Executive Communications Specialist

Are you ready to transform lives through academic excellence, innovative research, strong community partnerships and economic opportunity? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With growing enrollment and global reach, we continue to expand our institutional influence and prominence beyond the state of Georgia. We offer more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to empower our 47,000 students to become thought leaders, lifelong learners, and informed global citizens. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics draw students from throughout the region and from more than 100 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, rich benefits, and values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia. We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University in our vision. Come Take Flight at KSU!

(Primary Location for Job Responsibilities) Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144.

Our Marietta campus is located at 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060.

Provides communication for the Office of the President and Office of the Provost/VPAA. Effectively communicates KSU's mission and leadership messages. Researches topics for effective development of talking points, drafting of scripts and other communications. Ensures that all copy is consistent with leadership and University voice in all communications. Consistently performs in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with a high-volume workload and short turnaround time. Engages in university-wide communications and activities to understand the campus community, highlight great stories, and develop compelling content. Adopts best practices and produces innovative, responsive output.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Identify and write a variety of remarks, talking points, scripts, and communications for University leadership and designated speakers.
2. Write clear and error-free content that reflects the voice of leadership and the brand of the University.
3. Meet with leadership and constituencies to understand effective messaging, brand voice, and target audiences.
4. Interpret discussions to develop concepts for content execution that resonate with designated audiences.
5. Interpret creative direction and technical information and turn them into persuasive copy concepts.
6. Drive the creation of original concepts that result in effective and compelling communication.
7. Take complex materials/concepts and present the message in a clear and concise way.
8. Use research to produce interesting written content and proofread work for accuracy and quality.
9. Collaborate with Strategic Communications and Marketing to coordinate concepts and content.
10. Present copy concepts and final deliverables to leadership.
11. Work with leadership to edit and modify copy to meet content expectations.
12. Consistently develop relatable, engaging comments that tell a story and inspire action.
13. Raise the bar continually for writing fresh copy that connects with desired audiences.
14. Be adept at varying the voice, style, and other characteristics of messaging based on the industry, company, or target audience(s).
15. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of communications and industry trends.
16. Stay current on the appropriate style guidelines and brand voice for consistent messaging.
17. Research and understand stakeholders (through online searches, reviews, interviews with subject-matter experts, and in-person meetings); share key critical insights with leadership.
18. Research and prepare biographic summaries regarding external organizations and constituents.
19. As appropriate, collaborate with a team from concept development to delivery of final products.
20. Understand different language styles that appeal to various target markets.
21. Prepare commencement scripts from concept to completion, including: communicating with stakeholders, gathering information, soliciting feedback, implementing edits, and distributing finalized documents.
22. Cultivate and maintain relationships with KSU faculty, staff and students to support the development of compelling content.

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in related field

Required Experience
Three (3) years of related marketing and/or communications experience

Preferred Educational Qualifications
Advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in Marketing, Public Relations or Communications

Preferred Experience
Experience in higher education
Event Management Experience
Copywriting experience

ABILITIES
Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines
Ability to work independently or with a team

KNOWLEDGE
Familiarity with commonly used style guides

SKILLS
Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite, Desktop Publishing software)
Strong attention to detail and follow up skills
Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette
Exceptional writing and research skills
Experience utilizing search engine optimization to maximize research results
Self-motivated and organized

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.

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.

This is not a supervisory position.
This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is not considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time

• 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