, and other approved communications.
• · Translate information provided by technical and project leads into clear language for faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders.
• · Maintain a communications calendar for assigned projects, announcements, and departmental initiatives.
• · Review content for accuracy, readability, accessibility, and consistency with university standards before submission for approval.
• Project Documentation and Coordination Support · Support the Strategic Initiatives Project Coordinator by preparing meeting materials, documenting assigned meetings, and recording decisions and action items.
• · Maintain assigned project trackers, contact lists, documentation checklists, and shared folders using information provided by project owners.
• · Request routine updates and missing materials as assigned and notify the Coordinator of overdue responses or incomplete documentation.
• · Format project summaries, status reports, presentations, and closeout materials using approved content.
• Title III Activity and Evidence Support · Collect and organize supporting documentation for assigned Title III activities, including approved progress updates, communications, event materials, and evidence of completed deliverables.
• · Maintain evidence folders and documentation checklists to support progress reporting and evaluation preparation.
• · Prepare visual summaries and presentation materials that communicate project accomplishments and benefits.
• · Refer questions about grant requirements, expenditures, or reporting decisions to the Activity Director or Project Coordinator.
• Technology Awareness and Change Communications · Prepare approved communications regarding technology changes, service improvements, implementation milestones, and scheduled disruptions.
• · Develop awareness content promoting available technology services, cybersecurity practices, and university technology initiatives.
• · Coordinate publication and distribution of approved messages through designated university channels.
• Event and Stakeholder Support · Assist with communications, registration, materials, scheduling details, and participant reminders for assigned technology events and stakeholder meetings.
• · Compile attendance information and feedback summaries for review by the Project Coordinator.
• · Maintain reusable communication templates and event materials.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of digital communications, content development, and basic technical writing practices.
• Ability to translate technical information into clear, concise language for faculty, staff, students, and other audiences.
• Ability to draft, edit, proofread, and format announcements, newsletters, website content, FAQs, reports, and presentations.
• Knowledge of basic accessibility practices for digital content and documents.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage assigned tasks, competing deadlines, and routine follow-up.
• Ability to maintain accurate trackers, meeting notes, action items, documentation checklists, and shared electronic records.
• Ability to gather and organize information and supporting evidence for project updates, grant reporting, and evaluations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint, or comparable tools.
• Ability to use digital publishing, design, and collaboration tools to prepare professional communications and supporting materials.
• Ability to support meeting and event logistics, participant communications, and feedback collection.
• Ability to work independently on assigned responsibilities and collaboratively with the Strategic Initiatives Project Coordinator, technical staff, and university stakeholders.
• Ability to follow established procedures, recognize incomplete information or delays, and refer issues requiring decisions to the appropriate supervisor or project lead.
• Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, professionalism, and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.

MINIMUM TRAINING & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Public Relations, English, Journalism, Business Administration, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 2–4 years’ experience in communications, content development, technical writing, project support, program support, or a related area. (preferably in higher education or IT).
• Strong writing, editing, and communication skills.
• Experience with content tools (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, MS Publisher, or similar).
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience must demonstrate the ability to prepare written materials, maintain organized records, use office and collaboration applications, and complete assignments within established deadlines.
• Higher education or public sector experience preferred.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Candidates selected for employment may be subject to medical inquiries and/or medical examination to determine ability to perform the job.
• Visas and labor certification will not be sponsored for this position. Note: Position excluded from Union Representation and Collective Bargaining

Additional Job Information:

Benefits include medical, dental, prescription, long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment insurance and life insurance; paid time for paid sick leave and annual leave; 10 paid holidays per year, tuition remission and supplemental retirement.

Bowie State University shall not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, marital status or veteran status. All policies, programs, and activities of Bowie State University are and shall be in conformity with all pertinent Federal and state laws of nondiscrimination including, but not limited to: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Age Discrimination Act, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Federal Executive Order No. 11375, and Article 49B of the Annotated Code of Maryland. This commitment applies in all areas and embraces faculty, staff, and students. Equal opportunity of access to academic and related programs shall be extended to all persons. Bowie State University shall have as its firm objective equal opportunity in recruitment and hiring, rate of pay, all other promotions, training, retention and dismissals, for all employees and applicants for employment. The University will stress equal access for employees and applicants for employment to all programs and services provided by the University both on and off campus. The University will also provide equal opportunity and an atmosphere of nondiscrimination with respect to women and members of minority groups in all its operations. In addition, the University shall promote equal opportunity and equal treatment through a positive and continuing Assertive Action Program. The University makes, and will continue to make, reasonable accommodations to promote the employment of qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the University's business. In addition, employees and applicants will not be subjected to harassment, intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination because they have engaged in, or may have engaged in, activities such as filing a complaint, assisting or participating in an investigation, compliance review or hearing, or opposing any act or practice made unlawful, or exercising any other right protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended or the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended.

Founded in 1865, Bowie State University (BSU) is Maryland’s oldest Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and is one of 12 constituent institutions of the University System of Maryland. One of the nation's Top 20 HBCUs, and top 10 among public HBCUs. BSU provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities for students with ambitions to achieve and succeed. BSU offers 27 undergraduate majors, as well as 18 master’s, 2 doctoral programs, along with doctoral and advanced certification programs, with special focus on science, technology, business, education and related disciplines. BSU is the among the nation's top graduate school programs in Nursing (MSN), Computer Science, Education and Public Affairs (U.S. News & World Report). With an enrollment of more than 6,000, BSU is a diverse university whose students, faculty and staff represent many ethnic and cultural backgrounds. BSU is centrally located in one of the nation’s most exciting metropolitan areas within easy reach of Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Annapolis, and boasts a serene campus on a 300-acre suburban wooden tract.