Communications Manager Job Northern Kentucky USA,Marketing / Advertising / PR

Position Function:

The Communications Manager serves within the Office of Research & Economic Development (ORED) and leads the development, coordination, and execution of communications strategies that advance the priorities of the Division of Research. The position is responsible for increasing awareness and understanding of Mississippi State University's research, innovation, and economic development activities among internal and external audiences.

Working closely with ORED leadership, Division units, and the MSU Office of Public Affairs, the Communications Manager develops and disseminates strategic communications that highlight the impact, capabilities, and achievements of the university's research enterprise. The position also provides consultation, training, and mentorship to communications staff across Division centers and institutes to promote consistent messaging, effective storytelling, and alignment with divisional and university communication standards.

Salary Grade:17

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are Unclassified and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Lead the Division in a multi-media strategy to disseminate information to external and internal groups to amplify MSU’s research and economic development impacts.

2. Serve as ORED's primary liaison to the MSU Office of Public Affairs and coordinate communications efforts across Division units to ensure consistent messaging and alignment with university branding and strategic priorities.

3. Actively engage clientele (internal and external) and ensure the Division is targeting communications to their needs.

4. Develop and implement a Division-wide external communications strategy that showcases the impact and capabilities of MSU's research enterprise, strengthens stakeholder engagement, and supports efforts to expand research partnerships and external funding opportunities.

5. Develop and execute social media and other media strategies for ORED's communication channels while providing strategic guidance, consultation, and mentorship to communications staff within Division centers and institutes regarding content planning, audience engagement, accessibility, platform best practices, and emerging trends.

6. Write and produce clear, compelling communications and stories for publication on the Division’s website, email campaigns, newsletters, press releases, publications and social media outlets to engage various audiences.

7. Oversee the visual design and creative execution of Division publications, including photography selection, layout development, and graphic presentation.

8. Manage ORED web content and collaborate with Division centers and institutes on website content strategy, accessibility, redesign initiatives, and ongoing content improvements.

9. Coordinate Division photography and videography efforts, including production planning, covering major events, management of digital assets, and implementation of multimedia storytelling initiatives that support divisional priorities.

10. Develop and deliver training, resources, and professional development opportunities for Division communications staff to strengthen storytelling, digital communications, media engagement, accessibility, and content management practices.

11. Respond to media inquiries and provide images, video, and other materials for broadcasting and online media.

12. Assist in the marketing, communication and execution of ORED and Division partner events and showcases on- and off-campus.

13. Assist in the marketing and licensing materials of MSU technologies for prospective…