- Job Title: Communications Specialist II
- Company: Texas A&M University System
- Location: College Station, TX
- Job Type: Full-Time
- Category: Education Management
- Date Posted: April 15, 2025
- Experience Level: 2-5 years
- Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Content Creation & Production: Develop and produce communication materials such as brochures, invitations, ads, flyers, newsletters, speeches, and reports. Collaborate on drafting and distributing news releases and digital communications.
- Project Support & Coordination: Assist in project timelines and cost tracking, develop communications plans, and participate in project execution with a creative focus.
- Creative Content Development: Contribute to creative content ideas, photography, video, and graphic design for digital and social media. Implement creative strategies for digital communications and update website content.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong balance of creativity and organization, with a focus on producing high-quality content and managing projects effectively.
📋 Key Responsibilities
- ✅ Create, edit, design, and produce communication materials for various platforms and purposes.
- ✅ Support project timelines and cost tracking, and assist in developing communications plans.
- ✅ Collaborate on creative content ideas and engage with audiences through photography, video, and graphic design.
- ✅ Publish and update content on organizational platforms and websites, with a focus on creative execution.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of independent work and collaboration, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
🎯 Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience: Two years of related experience.
- Required Skills:
- Demonstrated ability to successfully manage projects.
- Ability to work professionally and harmoniously in a service-oriented position.
- Self-motivation and time management skills, with the ability to make quick decisions with minimal supervision.
- Proven ability to create written copy content for printed publications, graphic design products, email, and social media communication.
- Preferred Skills:
- Journalism experience.
- Knowledge of AP style writing.
- Experience conducting journalism interviews.
- Aggie Ring preferred.
ASSUMPTION: While a Bachelor’s degree is required, relevant experience may be considered equivalent. Preferred qualifications can be acquired through internships, freelance work, or entry-level positions in the field.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: $45,000 - $55,000 per year (commensurate with experience)
- Benefits:
- Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance (Texas A&M contributes 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.
- Free exercise programs and release time for health and wellness programs.
- LinkedIn Learning training programs and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more.
- Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee.
- Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on market research for similar roles in the education management industry in College Station, TX.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
- Industry: Education Management
- Company Size: 501-1,000 employees
- Founded: 1876
- Company Description: Prairie View A&M University is a public historically black-land grant university in Prairie View, Texas. Founded in 1876, it is one of Texas's two land grant universities and the second oldest institution of higher learning in the state.
- Company Specialties: Education, Research, Student Services, Athletics, and Community Engagement.
📊 Role Analysis
- Career Level: Mid-level
- Reporting Structure: This role reports to the Dean of the College of Architecture.
- Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position.
- Growth Opportunities:
- Potential advancement to a Communications Manager or similar role with increased responsibilities and leadership opportunities.
- Opportunities to work on diverse projects and gain experience in various aspects of communications and marketing.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the communications and marketing field, as well as the chance to work on a variety of projects and initiatives.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
- Office Type: On-site, with the possibility of occasional remote work for specific tasks or projects.
- Office Location: College Station, TX
- Geographic Context: College Station is a city in Brazos County, Texas, situated in East-Central Texas in the heart of the Brazos Valley. It is home to Texas A&M University and has a population of approximately 120,000 residents.
- Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday through Friday, with the possibility of occasional weekend or evening work for events or projects.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork. The office is located on the campus of Texas A&M University, offering a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
- Typical Process: Online application submission, phone or video screening, in-person interviews, and a final decision.
- Key Assessment Areas: Communication skills, creativity, project management abilities, and cultural fit.
- Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role.
- Showcase your portfolio or samples of your work, if applicable.
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, creativity, and ability to work effectively in a team.
ASSUMPTION: The interview process is designed to evaluate your communication skills, creativity, and cultural fit within the organization. Being prepared with relevant examples and a clear understanding of the role and company will help you succeed in the interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Content Management Systems (CMS) such as WordPress or Drupal
- Social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn)
- Project management tools (Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard software and tools is essential for success in this role. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and content management systems is particularly important.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
- Company Values: Excellence, Integrity, Leadership, Loyalty, Respect, and Selfless Service.
- Work Style: Collaborative, creative, and detail-oriented, with a focus on producing high-quality work and meeting deadlines.
- Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with the company's core values?
- How do you approach working in a collaborative, team-based environment?
- How do you prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines?
ASSUMPTION: A strong cultural fit is essential for success in this role. Applicants should be able to demonstrate a commitment to the company's core values and a willingness to work collaboratively and effectively within a team.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
- Working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment with tight deadlines.
- Balancing creativity and attention to detail with efficient project management.
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome through strong time management skills, effective communication, and a proactive approach to project management.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Communications Specialist vs. Marketing Coordinator: Both roles focus on creating and distributing content, but a Communications Specialist typically has a broader scope, including internal communications and public relations, while a Marketing Coordinator may have a more narrow focus on external marketing efforts.
- Education Management vs. Corporate Communications: Communications Specialists in education management may have a more diverse range of stakeholders to communicate with, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the local community, while corporate communications roles may focus more on external communications with investors, media, and the public.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of communications and marketing responsibilities, with a focus on both internal and external communications within the education management industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive communications plan for a major university event or initiative.
- Creating and designing promotional materials for a new academic program or research project.
- Managing the content and design of the university's website and social media platforms to enhance the organization's online presence.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and the level of creativity and strategic thinking required for success in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does this role contribute to the overall communications and marketing strategy of the university?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within this role and the department?
- How does the department support work-life balance for its employees?
- What is the typical career path for someone in this role?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help you better understand the role, the department, and the organization, as well as assess the potential for professional growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through [this link](https://tamus.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/TAMU_External/job/College-Station-TX/Communications-Specialist-II_R-082991).
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role.
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, creativity, and ability to work effectively in a team.
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
