New

Communications Specialist

Ferris State University

United States, Michigan, Big Rapids

1201 South State Street (Show on map)

Jun 13, 2025

Position Title:	Communications Specialist
Location:	Big Rapids (Main Campus)
Department:	70000 - Univer Advance and Mktg VP Office
Advertised Salary:	$45,000-$48,000, Salary commensurate with education, experiences and other requirements.
Benefits:	Comprehensive benefits package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position. Admin / Admin Temp Benefit Plans
FLSA:	Exempt
Temporary/Continuing:	Continuing
Part-Time/Full-Time:	Full-Time
Union Group:	N/A
Term of Position:	12 Month
At Will/Just Cause:	Just Cause
Summary of Position:	The Communications Specialist for the Marketing and Communications team of the University Advancement and Marketing division works to identify, research, write, edit, and pitch news and feature stories that showcase the university and its people; works in collaboration with the social media team, photographer and videographer, and web team to tell the stories of Ferris State people and programs using a variety of platforms.
Position Type:	Staff
Required Education:	Bachelor's Degree in journalism, public relations, communications or related field.
Required Work Experience:	Relevant work experience as a writer within the last five years. At least 3-5 years of experience working with the media or for a media organization.
Required Licenses and Certifications:
Physical Demands:	Office Environment Sitting
Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered:	Preferred qualifications: Work experience in marketing, social media, communications. Higher education and/or non-profit experience is desirable.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:	Develop news stories, features and profiles that tell compelling stories for a variety of mediums. Stories will be used as press releases and content for social media, web pages, promotional materials, annual reports, newsletters, and other materials. Meeting with deans, program directors, and other campus leaders and attending campus events as directed to learn about students, employees and programs that highlight the work and successes of the university. Identifying, contacting and engaging successful alumni for content for web, social media, press releases and materials. Knowledge of word processing software, Associated Press style, branding, writing for advocacy, writing for varied audiences and storytelling fundamentals. Attend meetings when necessary to represent the Marketing and Communications team. Assist in supervising and mentoring student employees and editing and proofreading their work. Serve as backup media spokesperson Communications Director and handle daily office responsibilities in his/her absence and/or when needed. Performs all duties in compliance with applicable university policies and procedures and state and federal requirements. Reports directly to the Communications Director. Responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of designated information. Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty and staff to thrive authentically. Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives. Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.
Marginal Duties/Responsibilities:
Skills and Abilities:	The ability to find the best way to use words to strengthen, copy, and maximize its impact on audiences. The ability to work independently and as part of a communications team. The ability to adapt writing for print, online, multimedia and social media. The ability to effectively multi-task and work under pressure to create high-quality and error-free materials. Communicates well and works seamlessly with administration, public relations, marketing, advancement and alumni relations colleagues as well as external colleagues. Demonstrates strong attention to detail. Making independent decisions reflecting sound judgment. Microsoft Office/Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Publisher/Outlook. Thrives in a deadline-driven environment, exhibits flexibility in juggling a high volume of short- and long-term writing projects with varying levels of complexity, and is capable of effectively prioritizing work. Welcomes direction, enjoys collaboration and handles constructive criticism well. Write, edit, translate and proofread information accurately. Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Required Documents:	Cover Letter Resume Unofficial Transcript 1
Optional Documents:
Special Instructions to Applicants:	Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcript of Bachelor's Degree in journalism, public relations, communications or related field. Transcript must include Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript.
Initial Application Review Date:	June 30, 2025
Open Until Position is Filled?:	Yes
Posting Close Date:
EEO Statement:	Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University's Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.
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