π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Communications Manager
πΉ Company: Texas A&M University System
πΉ Location: College Station, Texas
πΉ Job Type: Full-Time
πΉ Category: Education Management
πΉ Date Posted: April 14, 2025
πΉ Experience Level: 5-10 years
πΉ Remote Status: On-site
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing internal and external communications for the Division of Finance and Business Services
- Overseeing written materials, presentations, and ensuring brand compliance
- Supervising a small team and delegating work
- Serving as a central coordination point for departmental websites and communication channels
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, strategic planning, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Experience in a similar role or relevant field is crucial for success.
π Key Responsibilities
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Manage communications, including creating and coordinating strategic communications, reviewing and editing written materials, and ensuring quality, clarity, and brand compliance
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Manage websites, including overseeing updates, ensuring a consistent voice, and compliance with university requirements
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Support events, including serving as a creative resource for formal invitations and announcements and providing support for various communication forums
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Supervise team members, including coaching, training, performance reviews, and directing daily work
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, tactical execution, and team management. Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills are essential for success.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelorβs degree in Communications or equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience: Five years of related experience, including two years of related supervisory experience
Required Skills:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
- Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others
- Experience with content management systems (e.g., MAESTRO, Cascade)
- Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications
Preferred Skills:
- Familiarity with web design, photo editing, email platforms, and managing site metrics
- Expertise and experience in providing advice and counsel to senior management on communications initiatives
- Six years of related experience, including four years of related supervisory experience
ASSUMPTION: While a Bachelorβs degree in Communications is preferred, equivalent combinations of education and experience will also be considered. Relevant experience in a similar role or field is crucial for success in this position.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $70,000 annually
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
- 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
- Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
- Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
- Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
- Professional Development: Free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
- Employee Tuition Assistance and Educational Release time for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the job posting and is considered competitive for the role, experience level, and location. Benefits are comprehensive and include health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Education Management
Company Size: 501-1,000 employees
Founded: 1876
Company Description:
- Texas A&M University System is a public university system in Texas, consisting of 11 universities and seven state agencies
- The system is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents, and lived experiences
- The system offers a prestigious education with strong traditions, core values, and a community of caring and collaboration
Company Specialties:
- Education and Research
- Student Services
- Community Engagement
Company Website: https://tamus.edu/
ASSUMPTION: Texas A&M University System is a large and well-established organization with a strong focus on education, research, and community engagement. Applicants can expect a supportive and collaborative work environment.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level management
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Division of Finance and Business Services leadership and oversees a small team of communications professionals
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position with the possibility of occasional remote work for specific tasks or projects
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for advancement within the Division of Finance and Business Services or the broader Texas A&M University System
- Opportunities to gain experience in strategic communications, team management, and event planning
- Access to professional development resources, including LinkedIn Learning and conference attendance
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the Texas A&M University System. Applicants should be proactive in seeking out growth opportunities and taking advantage of available resources.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with the possibility of occasional remote work
Office Location(s): College Station, Texas
Geographic Context:
- College Station is a city in Brazos County, Texas, with a population of approximately 120,000
- The city is home to Texas A&M University and has a strong college town atmosphere
- College Station offers a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes, with easy access to major cities like Houston and Austin
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the possibility of occasional evening or weekend work for events or special projects
ASSUMPTION: College Station offers a pleasant work environment with a mix of urban and rural amenities. The work schedule is typical for a full-time position in higher education, with some flexibility for occasional remote work or adjusted hours.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring panel
- Background check and reference checks
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills, both written and verbal
- Strategic planning and problem-solving abilities
- Team management and leadership skills
- Familiarity with content management systems and web design
- Alignment with Texas A&M University System's core values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the Texas A&M University System's mission and values in your application materials
- Prepare examples of your communication, team management, and strategic planning skills for the interview
ATS Keywords: Communications, Manager, Strategic Planning, Team Management, Content Management, Web Design, Higher Education, Texas A&M University System
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is typical for a mid-level management position in higher education. Applicants should tailor their application materials to demonstrate their relevant experience and skills and prepare for a comprehensive interview process.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Content Management Systems (e.g., MAESTRO, Cascade)
- Word processing and spreadsheet applications (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace)
- Email platforms (e.g., Microsoft Outlook, Gmail)
- Web design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress)
ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in content management systems, word processing and spreadsheet applications, email platforms, and web design tools. Familiarity with industry-standard software and platforms is essential for success in this position.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Respect
- Excellence
- Leadership
- Loyalty
- Integrity
- Selfless Service
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Results-driven and focused on continuous improvement
- Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you demonstrate respect for diverse perspectives and experiences in your communication strategies?
- How do you balance adaptability and responsiveness to change with a focus on results and continuous improvement?
- How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, and how do you ensure that your team's diverse perspectives are valued and considered in your communication strategies?
ASSUMPTION: Texas A&M University System values a culture of respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity, and selfless service. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with these values and their ability to contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and results-driven work environment.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Balancing strategic planning with tactical execution
- Adapting to changes in priorities or communication strategies
- Ensuring brand compliance and consistency across multiple communication channels
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges, including managing multiple projects and deadlines, balancing strategic planning with tactical execution, and ensuring brand compliance and consistency. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to manage these challenges effectively.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to related roles in higher education, this position offers a unique blend of strategic planning, team management, and tactical execution
- This role requires a strong understanding of higher education communication strategies and a commitment to supporting the mission and values of Texas A&M University System
- Career progression in this role may lead to advancement within the Division of Finance and Business Services or the broader Texas A&M University System
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic planning, team management, and tactical execution, with a focus on supporting the mission and values of Texas A&M University System. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their relevant experience and skills in these areas.
π Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive communication strategy for a major university event or initiative
- Managing a team to update and refresh the Division of Finance and Business Services website, ensuring brand compliance and consistency
- Creating and coordinating a series of targeted communication campaigns to engage internal and external stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and challenges faced by the Communications Manager. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and skills in these areas during the interview process.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the broader communication strategy for the Division of Finance and Business Services and Texas A&M University System?
- What are the most pressing communication challenges facing the Division of Finance and Business Services, and how can this role address them?
- How does this role support the mission and values of Texas A&M University System?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within this role and the broader university system?
- How does the team currently approach collaboration and communication, and how can this role enhance these processes?
ASSUMPTION: These key questions help applicants better understand the role, the team, and the organization, allowing them to make informed decisions about their fit and potential for success in the position.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your communication, team management, and strategic planning skills for the interview
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.