Communications Specialist

Department: Marketing
Reports to: Director of Communication
FLSA: Exempt
Hours: Monday through Thursday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Friday 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM (extended hours when requested)
Location: Orange Beach, AL/Hybrid

Columbia Southern University is seeking a results-driven, detail-oriented communications professional. This role plays a critical part in managing strategy, creation, execution and management of communications for the university.

Additional duties may be assigned.

• Identify target audiences and create compelling communications that align with their wants, values and needs.
• Edit copy in accordance with Associated Press style guidelines.
• Fact-check information and ensure consistency in tone, style and formatting.
• Plan, develop, and manage CSU’s communications to include advertising copy, emails, newsletters, and others.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to execute campaign goals.
• Build responsive HTML emails using an email builder and/or manual coding, ensuring consistent rendering across devices and email clients.
• Manage CSU’s communication efforts within Hub Spot, including workflow automation, audience segmentation, A/B testing and analytics reporting.
• Monitor performance metrics and use data to inform strategy and improve results.
• Ensure compliance with best practices, including federal/state regulations and internal policies.
• Continuously optimize communications for performance, accessibility, and deliverability.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Writing & Editing: Proficient in written communication tailored to various audiences, with attention to clarity, tone, and effectiveness.
• Email Marketing & Communications: Experienced in developing and implementing emails within platforms such as Constant Contact, with strong knowledge of composition, grammar, and language use for professional communication.
• Customer Service Principles: Knowledgeable in customer and personal service practices, including needs assessment, service quality standards, and satisfaction evaluation.
• Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Skilled in analyzing information logically to evaluate options and make sound decisions based on benefits and outcomes.
• Graphic Design Coordination: Capable of designing or collaborating with designers to create engaging visual content, including video and multimedia elements.
• Oral Communication: Strong abilities in oral comprehension and expression to effectively understand and convey spoken information and ideas.
• Reasoning & Problem Solving: Adept in inductive reasoning, able to identify patterns and relationships in diverse information to develop conclusions or inform actions.

• Associated Press Style knowledge is required.
• A bachelor’s degree in communication, public relations or a related field is required.
• A minimum of 3+ years of experience in communications, marketing or a related field are required.
  
  Experience in marketing or lead‑nurturing campaigns is preferred.
• Applicable certifications such as Hub Spot or the equivalent are preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge in coding responsive HTML emails; working knowledge of CSS and email‑specific design best practices is preferred.

• Office equipment including computers, telephones, printers, and scanners are used.
• Software used is Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Blackboard, Visual Studio, SQL Server, Sendible, Hub Spot and internal database software.
• Secure and reliable internet is required for this position.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The position is remote and should have an established office with secure and reliable internet. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

There are no supervisory responsibilities for this position.

In accordance with applicable state and local pay transparency laws, applicants who reside in a jurisdiction with designated pay transparency requirements and for whom this position is available on a remote basis may be entitled to receive additional information regarding the compensation range and benefits associated with this role. Such information will be provided upon request, as required by law. Please contact (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).