Job Title

Communications Specialist

Agency

Tarleton State University

Department

Marketing and Communications

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Stephenville, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The Communications Specialist, under the supervision of the AVP for Marketing and Communications and in close coordination with the Office of the President, performs public relations and strategic communication activities that elevate the visibility, reputation, and voice of the President of Tarleton State University. 

The position is in-office located on the Stephenville main campus with work hours: Mon-Fri; 8 AM-5 PM or as work requirements indicate. Serves as Campus Security Authority (CSA). 

Responsibilities

Social Media (50%)

Maintain and prepare consistent content for select social media channels.

Accompanies the President to university events, programs, and public appearances to document, communicate, and amplify institutional priorities via media and social platforms.

Utilizes creative new media, including internal and external web, social media tools, and online communities to help increase visibility, interest, and relationships with presidential social media channels.

Deploys and maintains ongoing efforts for optimized, strategic, branded presences in select social media. Monitors brand mentions with focus on developing, connecting, and engaging with strong communities with a dedicated and responsive outreach.

Participates in internal and external web content updates, podcasting, blogging, or other approved initiatives and analyzes social media efforts quantitatively to fuel recommendations/plans for ongoing utilization.

Participates in planning and publicizing special events, especially those that benefit from utilization of alternative or social media.

Exercises discretion and professionalism in managing high-level communications and interactions.

Written Communication (35%)

Supports public relations and information services web updating and servicing, including calendar production.

Provides writing for special projects, as well as the creation of event scripting, biography writing, web content, and other writing-based needs as assigned.

Assists with coordinating public relations efforts, including press conferences, executive media training, and relevant communication with regional and national media.

Document meetings, as requested.

Creative Content (10%)

Adheres to Brand Standards, University Publications Guidelines, and Social Media Guidelines. 

Creates designed and video content, including short-form video, for distribution on social media.

Provides photography and video services. Maintains media files for news releases and other publications or presentations. Oversees photoshoots and print sessions.

Other (5%)

Performs other duties as assigned

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Two years of related experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Strong writing, editing, and organizational skills

Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation applications.

Ability to organize work effectively and prioritize objectives with a high level of discretion and independent judgment and initiative.

Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Interpersonal and communication skills.

Planning and organization skills.

Preferred Experience:

Strong knowledge of social media analytics, trends, and project management software.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Salary Range:

The target base annual salary range is $44,000 to $52,000 and may be negotiable based on funding availability and candidate experience/skillset in relation to the minimum requirements of this position. Tarleton State University offers a career filled with purpose and opportunity in addition to competitive wages. As part of the Tarleton family, the following benefits are also available to full time and qualifying part time employees:

Educational Benefits - employee perks that help enrich, grow, and foster career and professional development:

Family Education Benefit (Tuition Scholarship) – scholarship opportunities for Tarleton employees, their spouses, or their dependents available after 6 months of continued full-time employment. Click the link to learn more about this incredible Texan benefit!

Masters Educational Assistance – is designed to invest in and assist employees further their knowledge, skills, and job effectiveness through 100% of eligible tuition and fees being paid on enrollment. Click link for additional guidelines and details!

Employee Health, Wellness, and Financial Planning

Fully covered employee health insurance

Reimbursement of Insurance Premium Deductions! The State of Texas contributes to eligible employees’ insurance coverages as of the 1st day of the month following 60 days of employment in an eligible position. For those who elect coverage PRIOR to the first of the month after 60 days of employment, Tarleton State University will reimburse employees the State contribution towards health coverage during those first 60 days.

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement and Insurance programs

Paid Leave

Tarleton employees enjoy one of the greatest PTO packages in the area!

Paid sick leave

Holiday pay

Vacation

Longevity pay

Paid Birthday Leave – Tarleton State University awards all leave-eligible employees paid time off for their birthday!

Other

Complimentary tickets to all Athletic and Performing Fine Arts events!

Tarleton Employees enjoy two complimentary general admission tickets for athletics and performing fine arts events on campus! Join Texan Nation on the bleachers or in the auditorium.

Employee Wellness Release Time

Staff Gym Membership Discount with Campus Recreation

and other Tarleton Discounts

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a completed application for consideration. Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.

Application Procedure:

During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents and Submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via "Submit" action.

Employment applications must include:

Completed online application

Cover Letter / Letter of Interest addressing qualifications

Curriculum Vitae or Resume

At least 3 current professional references and their full contact information

Applications received by Tarleton State University must have all job application data entered.  Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application.  “See resume” is not an acceptable entry in the job application.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.