Research Communications Lead

About Us

Are you ready to join a community leading in innovative teaching and learning? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country.

With our growing enrollment and global reach, we are enjoying increased prominence among Georgia's colleges. We offer more than 150 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to over 43,000 students. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics also draw students from throughout the region and from 92 countries across the globe.

Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, mission and values and rich benefits make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia. Kennesaw State will exemplify the power and promise of a student-centered, research-driven university.

Our institutional values are student-inspired, promise-fulfilling, true to ourselves, elevational, open and impact-generating. In addition, we support the University System of Georgia core values of accountability, excellence, integrity and respect. We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University. Come to KSU and find your passion.

Location

Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144.

Job Summary

Serves as the internal steward of the Kennesaw State University research brand and works to enhance understanding of KSU Research to internal and external audiences while supporting the overall university mission. Guides faculty and staff internal communications efforts at KSU.

Works collaboratively with the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing to help maximize the KSU Research brand. Works alongside the department's management team to oversee the University's internal and student communications strategy and maintain the infrastructure and communications vehicles that facilitate communication among the faculty, staff, and students while fostering a culture of one brand, one community.

Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.In collaboration with the Vice President for Research, develops a communications plan focused on maintaining the university's brand and increasing the Office of Research's visibility.

2.Sets the overall strategy for internal communications, bringing best practices and leadership to our internal communication practice

3.Oversees the Office of Research's internal communications platforms, including digital newsletters, webpages, communications applications and the campus digital signage network

4.Provides strategic direction and works collaboratively with other department heads on the oversight of faculty and student communications

5.Coordinates, writes and edits content for a variety of internal mediums

6.Manages the creation of digital assets for web publication, including images and some video for university webpages and newsletters

7.Assists with placement of KSU researchers in news stories that paint faculty as experts in their field of study

8.Manages assigned staff and/or student assistants

9.Develops, maintains, and reports on key performance metrics for internal communications vehicles/programs and makes recommendations to review and amend the strategy as appropriate

10. Proactively identifies gaps and opportunities to enhance communications

11. Establishes relationships with staff members across the University as key contacts for internal communications

12. Assists with communications for executive leadership

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or related field

Required Experience

Five (5) years of internal communications, public relations, journalism or other related experience

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Educational Qualifications

Advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education relevant to job

Preferred Experience

Higher education experience

Proposed Salary

The budgeted salary range is $73,160 to $85,000. Offers are based on relevant experience.

Comprehensive benefits to include Medical, Dental, Vision, 13 paid holidays, vacation, generous retirement plans, tuition waiver, wellness options, and much more! Visit hr.kennesaw.edu/benefits.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES

Demonstrated experience with social media channels and tools, demonstrated project management, and the ability to work individually and as part of a team serving multiple clients

Strong work ethic and ability to complete projects both independently and as part of a team

Able to meet deadlines and juggle multiple projects simultaneously

Self-starter who proactively brings ideas and solution to the team

Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines

KNOWLEDGE

Experience establishing and building strong relationships with a broad base of audiences including college leadership, faculty, staff, and students

Experience in digital publishing through the web, email newsletters, or other digital media

Some familiarity with system administration best practices, including management of a network of digital signs

Experience managing a small team of communication professionals

SKILLS

Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills

Strong command of Associated Press Style

Demonstrated strong planning and strategic skills.

Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite)

Strong attention to detail and follow up skills

Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette

USG Core Values

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 on-line 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 on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community.

For additional information on this policy, or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 225, eeo@kennesaw.edu

Background Check

• Standard Enhanced

• Education

Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening

results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility.

All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials.

https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap_manual/HRAP_Background_Investigation_Employment.pdf