TITLE:                       Communications Specialist
DEPARTMENT:       Communications
REPORTS TO:          Director of Development
SUPERVISES:           None
CREATED:                 8.23.23
UPDATED:
STATUS:                    Exempt

 

BASIC FUNCTION: Initiate and coordinate communications for the University. Those include but not limited to internal communication, external communications with key stakeholders, writing press releases, working with media outlets, managing Baptist University of the Américas social media presence, monitoring media requests, maintaining the school website, development of a monthly newsletter, creating graphic announcements, and coordinating opportunities for organizational leaders. This position will drive critical communication pieces for the University. Additionally, this position will be the lead writer on student stories, promotion and recruitment. Will interface with the recruitment taskforce team in an effort to recruit students for the University.

RESPONSIBILITIES/TASKS:

NOTE:  Some descriptions may have more specific duties and/or goals and objectives attached to this form.  Such attachments normally reflect unique aspects of specific locations, shifts, departments, etc. 

  1. Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that supports the university’s mission and vision.
  2. Provides executive level support to the President by writing speeches, external communication, in addition to any other needed messaging for the university.
  3. Will work closely with the President’s office to review internal and external correspondence and drafts responses for the University
  4. Create and distribute a variety of communications materials including but not limited to; press releases, newsletters, brochures, feature stories, advertisements and website content.
  5. Plan, develop and execute the development of monthly newsletters for key constituents for the University, including donor, alumni and students.
  6. Manage the university’s social media accounts; including but not limited to creating posts, scheduling posts, and responding to inquiries.
  7. Must maintain the university’s brand while ensuring all communications materials adhere to the university brand guidelines.
  8. Engage with students and staff in an effort to develop key student stories for a variety of media outlets
  9. Write press releases and content for the University website, blogs and newsletters
  10. Work with university staff on the development for all university merchandise
  11. Develop and manage the university’s crisis communication plan.
  12. Maintain the university’s website by keeping information, photos, and video content updated
  13. Plan, create, and design all photographic, video and graphic arts content for BUA’s website, social media accounts and publications.
  14. Develop and implement strategies for increasing BUA’s presence and following on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and X.
  15. Remain current on social media trends.
  16. Conceptualize, plan, design, and produce print and online material consistent with the University’s brand.
  17. Work efficiently and professionally in a fast paced, deadline driven environment.
  18. Perform special assignments projects and other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Numbers 1-12 are considered Primary Duties for this job.

POSITION EXPERIENCE & ABILITIES:

NOTE:  These requirements represent minimum levels in order to perform the job on a satisfactory basis.  Candidates must have the ability to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job.

  1. Requires a BA degree in Communications or related field
  2. One to three years’ experience is preferred.
  3. Experience working and building collaborative partnerships with a broad range of organizations including public agencies, K-12, non-profits, community-based, business, governmental, and national organizations
  4. Leadership approach must be student-centered, collaborative within the institution.
  5. Ability to prioritize and execute a wide range of projects simultaneously and produce various reports.

POSITION CRITICAL SKILLS:

NOTE:  These requirements represent minimum levels in order to perform the job on a satisfactory basis.  Candidates must have the ability to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job.

  1. Project/Program Management: Effectively direct and integrate all aspects of a project or program; ensure that work progresses toward achieving goals and objectives.
  2. Self-management. Demonstrate self-control and an ability to manage time and priorities.  Make sound decisions even under pressure.
  3. Planning and Organizing. Establish a course of action for oneself and/or others to accomplish specific goals.  Plan proper assignments in order to appropriately allocate available resources.
  4. Leadership. Create and communicate a clear a vision/goal, gain alignment with appropriate stakeholders, and foster a supportive climate that will achieve the desired results.
  5. Communication. Clearly express ideas, either verbally or in writing, to include but not limited to grammar, organization, and structure.  Communicate cross-culturally among various cultures.
  6. Research. Effectively identify, collect, organize, and document data and information in ways that make the information most useful for subsequent assessment, analysis, and investigation.
  7. Willingness to Learn. Promptly assimilate and apply new job-related information and skills.
  8. Creative & Innovative Thinking. Develop innovative ideas that provide solutions to all types of workplace challenges by adapting traditional or devising new approaches, concepts, methods, models, designs, processes, technologies, and/or systems.  Demonstrate a willingness to take fresh perspectives and risks in his/her thinking and seeking out fresh ideas from a wide variety of sources.
  9. Ethics & Integrity. Consistently earn the trust, respect, and confidence of coworkers and students through consistent honesty, forthrightness and professionalism in all interactions, including meeting commitments and promises.

POSITION CRITICAL BEHAVIORS:

NOTE:  These requirements represent minimum levels in order to perform the job on a satisfactory basis.  Candidates must have the ability to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job.

  1. Team Player. Work effectively with others in the organization and outside the formal lines of authority (i.e., peers, students and senior leadership, and the like) to accomplish organizational goals and to identify and resolve problems.  Includes considering the impact of your decisions on others.
  2. Critical Thinking. Demonstrate the ability to actively and skillfully conceptualize, apply, analyze, synthesize, and/or evaluate information as a guide to belief and action
  3. Bias for Action. Exhibit the propensity to act or decide without customary analysis or sufficient information to achieve critical goals or objectives.   Includes responsible risk-taking.
  4. Self-Starter. Demonstrate initiative to act to achieve goals beyond what is necessarily called for.  Includes the ability to work in a less structured environment.
  5. Customer Service Orientation. Make efforts to listen to and understand the customer (both internal and external), anticipate customer needs and give high priority to customer satisfaction.
  6. Self-Confidence. Demonstrate initiative, confidence in oneself, resiliency and a willingness to take responsibility for personal actions. Have the courage to voice views that are unpopular
  7. Thoroughness. Demonstrate the ability to balance an attention to detail with the cost and benefit of doing so.
  8. Adaptability. Maintain effectiveness in varying environments, tasks and responsibilities, or with various types of people.  Stay agile in the face of change.

BAPTIST UNIVERSITY OF THE AMERICAS VALUES:

NOTE: Baptist University of the Americas follows Christ-centered values administered with professional excellence. Organizational values are critical because they define Baptist University of the Americas (BUA) personality and provide our employees clarity about how to behave.

  1. Core Values. Our Core Values are behavioral traits that are inherent in BUA; they are:
    1. Christ –Centered (Self-sacrificing, forgiving and Biblical)
    2. Baptist (in identity, and foundation)
    3. Holistic in our teaching and learning (dedicated to the mission and purpose of BUA in higher education.
    4. Integrity (with our responsibility and respect toward others)
    5. Cross-Cultural Competency
    6. Hospitality (providing customer service, internally and externally)
    7. Community
    8. Servant Spirit (humble, treat others with respect, put others first, team player); and
    9. Passion-driven (dedicated to the mission and purpose of BUA as exhibited by perseverance, reliability, and hard work)
  2. Expected Values. BUA also holds all employees accountable for those traits which represent minimum behavioral standards: Honesty, Integrity, Respect for Others, Hardworking, Fair-minded, Accountable, and Responsible.

NOTE: Baptist University of the Americas complies with all the employment provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The purpose of Baptist University of the Americas job descriptions is to describe the basic function, major responsibilities/tasks and essential functions of each job so that employees can better know what is expected of them.  The descriptions also provide information useful for recruiting, training, and performance appraisal.  This document does not create an employment contract, nor does it modify the at-will employment status of all employees.

A job description is not meant to inhibit employee creativity or innovation.  The description will be revised as job responsibilities change materially.

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