Communications Specialists II/III, Temporary

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via ConnectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

The University of Mississippi

"The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential.”

Department Summary

University Marketing & Communications oversees internal communications for the university including support of employee communications and engagement in partnership with Human Resources and support for Encompass, a campus-wide initiative focused on a solution that integrates and manages various business processes and functions, providing organizations with a single, unified view of their data, processes, and information.  Encompass is a foundational transformation that is instrumental to operational efficiency and effectiveness and will allow the university to better serve faculty, staff, students and researchers.

Up to three-year assignment supporting internal communications efforts related to university employees includingt he campus-wide initiative, Encompass. 

Role Specifications

Below you will find classification and compensation information.  Classification and salary designation will be based upon selected candidate’s experience and qualifications as well as internal equity and funds available.

For additional details behind the University of Mississippi classification system please visit Human Resource Compensation Page

Communications Specialist II

Family -  Communications and Marketing

Sub-Family - Communications

Career Track / Level - P2

Grade - 6

Communications Specialist III

Family -  Communications and Marketing

Sub-Family - Communications

Career Track / Level - P3

Grade - 9

Role Summary

Communication Specialist II

Develops and drafts communication content and supports the unit's communication goals.

Communication Specialist III

Develops and drafts communication content and supports the communication strategy through storytelling and campaigns for university wide projects/efforts.

Examples of Work Performed

• Works in collaboration with others to establish the needs, schedule, and deadlines for communication projects.
• Assists in the timely, accurate, and effective production and dissemination of printed and electronic information to internal and external audiences.
• Develops original news and feature stories to generate support for the University and/or departmental interests.
• Develops text for a wide range of publications, advertising copy, news releases, brochures, capital campaign communications, and/or other presentations.
• Produces specialized editorial content for major gift announcements, special projects, and publications, and web sites. 
• Coordinates additional editorial content (photo, video, graphics, etc.) to support written stories.
• Applies strategic communications approaches to achieve respective individual and departmental goals.
• Works to identify new, innovative storytelling platforms that can help share the University’s story to broader audiences.
• Builds partnerships with other schools, colleges and departments across campus to effectively tell those stories to internal and external audiences.
• Performs similar or related duties as assigned or required.

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following.  Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.

Communications Specialist II 

1. Evaluates, researches, and documents content sources according to established policies and procedures.  
2. Receives and responds to moderately complex inquiries and individuals and groups according to established policies and procedures.
3. Plans editorial content according to established goals and objects. 
4. Communicates with stakeholders to verify requests and identifying editorial resources. 
5. Authors and edits a range of documents for use by internal and external audiences.
6. Consults with internal and external stakeholders on editorial matters to ensure accuracy.
7. Assists in creating and implementing communication campaigns that align with work unit or program strategies.

Communications Specialist III

1. Receives and responds to complex inquiries and individuals and groups according to established policies and procedures.
2. Creates and implements communication campaigns for university wide projects.
3. Uses storytelling to effectively communicate the university's objectives.
4. Authors and edits a wide range of documents for use by internal and external audiences.
5. Consults with internal and external stakeholders on more complex editorial matters to ensure accuracy.

Minimum Education/Experience

Communications Specialist II

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Experience:  (3) Three years Experience

Communications Specialist III

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Experience:  (6) Six years Experience

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

Minimum Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements:  These physical requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job-related physical requirements may be added to these by individual agencies on an as needed basis. 

Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

Physical Exertion:  The incumbent may be required to lift up to approximately 10 pounds.

Vision:  Requirements of this job include close vision. Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

Motor Coordination:  While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is frequently required to talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The incumbent is periodically required to sit. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.