Public Relations Specialist

Public Relations Specialist

Position Summary:

This position reports to the Director of Marketing and Communications. The successful candidate must be an exceptional copywriter and communicator with experience in various fields, including internal communications, marketing/advertising, and strategic communications. They should also be a compelling storyteller. Daily duties include writing and editing support for news and feature stories, internal employee communications, press releases, SHC website content, social media, newsletters, and speeches/talking points. Additionally, this role involves supporting the Director of Marketing and Communications in various assigned areas. These may include, but are not limited to, photography, content creation for social media, and marketing content development. As a member of the Marketing and Communications department, a division of the Enrollment Management dept., this position is expected to collaborate with the team to support the College. The ability to be a team player is a requirement for this position.

Required Knowledge, Skill, Abilities:

Public Relations Specialist responsibilities are as follows: Familiarity with or sincere interest in learning about the mission of Spring Hill College and the meaning of a Jesuit education, thus enabling the employee to support and strengthen the Jesuit, Catholic mission of Spring Hill College. Proven ability to support and contribute to a culture of inclusion, equity, and respect for diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and traditions in alignment with SHC mission. Managing all internal and external communications and marketing for the college, from conception to execution and distribution Serving as the primary content manager for the college's websites. Editing, creating, and updating content on the departments' program pages following university branding and website guidelines Assist with campus constituents with marketing materials and proposals, such as direct mail, email campaigns, brochures, donor proposals, etc. Work with the Director of Marketing and Communications to maintain content calendars and coordinate with other departments to develop story coverage plans, including supporting visuals, interviews, and unique story angles. Research, write, edit, and proofread content for college print and online publications, including Spring Hill Magazine (print and online), annual reports, special events collateral, internal and external electronic newsletters, print and online ads, and web copy. Developing all communication, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and distribution through the appropriate channels, as well as adherence to college guidelines Managing the promotion of college events and the creation and distribution of the college's e-newsletters as assigned by the Director of Marketing and Communications Communicating with internal and external audiences by developing content that advances the college's goals as outlined by the strategic plans Writing and editing news and feature stories for the college's print and online publications that highlight student and faculty research, events, and awards across the college's departments, divisions, and programs Support public relations and media relations initiatives, such as writing web releases, media advisories, and supporting story materials for media, as well as story development and pitching. Will work as a member of the social media team to develop the college's social media strategy ­- creating and curating digital content Capture photographs and visuals as needed to support content creation and marketing materials. Writing content for departmental marketing and promotional materials, including booklets, brochures, rack cards, and banners Collaborates with the Marcom creative team on design and photography for marketing collateral Assist with AI training and messages As a member of the Enrollment team, work with Admissions to create marketing materials promoting SHC's Value proposition Serving as the Marcom liaison when looking to develop news stories and media releases used to amplify programs and college messaging and ensure consistency and brand integrity Pitches news ideas to the Director of Marketing and Communications as it relates to leveraging current media, national news, features, and profiles for attention and awareness Post to social media accounts as requested. Support other writing and editing needs of the marketing office as requested. Writing remarks, correspondence, and presentations for the President, VP for Enrollment, Trustees, and Executive Committee Proofing and editing internal and external communications as requested. Other duties as assigned. Minimum Education Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the assignment or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Preferred Education 3+ years of experience working under journalistic principles and practices, as well as standard English and grammar rules for writing and editing Experience working in higher education, using effective communication and marketing materials to deliver the college's mission Ability to think strategically about how best to communicate with internal and external audiences, including developing appropriate content that furthers the college's goals, analyzing and using existing communication tools, and determining the proper applications of web, print, video, social media and/or other communication tools that would best address specific promotional needs Knowledge of and ability to apply college-style guidelines and AP style to publications Ability to build positive relationships with members of the campus community and offer creative solutions to content challenges Ability to handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, be creative, operate effectively as a team member, and work under pressure with strict attention to detail Ability to converse effectively and maintain contact with faculty, staff, the media, alumni, students, vendors, and government officials. The position is open until filled. To apply, please send your cover letter, writing samples, resume, and three professional references to Christopher Armstrong, Director of Marketing and Communications, Spring Hill College, 4000 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36608, or send it electronically to carmstrong@shc.edu. Off-list references may be checked. Spring Hill College is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values inclusion, respect, and the inherent dignity of every person, consistent with our Catholic, Jesuit mission. The College reserves the right to modify, reassign, or eliminate job duties and responsibilities, or to combine positions, or portions thereof, at any time, with or without notice. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.