Description

External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Full/Part time Full Time Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information
Monday thru Friday 8am-5pm with occasional nights and weekends
Advertised Salary $68,000-$73,000 Posting Date 01/29/2026 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 04/01/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants
Priority consideration will be given to those who complete the application process by Friday February 13, 2026; however, screening will continue until the position is filled.

We are unable to offer a work visa sponsorship for this position. You must be authorized to work in the U.S. to apply.

Location of Vacancy Athens Area EEO Policy Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Position Information

Classification Title Communications Pro III FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience
Preferred Qualifications

• Five (5) or more years of related professional experience.
• Experience working in higher education or a complex organizational environment.
• Experience supporting executive or senior leadership communications.
• Supervisory or team leadership experience.

Position Summary
The Assistant Director for Communications is a key position within the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. This role operates under the strategic direction of the Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs and is responsible for executing, coordinating, and supporting division-wide communications and marketing initiatives, with a strong emphasis on copywriting, editorial oversight, and message development.

The Assistant Director for Communications leads and manages complex communications projects, supports executive-level messaging, and ensures alignment with divisional, institutional, and USG branding and communications standards. This position blends strategic planning, project management, copywriting, and relationship management to enhance the visibility, reputation, and effectiveness of Student Affairs programs, services, and initiatives.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of marketing, communications, and public relations principles, particularly in higher education settings.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to lead complex initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and deadlines.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including copywriting, editing, and message framing.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with a high degree of judgment, discretion, and professionalism.
• Ability to build trust and collaborate effectively across various functional areas.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize competing demands.
• Familiarity with digital communications platforms, content management systems, and project management tools.

Physical Demands
Minimal lifting of supplies for programs and events.
Is driving a responsibility of this position? No Is this a Position of Trust? Yes Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No Credit and P-Card policy
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities
Copywriting, Content Development & Messaging:

• Draft, edit, and proofread high-visibility written content including division-wide announcements, executive correspondence, newsletters, web content, marketing copy, talking points, reports, and presentations.
• Translate complex information, policies, and initiatives into clear, accessible messaging for various audiences, including students, staff, campus partners, and external stakeholders.
• Serve as an editorial reviewer for OVPSA communications, providing quality control and consistency across written deliverables.
• Ensure alignment of divisional communications with institutional brand standards, messaging frameworks, and accessibility requirements.

Percentage of time 35 Duties/Responsibilities
Liaison & Client Services for Student Affairs Units:

• Coordinate the Division's email marketing strategy and initiatives, and support and guide departmental email marketing strategies and initiatives.
• Continuously analyze the return on investment (ROI) of marketing strategies through data/trends that are in turn implemented to landing pages, websites, marketing copy, UX and funnels designed to increase engagement.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for Student Affairs departments seeking communications and marketing support.
• Consult with departments to assess needs, define project scope, establish timelines, and recommend appropriate communications strategies and tactics.
• Manage and coordinate multiple concurrent projects across units, ensuring high-quality deliverables, on-time completion, and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Provide consultative guidance to departments on messaging, content needs, and communications best practices.
• Foster collaborative relationships across the division to strengthen consistency, efficiency, and impact of communications efforts.

Percentage of time 30 Duties/Responsibilities
Strategic Communications & Marketing Leadership:

• Support the Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs in implementing divisional communications and marketing priorities.
• Translate divisional goals and initiatives into coordinated communications plans and project workflows.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, tools, and approaches used to deliver communications across the division.
• Monitor trends and emerging practices in higher education communications and recommend enhancements to improve effectiveness and reach.
• Coordinate messaging for major initiatives or time-sensitive issues at the direction of the Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs.

Percentage of time 20 Duties/Responsibilities
Project Management, Supervision & Operations:

• Manage workflow, project tracking, and prioritization for communications initiatives managed through the OVPSA.
• Directly supervise and mentor a team of student employees who support divisional communications efforts, with a primary focus on social media management and digital engagement.
• Establish and oversee content calendars, posting guidelines, and approval workflows for division-level social media accounts.
• Collaborate with campus partners (e.g., Marketing & Communications) to coordinate efforts and leverage shared resources.
• Participate in divisional and university committees, initiatives, and professional development activities.

Percentage of time 15

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name Stan jackson Recruitment Contact Email ugastan@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * How did you hear about this vacant position in Student Affairs?
   • Current UGA Employee
   • Handshake
   • HigherEd Jobs
   • Indeed.com
   • Inside Higher Ed
   • Insight Into Diversity
   • LinkedIn
   • Professional Organization
   • UGAJobs (UGA's Job Board)
   • Other (please provide)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents