Communications Manager – I3R Communications and Engagement

Communications Manager - I3R Communications and Engagement

Open until filled. Early applications are encouraged as the position may close before the listed deadline once a suitable candidate is found.

Summary of Job Duties:

The Institute of Integrative and Innovative Research (I3R) is seeking a Communications Manager to join their Communications team. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, creative thinker with great interpersonal skills who is comfortable working in a dynamic environment, capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously, and experienced in translating complex research into clear, engaging content tailored for various audiences. The Communications Manager will report directly to the Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement and collaborate with the Associate Director for Digital and Creative Services to produce innovative and informative material for external and internal initiatives.

Social media engagement is a central component of the role. The Communications Manager will lead development and implementation of the Institute’s annual social media strategy, content creation and planning, and community management across various platforms. This role requires a keen understanding of social media trends, audience behavior, and analytics.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Developing and managing the social media strategy and content, and implementing it across platforms.
• Delivering content for the Institute’s newsletter and blog which includes original news stories about team members, research projects, and milestones.
• Assisting with the development and execution of the Institute’s overarching communications strategy.
• Producing or editing content and marketing collateral for brochures, briefings, websites, blogs and newsletters, and news/press releases.
• Leveraging social media platforms to engage our audience, build brand awareness, and drive business objectives.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent communication and media relations.
• Supporting intra-team communications.

The Communications team is responsible for raising the profile of the University of Arkansas as a leading research institution by:

• Promoting I3R’s collaboration with industry and how the institute stimulates economic growth regionally in NWA and across Arkansas.
• Promoting I3R’s current and future state capabilities.
• Showcasing I3R’s researchers and their leading-edge innovations.
• Positioning I3R as the leader in convergence research.

Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in marketing, media/public relations, communications, or related field
• OR at least three through five years of successful work experience in areas of responsibility outlined above
• OR Enrollment in a college degree program in marketing, communications or a related field
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint)
• Proficiency in social media platforms, specifically Linked In, Facebook, Instagram
• Detail-oriented, organized, and dependable

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with social media analytics and reporting
• Familiarity with AP Style
• Understanding of accessibility standards for print and digital content, including websites, blogs, alternative text, and captions
• Experience publishing in Word Press
• Experience in MS SharePoint and Excel
• Experience in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Lightroom, Acrobat
• Experience in writing feature stories, blog entries, news stories/press releases
• Experience using an SLR camera

Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

:

• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

About The Institute for Integrative & Innovative Research (I3R):
Established through a $194.7 million gift from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation, the University of Arkansas Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research pioneers solutions to wicked problems through convergence research across academic, industry,…