Public Relations and Communications Specialist

Public Relations and Communications Specialist

• 533031
• Palmer, Alaska, United States, 99645
• On Campus
• Staff Full-time
• Grade 78
• UAA Matanuska Susitna College

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"Opportunities start here" is more than a slogan at Mat-Su College -- it is our mission. Our aim is to transform student aspirations into realities. Matanuska-Susitna College seeks applicants who possess a desire to help students succeed in reaching their goals. Join us and help turn student aspirations into reality!

The Public Relations and Communications Specialist reports to the Marketing and Communications Coordinator and is responsible for promoting the mission, values, and programs of Mat-Su College through clear, engaging, and strategic communication. This position manages public relations efforts, media outreach, and internal messaging to ensure consistent branding and effective information sharing. The specialist collaborates across departments to support events, announcements, and initiatives, helping strengthen the college's presence in the community and beyond.

A vital part of this role involves supporting faculty, departments, and student clubs by developing a wide range of marketing materials. Whether creating flyers, digital ads, or promotional content, the specialist helps bring projects to life through creative messaging and design that reflect the college's identity and goals.

The PR and Communications Specialist is also responsible for writing content for college newsletters, press releases, newspapers, and official communications from the college director. This position requires strong writing and editing skills, as it serves as the voice behind many of the college's key messages and public outreach.

Additionally, this role includes representing the college at off-campus events and speaking engagements. The specialist acts as a college ambassador, helping to build relationships, engage community members, and promote the opportunities available through Mat-Su College.

To thrive in this role, a successful Public Relations and Communications Specialist will be a strong communicator, organized, and proactive in managing multiple projects and deadlines. The ideal candidate will have an eye for detail, a collaborative spirit, and the ability to adapt messaging for diverse audiences. Creativity, professionalism, and a commitment to amplifying the college's mission are essential to making a meaningful impact in this role.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications or related field and two years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

An unrestricted Alaska driver's license and clean driving record in compliance with UA Safe Driving criteria is required.

Position Details:

This position is located on the Matanuska Susitna College campus in Palmer, Alaska. This is a full-time, non-exempt staff position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 78, based on education and experience.

• A writing sample will be requested upon receiving an invitation to interview.

Application review will begin on July 27, 2026. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration; however, the recruitment will remain open until filled.

To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click HERE.

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the Coalition of Alaska University Staff for Equity (CAUSE)-UAW.

️If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Veronica Rodriguez, staff HR Coordinator, at vmrodriguez5@alaska.edu or (907)-746-9334.

• To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact the ADA team at ua-ada@alaska.edu.

The University of Alaska (www.alaska.edu) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution. The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination (www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination) against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.

• Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu.

UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu.

UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing uas.clery@alaska.edu.