Communications Specialist

Communications Specialist

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Communications Specialist.

Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary
The Communications Specialist develops and manages content for distribution across a variety of digital and print communication channels. This role is responsible for drafting, refining, and proofreading high-quality written materials to ensure clarity, accuracy, and strategic impact. The Communications Specialist ensures that all content aligns with institutional style guidelines, brand standards, and established marketing objectives. Additionally, the position collaborates with internal stakeholders to support messaging consistency and enhance the university’s overall communications strategy.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Writes, edits, and refines high-quality content for a variety of marketing and communication assets, including websites, print materials, presentations, and digital communications. Adapts messaging to align with the intended audience, platform, tone, word count, visual layout, and accessibility standards.
• Collaborates with University Communications staff and campus partners to proofread and edit materials for accuracy, clarity, grammar, and style, ensuring alignment with university brand standards and editorial guidelines.
• Develops accurate captions and transcripts for university-produced videos to support accessibility compliance and institutional standards.
• Manages multiple projects simultaneously from concept through completion, meeting deadlines while maintaining organized documentation and a centralized digital asset library of approved copy and source materials to support consistency and efficiency.
• Partners with campus units to gather information, clarify communication needs, and translate communication goals into engaging marketing content.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities, organizing tasks efficiently, and meeting established deadlines.
• Attention to detail, with the ability to review work for accuracy and quality.
• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Ability to complete occasional day travel to other USM locations to fulfill job responsibilities.
  

About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.