The University of Southern Mississippi
Communications Specialist
The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, United States, 39400
Job Summary
The Communication Specialist will support content development across the University's website, generating high‑quality, engaging web content that aligns with institutional marketing strategies and goals. This role reports to the Assistant Director for Web Strategy and Development.
Location: Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406–0001 (118 College Drive)
Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities
Generate high‑quality, engaging web content for usm.edu, aligning with the University's marketing and communications priorities. Consider web user needs and search optimization when developing and organizing web content.
Write and edit web copy, ensuring accuracy and consistency, and identify appropriate images and videos to maximize impact.
Input, organize, and format web content using a CMS, ensuring optimal usability and engagement while maintaining web accessibility practices.
Utilize analytics tools to retrieve website data, measure effectiveness, interpret data, and produce reports and recommendations.
Collaborate with campus units to understand and address website needs.
Facilitate regular CMS training for content editors across campuses, sharing institutional digital guidelines and best practices.
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, marketing, or a related field from an accredited college or university, and at least two years of recent professional experience (within the last five years) in digital communications, marketing, public relations, or a closely related field.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)
Strong writing and editing skills.
Strong communication and collaboration skills.
Ability to work independently.
Attention to detail.
Ability to analyze, organize, and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines.
Ability to analyze and prepare concise reports.
Ability to review work for accuracy.
Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.
Effective communication and interaction with a diverse group of people.
Knowledge of university policies and procedures.
Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Occasional travel to other USM locations as required.
Preferred Qualifications
Two or more years of professional experience in web content creation using a CMS.
Experience in higher education marketing or communications.
General knowledge of HTML and CSS.
Working knowledge of SEO.
Experience with web accessibility standards.
Experience with digital asset management.
Proficiency in web analytics tools.
About The University Of Southern Mississippi Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach and online, across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We are a community‑engaged Carnegie R1 university and a national research leader in fields such as cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, kinesiology, and economic development. Our commitment to academic excellence is reflected in our diverse academic programs and NCAA Division I athletics. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
As an affirmative action and equal employment opportunity employer, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities to apply.
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Location: Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406–0001 (118 College Drive)
Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities
Generate high‑quality, engaging web content for usm.edu, aligning with the University's marketing and communications priorities. Consider web user needs and search optimization when developing and organizing web content.
Write and edit web copy, ensuring accuracy and consistency, and identify appropriate images and videos to maximize impact.
Input, organize, and format web content using a CMS, ensuring optimal usability and engagement while maintaining web accessibility practices.
Utilize analytics tools to retrieve website data, measure effectiveness, interpret data, and produce reports and recommendations.
Collaborate with campus units to understand and address website needs.
Facilitate regular CMS training for content editors across campuses, sharing institutional digital guidelines and best practices.
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, marketing, or a related field from an accredited college or university, and at least two years of recent professional experience (within the last five years) in digital communications, marketing, public relations, or a closely related field.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)
Strong writing and editing skills.
Strong communication and collaboration skills.
Ability to work independently.
Attention to detail.
Ability to analyze, organize, and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines.
Ability to analyze and prepare concise reports.
Ability to review work for accuracy.
Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.
Effective communication and interaction with a diverse group of people.
Knowledge of university policies and procedures.
Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Occasional travel to other USM locations as required.
Preferred Qualifications
Two or more years of professional experience in web content creation using a CMS.
Experience in higher education marketing or communications.
General knowledge of HTML and CSS.
Working knowledge of SEO.
Experience with web accessibility standards.
Experience with digital asset management.
Proficiency in web analytics tools.
About The University Of Southern Mississippi Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach and online, across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We are a community‑engaged Carnegie R1 university and a national research leader in fields such as cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, kinesiology, and economic development. Our commitment to academic excellence is reflected in our diverse academic programs and NCAA Division I athletics. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
As an affirmative action and equal employment opportunity employer, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr