Specialist - Communication

Special Instructions

Dear Applicant,

The South Texas College Office of Human Resources will not be held responsible for redacting any confidential or sensitive information from the documents that you attach to your application. Confidential and sensitive information include the following:

• Social Security Number
• Date of Birth
• Age
• Citizenship Status
• Gender
• Ethnicity/Race
• Marital Status
• Applicant Photos
  

* A redaction guide can be found by clicking here.

Please make sure that you omit this information from your application prior to submission. We are advising you that the Office of Human Resources will be forwarding your application to the hiring department as per your submission.

Transcripts
Transcripts must be from an institution accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Foreign transcripts
Applicants submitting employment applications with foreign transcripts must provide transcript equivalency documentation from an approved evaluation service. The evaluation service must be a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). The evaluation service links on the following site are provided by South Texas College for your convenience but are not affiliated with South Texas College: NACES Members

Job Description

Department: Communication and Creative Services

General Statement of Job

The Communication Specialist is responsible for moderating communications between the College and various media outlets such as newspapers, radio broadcasts and television stations and social media. The Communication Specialist writes, edits, and assists with the development and execution of a wide range of editorial projects for external and internal audiences.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for the development and execution of a wide range of editorial projects for external and internal audiences.
• Writes and edits for recurring publications and electronic news distribution.
• Counsels internal clients on editorial matters.
• Accepts assignments on a wide range of topics from PR and Communication Manager, and develops own story ideas based on in-depth knowledge of the College and as a result of personal contacts developed through the College.
• Discusses story ideas with managers and determines scope, deadlines, word counts and photo or other graphic possibilities.
• Submits stories that are well-researched and well-reported, grammatically and factually sound, clearly written and interesting to read, conform to AP style, are balanced in viewpoint and that follow standards of excellent journalism.
• Writes and distributes press releases to appropriate media outlets and writes content within social media channels, including blog posts, tweets, pins, photos and videos.
• Pitches stories to news media as assigned.
• Assist in developing social media strategies to market the college and its successes to grow an audience and build brand awareness.
• Assists in maintaining and growing business presence across social media channels including, but not limited to: X, formerly Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram.
• Leverages measurement tools to provide progress reports and insights of social media to successfully promote the college and its programs.
• Arranges photography and/or press coverage for special events
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communication Arts or related field required.
• At least two (2) years of professional experience in publication production, writing and editing, preferred.
• Experience with media relations in an educational setting, preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office including, but not limited to, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, the Windows environment, and internet research skills.
• Familiarity with pitching stories to news media.
• Familiarity of DSLR camera equipment.
• Working knowledge of social media platforms
• Ability to identify and pursue stories that adhere to strategic priorities.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and complete multiple tasks with attention to detail, within stated deadlines.
• Ability to work evenings and/or weekends as needed; willing to travel throughout the college district using own means