Posting Details

Posting Number

S16041P

Working Title

Assistant Director for Communications

Department

Housing-Public Relations

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

Part of the Division of Student Affairs, University Housing consists of nearly 2.9 million square feet of facilities and is home to more than 9,000 students. The department employs over 250 full-time staff members, 16 graduate assistants and 500 undergraduate student workers. As a self-supporting auxiliary, University Housing operates a nearly $75 million budget derived only from student housing fees and other non-state sources.

In support of its mission to provide comfortable, affordable and secure housing options where the academic success and personal growth of residents are encouraged and supported, University Housing engages staff members in competency-based training and students in curriculum-based engagement focused on community building, interpersonal skills, social awareness and responsibility, and well-being.

College/Unit/Department website

housing.uga.edu

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

TRS or ORP

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time

Full Time

Work Schedule

Additional Schedule Information

M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Some weekend and evening hours will be required.

Advertised Salary

$75k - $80k

Posting Date

11/06/2026

Open until filled

Yes

Closing Date

Proposed Starting Date

01/04/2027

Special Instructions to Applicants

Priority consideration will be given to those who complete the application process by 11/20/2026; 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 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well 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 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

Classification Title

Public Relations Manager

FLSA

Exempt

FTE

1.00

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent plus 10 years of professional experience to include 3 years of supervisory experience

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Education/Experience:

• Master's degree in marketing, communications or related field.
• Previous supervision experience or demonstrated ability to supervise a team.
• Well-developed portfolio of work examples in which the applicant served as the lead designer or project manager.
• Experience with mobile technology and coordinating social media activities for various accounts (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube and TikTok), as well as experience with social media management systems.
• Experience with professional photography and/or videography.
• Experience with website or content management systems.
• Experience with crisis management or emergency-related communications.
• Demonstration of strong communication skills (e.g., excellent writing skills and copy-editing ability as well as oral presentation skills) with the proven ability to promote and share the impact of a program to various audiences, as well as respond to concerns or issues.
• Experience with email marketing platforms (e.g., MailChimp).

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director for Administrative Services and Communications, the Assistant Director for Communications provides strategic leadership and direction for University Housing's comprehensive communications, marketing, public relations and digital engagement functions in support of departmental priorities and institutional objectives. This position develops and implements integrated communication strategies to inform and engage students, families, university leadership, campus partners, employees and external stakeholders regarding University Housing policies, services, initiatives and operations. The position oversees departmental publications, mass communications, marketing initiatives, web content, digital signage and other engagement platforms while collaborating with university communications and marketing professionals and campus partners to maintain brand integrity and ensure consistent, effective messaging.

The Assistant Director for Communications exercises substantial independent judgment in managing complex communications initiatives, advising leadership on messaging and communication strategies, responding to sensitive or time-critical issues, coordinating media inquiries and mitigating reputational risk. Serving as a key communications resource for a large, multifaceted residential operation, this position evaluates emerging issues and coordinates timely, accurate communications during operational disruptions, emergencies, policy changes, and other matters affecting residents and departmental operations. Through strategic planning, professional consultation, and oversight of communications functions, the position directly influences departmental effectiveness, stakeholder confidence, institutional reputation and the residential experience of UGA students.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Strategic Communications and Marketing: Thorough knowledge of communications, public relations, marketing and digital engagement best practices. Ability to develop and implement communication strategies, tailor messaging for diverse audiences, respond appropriately to media inquiries, and translate complex or sensitive information into clear, accurate, and actionable communications.
• Leadership and Independent Judgment: Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment, initiative and discretion; advise leadership on communications strategies and emerging issues; remain calm and diplomatic under pressure; and make sound decisions in time-sensitive or complex situations.
• Project and Process Management: Excellent organizational, logistical and project management skills, including the ability to coordinate multiple complex initiatives, establish priorities, manage competing deadlines, mobilize diverse stakeholders, and identify and implement process improvements.
• Written, Oral and Interpersonal Communication: Exceptional writing, editing, presentation and interpersonal skills, including mastery of AP style and the ability to prepare clear, concise reports, executive messaging, mass communications and public-facing content. Ability to communicate professionally and build productive relationships with university leadership, employees, students, families, media representatives, campus partners and external stakeholders.
• Leadership and Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to supervise, develop and engage employees; coordinate work across functional areas; build collaborative relationships; and foster a responsive, service-oriented and results-driven team environment.
• Digital Communications and Technical Proficiency: Proficiency with digital communications platforms, social media, web content management systems, and design and publishing tools, including Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign and Photoshop, Canva, Microsoft Office, and macOS. Ability to learn and effectively use departmental and university systems and technologies.
• Assessment and Continuous Improvement: Ability to interpret information, evaluate communications effectiveness using data and audience feedback, identify emerging trends and stakeholder needs, and develop recommendations that improve messaging, engagement, operational efficiency, and service delivery.
• Organizational Awareness and Adaptability: Ability to understand departmental goals, programs, services and operations and align communications activities with institutional priorities, university policies, brand standards and accessibility requirements. Ability to adapt to changing priorities and support critical departmental communications during emergencies and operational disruptions.

