Outreach and Communications Manager

Position Summary

The Outreach and Communications Manager serves as the primary communications strategist and editorial lead for the Owens Institute for Behavioral Research (OI ). This role plans, develops, and executes integrated communications, outreach, marketing, and engagement initiatives that advance the Institute’s mission and visibility across the University of Georgia and external audiences. Working closely with Institute leadership, the position develops messaging strategies, oversees content development, and guides communications priorities, producing a wide range of deliverables including newsletters, web and social media content, promotional materials, announcements, and leadership reports.

The Manager also manages OI ’s digital presence, develops editorial calendars, evaluates engagement data, leads communications efforts for Institute programs and events, and coordinates essential communications infrastructure such as listservs and faculty directories.

• Serve as editorial lead for OI  communications, independently developing messaging strategies and content plans aligned with Institute priorities and University standards.
• Write, edit, and oversee production of high‑profile communications materials, including newsletters, web content, announcements, marketing pieces, and leadership reports.
• Advise Institute leadership on communications approaches, messaging priorities, and outreach strategies to increase visibility and engagement.

• Manage and continuously assess OI ’s digital presence, including website and social media platforms, to ensure accuracy, relevance, engagement, and alignment with brand standards.
• Develop original content and editorial calendars for digital platforms; evaluate engagement metrics and use data to inform improvements in messaging strategy.
• Coordinate with campus stakeholders to ensure communications are consistent with University policies and brand identity.

• Develop, coordinate and execute plans for Institute events, programs, and initiatives, including on‑site management, audience targeting, promotional strategy, messaging, and post‑event assessment.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to support speaker engagement, promotional materials, and Institute visibility.

• Conduct benchmarking research of peer institutes and centers; analyze findings and present synthesized insights and recommendations to Institute leadership.
• Independently evaluate current communications methods and services and recommend innovations or improvements based on best practices and Institute needs.
• Analyze, synthesize, and interpret communications and engagement data for inclusion in the Annual Report and other leadership materials.

• Coordinate communications workflows across OI  centers and initiatives to ensure consistency, quality, and effectiveness.
• Maintain authoritative Institute content resources, directories, and communications documentation using professional judgment rather than routine clerical processes.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience.

• Experience supporting communications, outreach, or stakeholder engagement activities within a university, research institute, nonprofit, government agency, or other mission‑driven organization.
• Experience developing and implementing strategic communications and outreach plans for research, scientific, educational, or public service initiatives.
• Experience developing content for multiple platforms, including web, email, social media, newsletters, annual reports, and promotional materials.
• Experience using analytics tools (Google Analytics, social media analytics, CRM systems, etc.) to assess communications effectiveness and guide strategy.
• Experience planning and promoting events such as colloquia, workshops, webinars, community engagement activities, or other public‑facing events.