Sr. Director of Communications and Content Strategy: Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

University of Georgia

retirement plan

United States, Georgia, Athens

Oct 22, 2025

Posting Details

Posting Number	S14284P
Working Title	Sr. Director of Communications and Content Strategy: Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
Department	Franklin-Deans Office Admin
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	Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of the University of Georgia's learning environment, advancing new knowledge, research, scholarship and creative output by faculty, students, and staff. Comprised of 40+ departments, institutes, schools, and centers who share a vision for realizing the power of high-impact research and education, the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences strives to shape global leadership and the greater good in a sustainable future.
College/Unit/Department website	https://franklin.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	M-F, 8am-5pm; Evening and weekend work may be required
Advertised Salary	Commensurate with experience
Posting Date	10/22/2025
Open until filled	Yes
Closing Date
Proposed Starting Date	12/01/2025
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 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as 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 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Position Information

Classification Title	Comms Manager-College/Division
FLSA	Exempt
FTE	1.00
Minimum Qualifications	Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent plus 10 years of professional experience to include 3 years of supervisory experience
Preferred Qualifications	Familiarity with colleges of sciences, and the ability to communicate technical content to a general audience and a variety of stakeholders. Demonstrated experience supervising communications professionals. Advanced degree in communications, journalism, or related field. Experience working with business/industry, alumni engagement, or development initiatives. Experience in a higher education, independent school, or nonprofit environment. Strong skills using technology in the workplace, familiarity with content management systems and email platforms; social media competencies. Significant prior communications experience writing and producing publications and developing and placing stories with external media.
Position Summary	The Sr. Director of Communications and Content Strategy within the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Georgia will lead the strategic development, implementation, and evaluation of communications and content strategy that elevate the visibility, impact, and reputation of the college's disciplines - from the humanities and arts to socio-behavioral, computational, chemical, mathematical, and physical sciences. This role will be particularly focused on elevating the sciences and will align divisional efforts with broader college and university communications strategies, ensuring consistency in messaging and outreach. The Sr. Director will serve as a key advocate for academic and academic excellence of the College, crafting strategy and compelling narratives that highlight the innovation, research excellence, and societal relevance of the college's scientific programs. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a deep appreciation for the critical role that the arts and sciences play in advancing UGA's reputation and a strong ability to communicate complex ideas in accessible and engaging ways to diverse audiences. In collaboration with the Executive Director, Dean, faculty, staff, students, and the college's Office of Student Academic Services, the Sr. Director will support communications priorities that advance the college's mission and strategic goals, including reputation, rankings, enrollment management, and federal and state relations. This includes working closely with the University's Offices of the Vice President of Research, Government Relations, Foundation Relations, Business Engagement, and Marketing and Communications and other campus partners to ensure alignment and amplification of key messages. The Sr. Director will oversee a team of communications professionals, including roles focused on content creation, crisis communication, publications, recruitment and enrollment, website content protocols, and will provide leadership, mentorship, and strategic direction to ensure high-quality, impactful work in an integrated communications and marketing environment where collaboration and coordination is critical to success. The Sr. Director will have a strong record of advanced experience in today's science communications fields, including the development and implementation of a strategic, extensive communications program; evidence of strong communications, interpersonal, and marketing skills; and proficiency in using word- and image processing, content management system, AI-applications, search engine optimization, keyword tracking and social media tools. The ideal candidate will also have experience leading a team of communications professionals; a solid understanding of effective graphic design and branding principles and the use of AI tools and the Internet as a medium of communication; and the ability to manage multiple and competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies	Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field. Significant professional experience in communications, marketing, or related field. Proven ability to develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive, strategic communications and marketing program. Expressed ability to define goals and objectives, identify target audiences, and measure progress toward communications and marketing goals. Strong communications, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated familiarity with a range of communications principles including messaging, writing, editing, graphic design, visual communications, branding, marketing, advertising, electronic communications, and social media.
Physical Demands	Sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling; spending long periods of time at a computer.
Is driving a responsibility of this position?	No
Is this a Position of Trust?	Yes
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)	Yes
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

Work with Executive Director on development, planning, execution, and evaluation of a comprehensive content and communications program for the academic divisions in the college, including, reputation campaigns, media relations, content management, planning and delivery that promotes the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences' visibility and reputation, driving more robust engagement, and supporting recruitment, including faculty, staff and students.
Work with the Executive Director to set quality standards and establish priorities and measurable outcomes.

Percentage of time

Duties/Responsibilities	Manage, a team of staff focused on support and delivery of college's communication priorities. Directly plan, train and mentor staff while overseeing activities and evaluating the performance of positions reporting to this position.
Percentage of time	25

Duties/Responsibilities	Work with Department Heads and School and Institute Directors, and individual faculty to ensure they are supported and represented.
Percentage of time	15

Duties/Responsibilities	Present to various stakeholders as necessary.
Percentage of time	5

Duties/Responsibilities	Additional responsibilities as assigned.
Percentage of time	5