Outreach and Communications Manager

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number S15324P Working Title Outreach and Communications Manager Department VPR-Owens Inst Behavioral Rsch 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

The William A. and Barbara R. Owens Institute for Behavioral Research (OIBR) is a nationally recognized interdisciplinary research institute that unites social and behavioral scientists from across the University of Georgia to address complex societal challenges. More than 200 affiliated researchers, supported by federal, state, and private funding agencies, collaborate across disciplines to advance innovative basic and applied research in areas including health, education, family and human development, culture, conservation, and sustainability.

OIBR fosters a dynamic research environment by supporting faculty and student scholarship at every stage of the research lifecycle. The Institute provides mentorship for early-career investigators, hosts seminars and colloquia featuring leading scholars from around the world, supports departmental faculty recruitment efforts, and offers comprehensive pre-award and post-award grants administration services. OIBR helps investigators maximize the impact of their work while reducing administrative burden.

College/Unit/Department website https://oibr.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

Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience Posting Date 06/18/2026 Open until filled No Closing Date 07/31/2026 Proposed Starting Date 08/17/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants 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 Communications Pro II FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting communications, outreach, or stakeholder engagement activities within a university, research institute, nonprofit, government agency, or other mission-driven organization.
• Experience developing and implementing strategic communications and outreach plans for research, scientific, educational, or public service initiatives.
• Experience developing content for multiple platforms, including web, email, social media, newsletters, annual reports, and promotional materials.
• Experience using analytics tools (Google Analytics, social media analytics, CRM systems, etc.) to assess communications effectiveness and guide strategy.
• Experience planning and promoting events (e.g. colloquium, workshops, webinars, community engagement activities, or other public-facing events.)

Position Summary

The Outreach and Communications Manager serves as the primary communications strategist and editorial lead for the Owens Institute for Behavioral Research (OIBR). This role plans, develops, and executes integrated communications, outreach, marketing, and engagement initiatives that advance the Institute's mission and visibility across the University of Georgia and external audiences.

Working closely with Institute leadership, the position exercises independent judgment to develop messaging strategies, oversee content development, and guide communications priorities. The role is responsible for producing and directing a wide range of communications deliverables, including newsletters, web and social media content, promotional materials, announcements, and leadership reports, ensuring consistency with University branding and messaging standards.

The position manages OIBR's digital presence, develops editorial calendars, and evaluates engagement data to inform communications strategy and support annual reporting and continuous improvement. The role also leads communications efforts for Institute programs and events and collaborates with faculty, centers, and campus partners to support outreach and promote research activities.

Additionally, the position maintains key communications infrastructure, including listservs, faculty directories, and institutional content, while coordinating communications-related aspects of recurring Institute activities such as reporting, seed grant programs, and award nominations.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Demonstrated expertise in written and verbal communications, with the ability to develop audience‑focused messaging and provide strategic guidance while engaging effectively with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Advanced proficiency in communications tools, technologies, and platforms, including Microsoft Office Suite and digital publishing systems, with the ability to evaluate, select, and leverage communication channels (web, social media, and design tools) to achieve organizational objectives.
• Ability to independently develop, edit, and oversee high‑quality communications deliverables, including publications and executive‑level materials, applying professional standards (e.g., AP style) and sound editorial judgment.
• Strong analytical thinking and intellectual curiosity, with the ability to assess communications effectiveness, interpret data and trends, and recommend evidence‑based improvements to strategy and operations.
• Proven ability to collaborate across organizational units and serve as a trusted advisor, building and sustaining effective working relationships while influencing outcomes through professional expertise.
• Organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize competing demands, manage complex initiatives, and align communications activities with institutional goals and timelines.
• Demonstrated commitment to professional integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct, exercising discretion and independent judgment in a professional environment.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects of varying scope and complexity, coordinating diverse stakeholders and ensuring high‑quality outcomes with minimal supervision.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work at a computer for long periods of time.

Is driving a responsibility of this position? No Is this a Position of Trust? No 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? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No 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

Strategic Communications & Editorial Leadership

• Serve as editorial lead for OIBR communications, independently developing messaging strategies and content plans aligned with Institute priorities and University standards.
• Write, edit, and oversee production of high‑profile communications materials, including newsletters, web content, announcements, marketing pieces, and leadership reports.
• Advise Institute leadership on communications approaches, messaging priorities, and outreach strategies to increase visibility and engagement.

Percentage of time 30 Duties/Responsibilities

Digital Communications & Content Strategy

• Manage and continuously assess OIBR's digital presence, including website and social media platforms, to ensure accuracy, relevance, engagement, and alignment with brand standards.
• Develop original content and editorial calendars for digital platforms; evaluate engagement metrics and use data to inform improvements in messaging strategy.
• Coordinate with campus stakeholders to ensure communications are consistent with University policies and brand identity.

Percentage of time 20 Duties/Responsibilities

Event Planning & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop, coordinate and execute plans for Institute events, programs, and initiatives, including on-site management, audience targeting, promotional strategy, messaging, and post‑event assessment.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to support speaker engagement, promotional materials, and Institute visibility.

Percentage of time 20 Duties/Responsibilities

Analysis, Benchmarking & Continuous Improvement

• Conduct benchmarking research of peer institutes and centers; analyze findings and present synthesized insights and recommendations to Institute leadership.
• Independently evaluate current communications methods and services and recommend innovations or improvements based on best practices and Institute needs.
• Analyze, synthesize, and interpret communications and engagement data for inclusion in the Annual Report and other leadership materials.

Percentage of time 15 Duties/Responsibilities

Coordination & Institutional Support (15%)

• Coordinate communications workflows across OIBR centers and initiatives to ensure consistency, quality, and effectiveness.
• Maintain authoritative Institute content resources, directories, and communications documentation using professional judgment rather than routine clerical processes.

Percentage of time 15

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 Kimberly Cherewick Recruitment Contact Email ksilvis@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

• Media Portfolio
• Writing Sample
• Unofficial Letters of Recommendation