Pay Grade/Pay Range:  Non Classified - Grade NA

Department/Organization: 301202 - Communications-Strategic Communicat

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:45pm

Note to Applicants: This position may be eligible for remote hybrid work.

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Job Summary: The Public Relations Strategist serves as lead coordinator for draft communications related to sensitive topics. Reports directly to the Associate Vice President for Communications. Collaborates closely with leadership on important topics and projects.

Additional Department Summary: Monitors and researches media and national issues related to other universities and state agencies and develops draft comprehensive response plans in close coordination with other UA units as needed. Coordinates select sensitive media inquiries and requests. Assists in information gathering, research, planning, development, design and distribution of related draft information to key constituents through available communications and marketing resources with transparency and risk management in mind. Serves as a resource for other campus departments and communicators to address and help manage communications/PR issues and concerns.

Drafts audits and tracks related news, social and non-traditional media and evaluations of public relations response effectiveness using quantitative and qualitative methods. Assists with the strategic planning, operations and/or administrative activities of the University’s communications programs in emergency events. Serves as a supporting member of the division’s crisis communications group. Will assist with division emergency response planning. When appropriate, this position will partner with emergency communications staff related to weather, natural disaster or public safety events.

Tracks and analyzes data on the speed of communications, timing of messages and any communication delays. Will require periodic late night, early morning and weekend responsibilities.

This position may be eligible for remote hybrid work.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and six (6) years of experience in communications or public relations, to include some experience in crisis communications or issues management; OR masters degree degree and four (4) years years of experience in communications or public relations, to include some experience in crisis communications or issues management.

Skills and Knowledge: Advanced writing and critical thinking skills for clear and concise communication.

Preferred Qualifications: Previous experience in higher education or a related field.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" Poster

About University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

As the state’s flagship university, The University of Alabama family has always focused on being the best. After all, we are The Capstone of Higher Education. Founded in 1831 as the state’s first public college, The University of Alabama is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and service. We provide a creative, nurturing campus environment where our students can become the best individuals possible, learn from the best and brightest faculty, and make a positive difference in the community, the state and the world. You’ll like what you find here. Become part of The University of Alabama family.

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