UNIVERSITY HOUSING EXPECTATIONS :

• Commit to a University Housing-first philosophy by promoting student success and supporting University Housing, Division of Student Affairs and University of Georgia missions and goals.
• Safeguard the physical security of University Housing facilities, protect sensitive information through adherence to cybersecurity polices and best practices, promptly report any security concerns or incidents, and promote a culture of security awareness to ensure secure on-campus residential communities.
• Embrace an entrepreneurial spirit by sharing opportunities to protect departmental resources and find cost savings.
• Be present and on time for all scheduled work, communicating proactively for unavoidable absences and adhering to policies and procedures for leave requests, as these are crucial for overall productivity, team morale and operational efficiency.
• Provide a positive student experience by being courteous, caring, patient, flexible and working to resolve issues or problems in a timely manner. Collaborate with team members across University Housing, as needed, and communicate issues to supervisors.
• Maintain a positive and productive environment by consistently following department, campus and USG policies and procedures.
• This position has been designated as Essential Personnel Pool - meaning the employee may be asked to report to work for the purposes of maintaining critical operations during inclement weather or other emergency situations. Employees in this role may be required to report to work when the University is closed or operating under modified conditions. The employee will be contacted by their supervisor (or designee) with instructions on when and where to report and what duties will be necessary. Communication will occur via the employee's primary contact information on file (e.g., phone, email or other agreed-upon method). The designation of Essential Personnel Pool will be reviewed annually during the performance evaluation period to ensure alignment with operational needs.
• Participate in departmental "all hands-on deck" events (e.g., move-in, move-out, residence hall emergencies).

Physical Demands

Normal office environment.

Occasionally lift and move items weighing at least 30 pounds.

Concentrate for extended periods and organize diverse information.

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?

No

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?

Yes

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

Yes

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

Staff Leadership, Project Management, Collaboration and Resource Stewardship

• Recruit, train, supervise and evaluate the Social Media and Marketing Manager and the Web Developer Principal, providing direction for daily operations, workload management, project coordination and professional development.
• Establish priorities, allocate resources, monitor project progress and adjust staffing and support to address changing departmental needs and competing deadlines.
• Actively promote and participate in the development, retention and engagement of each staff member.
• Develop and manage the communications budget, including monitoring expenditures, reconciling account activity and ensuring responsible stewardship of departmental resources.
• Coordinate communications project workflows and collaborate with internal and external contributors to ensure initiatives are completed accurately, efficiently and consistently.
• Collaborate with University Housing leadership, the Division of Student Affairs, university communications and marketing professionals, campus partners and external stakeholders to coordinate initiatives, maintain consistent messaging and advance shared institutional priorities.
• Lead University Housing presentations - both in person and virtually - given to returning, prospective and newly-admitted UGA students and their families.
• Serve as a University Housing communications representative on various departmental and campuswide committees and advisory groups.
• Assume other duties assigned that are consistent with the purpose and scope of this position, which may include evening, weekend and holiday hours.

Percentage of time

30

Duties/Responsibilities

Strategic Communications, Marketing and Public Relations

• Provide strategic leadership for the development, implementation and evaluation of an integrated communications and marketing plan aligned with University Housing's mission, strategic priorities and operational needs.
• Direct communications strategies that inform, engage and support residents, families, prospective students, university leadership, employees, campus partners and other stakeholders.
• Advise departmental leadership on communications strategy, public relations, messaging, stakeholder engagement, and sensitive or time-critical issues. Coordinate responses to media inquiries and public-facing issues in collaboration with the Division of Student Affairs communications office and other university partners.
• Oversee marketing research, audience analysis and outreach strategies to identify stakeholder needs, promote programs and services, and strengthen the effectiveness of departmental communications.
• Evaluate emerging communications platforms, technologies and industry practices to identify opportunities for innovation, enhance stakeholder engagement and improve service delivery.

Percentage of time

30

Duties/Responsibilities

Digital Engagement, Content Development and Brand Management

• Direct the strategy, development and maintenance of University Housing's digital communications platforms, including the departmental website, social media, digital signage, videos, virtual tours, intranet, the staff intranet and other digital resources.
• Create, review and distribute student-focused communications and content, including mass emails, publications, promotional materials, recruitment materials, community guides, family communications and summer conference materials.
• Establish standards for messaging, visual identity, brand compliance, accessibility and quality across departmental publications, digital platforms and promotional materials. Serve as the departmental resource for licensing and appropriate use of university and University Housing branding.
• Direct content development and production by professional staff, student employees, photographers, designers, freelancers, printers and other contributors to ensure timely, coordinated and high-quality deliverables.
• Ensure communications and digital content meet applicable accessibility requirements, university policies, brand standards and other relevant guidelines.
• Oversee the planning and execution of digital engagement initiatives and experiential learning opportunities associated with student staff employees.

Percentage of time

30

Duties/Responsibilities

Policy and Issues Management; Continuous Improvement

• Serve as a departmental communications resource during emergencies, facility disruptions, policy changes and other significant operational events, coordinating timely and accurate messaging to students and families in collaboration with appropriate university partners.
• Lead the annual review and maintenance of the departmental policies and procedures manual, coordinating updates and ensuring consistency with established formats, branding requirements and applicable university policies.
• Maintain knowledge of departmental operations, programs, services and strategic priorities to ensure communications activities effectively support University Housing's mission and the residential student experience.
• Develop and implement methods to evaluate the effectiveness of communications, marketing campaigns, digital platforms and stakeholder engagement initiatives. Translate data to improve communications strategies, digital experiences, operational processes, and service delivery.
• Use website analytics, audience feedback, marketing research and other available data to assess performance, identify trends and recommend improvements.

Percentage of time

10

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

Carrie Chitwood

Recruitment Contact Email

cachitwo@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

Optional Documents