Communications Coordinator

Texas A&M University System · College Station

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Agency

Department

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Who we are

The Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) is an institution that represents 100 years of growth from a small school of veterinary medicine in 1916 to its present role as a major veterinary educational, medical, and research center. Today, we are one of the largest schools of veterinary medicine in the United States, training nearly 600 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students each year. We support collaboration and teamwork that turns today’s discoveries into proactive solutions for animals, humans, and the environment. Together, we strive to support the goals of the faculty, staff and students in teaching, research and outreach programs.

What we want

The Communications Coordinator, under general supervision, supports the creation of news and feature stories (including research, medical and/or science communication-based content for the VMBS), digital content, newsletters, and other informational/promotional materials for both internal and external audiences. Oversees the planning and posting of editorial/news content to the web to increase visibility of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. Manages the college’s calendaring system. Supports the creation of content for, editing of, and designs in the production of other VMBS-related informational and promotional materials and presentations, including campaigns for digital and multimedia communications platforms. Ensures communications in all mediums are of the highest quality, are consistent with the VMBS’ and Texas A&M University’s stated values and align with established institutional identity standards.

What you need to know

Salary: Commensurate based on education and experience

Schedule/Location: Full-time | Mon - Fri | 8am-5pm | College Station, TX

Cover Letter/Resume: A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended and will help in our review. You may upload them on the application under the CV/Resume section.

Please note: Persons in this position are considered essential when the University declares an emergency, campus closure, class cancellations, etc., and are therefore required to report to work and remain on duty unless/until relieved by the direct supervisor.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three years of communications and/or marketing experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in communications, writing, English, or related field.
• Experience writing about complex topics, such as science, medicine, technology, or research, for a variety of audiences.
• Familiarity with higher education goals, structures, and communication standards.
• Experience using content management systems (CMS) to manage web content.
• Familiarity with SEO and SEM best practices.

 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
• Self-starter, motivated intrinsically to accomplish objectives.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with excellent proofreading and copy-editing abilities and strong attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to present information clearly and concisely.
• Proficiency in AP Style Guide.
• Knowledge of communicating with large audiences through online communications platforms.
• Highest level of professionalism and respect for confidentiality.

Responsibilities

Writing, Editing, and Planning

• Collects information for and writes news releases, feature stories, and other content for the web, handouts, magazines, video scripts, and/or other promotional materials in print and/or electronic format, with an emphasis on research, medical, and/or other science topics.
• Supports the production of general content in collaboration with other VMBS Marketing & Communications team members, including helping team members proactively maintain and update materials as needed.
• Develops sources and conducts interviews.
• Contributes to editorial calendar and advises on timing of release of stories.
• Generates story ideas.
• Assures print and web-based products conform to VMBS, Texas A&M, and journalistic standards.
• Responds to inquiries and tracks news coverage, as necessary.
• Covers VMBS-related events.

Web Communications

• Supports the content maintenance of the VMBS website and affiliated VMBS web properties, including posting stories online, overseeing blogs, and copy editing and updating web pages; collaborates to support the development of content to ensure search engine optimization of VMBS website and affiliated VMBS web properties, as well as in support of integration of new media, including internal and external tools for the web, to help increase visibility and awareness of the VMBS.

Digital and Multimedia Communications

• Oversees the VMBS’ calendaring system.
• Assists in the promotion of general-content materials for appropriate print, electronic, and digital media, including for digital signage.
• Collaborates to support integration of new media, including internal and external digital communication tools, to help increase visibility and awareness of the VMBS.
• Tracks targeted marketing and communication projects and develops timelines for project execution.

Email Marketing

• Leads in the development and promotion of emails for internal and external events and other necessary email communications.
• Develops monthly and/or quarterly newsletters for various VMBS stakeholders.
• Tracks targeted marketing and communication projects and develops timelines for project execution.
• Evaluates analytics from email marketing campaigns to determine optimal send times and other considerations that help best reach our audiences.

Outreach and Education

• Prepares and presents information to educate internal stakeholders on best practices for communicating journalistically, including how to communicate highly technical scientific topics to lay audiences, as part of the development of news releases, for other print and electronic publications, and in preparation for external media interviews.

Other Duties

• Other duties as assigned.

Additional Information

Machines or equipment used in the performance of essential duties

Mac computer - 36 hours

Phone / audio recorder - 4 hours

Other Requirements and Factors

• This is a position that focuses on research communications, so the ability to understand complex scientific concepts (either through research or interviews with faculty) and then “translate” that information into stories for the general public are critical skills for this position. An understanding of research protocols/how research is conducted/elements of higher education related to research are also important.
• This position may occasionally require work outside of the standard Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., workday, including on the weekends, and travel on or off campus.
• This position is security sensitive.
• This position requires compliance with state and federal laws/codes and Texas A&M University System/TAMU policies, regulations, rules and procedures.
• All tasks and job responsibilities must be performed safely without injury to self or others in compliance with System and University safety requirements
• (If applicable) This position allows alternate work location per TAMU guidelines

Why Texas A&M University?

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.  Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.  Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee
• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered, or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to pre-populate the online application.

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.

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