Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $68,500 - Midpoint: $89,100 (Salaried E11)
Department/Organization: 701106 - Office for Research Communication
Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
Job Summary: The Communication Program Director identifies, develops, and implements strategic communication efforts and marketing strategies. Manages websites, social media, newsletters, memos, activities, services, campaigns, and projects. Coordinates web and social media presence. Assists in special projects and activities related to the strategic goals of the area and the University.
Additional Department Summary: The Office for Research Communications (ORCOM) at The University of Alabama is dedicated to enhancing the visibility and impact of the University’s research endeavors. Through strategic storytelling, media engagement, and digital outreach, the office supports UA's mission to drive innovation, discovery, and community engagement. By effectively communicating research successes, significant grants, and breakthrough discoveries, build a robust public understanding of UA's contributions to a variety fields, including technology, health, engineering, and social sciences.
In close collaboration with UA’s researchers, academic departments, and administrative units, the Office for Research Communications plays a key role in disseminating the University's research achievements across multiple platforms, including social media, print, and digital channels. This position creates compelling narratives that reflect UA's research strengths and foster connections with stakeholders such as prospective students, faculty, industry partners, and the broader community. Also, it oversees initiatives to elevate UA’s profile in research innovation and supports the University's strategic goal of becoming a leader in impactful research and economic development.
Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and four (4) years of journalism, public relations, marketing, or communications experience; OR master's degree and two (2) years of journalism, public relations, marketing, or communications experience.
Skills and Knowledge: Demonstrated excellence in communication strategy, writing, editing, and digital content creation.
Expertise in communicating complex research to broad audiences. Proficiency with web content platforms (e.g., WordPress), analytics tools (Google Analytics, Google Data Studio), and social media strategy. Ability to collaborate across academic and administrative units. Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and five (5) years of experience in research communication, journalism, public relations, or related field; or a Master’s degree and two (2) years of relevant experience.
Experience in a research-intensive academic setting. Familiarity with data analysis software (e.g., R, Python, Tableau). Background in science communication or strategic storytelling for higher education. Experience managing creative teams and vendors.
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 any 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. More information is available in the EEOC’s Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal poster.
