Job Requisition:

JR101438 GRI Communications Specialist (Open)

Job Posting Title:

GRI Communications Specialist

Department:

CC00231 WM001 | PROV | GRI | Global Research Institute

Job Family:

Staff - Administrative & Office Support

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular (benefited)

Job Requisition Primary Location:

Swem Library

Primary Job Posting Location:

William & Mary

Job Description Summary:

Launch Your Career in High-Impact Research Communication

Want to be part of the team that gets cutting-edge research into the headlines As GRI's Communications Specialist, you'll support the communication of research that influences policy, drives innovation, and tackles global challenges. You'll help craft social media campaigns, produce multimedia content, and coordinate events that bring together leading researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world.
This role is ideal for an energetic communicator who wants hands-on experience with digital marketing, content creation, and event coordination in a dynamic research environment. You'll work closely with renowned faculty, learn about emerging global issues, and contribute to communications that reach audiences from Capitol Hill to international organizations.

The Communications Specialist provides essential support for GRI's communications activities, focusing on digital content creation, event coordination, and operational communications tasks. This role offers excellent opportunities for professional development in research communication and strategic messaging.

Success Metrics & Accountability:
Primary Metrics:
- Social media engagement growth and content production volume
- Event communications effectiveness and audience reach
- Quality and timeliness of content production support

Secondary Metrics:
- Digital platform maintenance and optimization
- Internal customer satisfaction with communications support
- Professional development and skill building progress

Job Description:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or related field, or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.

• Working knowledge in communications, digital marketing, or related field.

• Strong social media and digital content creation skills.

• Excellent writing and basic design capabilities.

• Digital marketing and social media platform expertise.

• Creative content development and basic design skills.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and team collaboration.

• Adaptability and willingness to learn new tools and techniques.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with higher education or research institution communications.

• Knowledge of graphic design software, photography, and video editing tools.

• Interest in global policy issues and research topics.

Conditions of Employment:

• This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.

• This is a restricted position, subject to the continued availability of funding.

Duties:

40% - Digital Content & Social Media:

• Create and schedule social media content across multiple platforms.

• Develop graphics, videos, and multimedia content for digital channels.

• Monitor social media engagement and respond to comments/inquiries.

• Support website updates and content management system maintenance.

• Track digital analytics and prepare regular performance reports.

25% - Event Communications Support:

• Coordinate communications for workshops, seminars, and major events.

• Develop event promotional materials and registration coordination.

• Manage real-time event coverage.

• Create post-event summaries and highlight materials.

• Support virtual event technical coordination and audience engagement.

20% - Content Production Support:

• Assist with research brief formatting and publication design.

• Execute regular stewardship, newsletter, and email campaign outreach to GRI audiences.

• Proofread and edit communications materials for accuracy and consistency.

• Maintain communications calendar and deadline tracking.

• Support newsletter development and email campaign management.

• Assist with photography and documentation of events and activities.

15% - Administrative & Operational Support:

• Maintain media contact databases and communications lists.

• Support faculty with basic communications training and technical assistance.

• Coordinate with other GRI teams on communications needs.

• Manage communications supplies, subscriptions, and vendor relationships.

• Provide general administrative support to Communications Manager as needed.

• Manage student interns, as needed.

Posting Range: $43,000-$50,000 commensurate with experience

Additional Job Description:

Acts as a specialist in assigned program area, performing the most complex technical duties, such as reviewing and processing claims from vendors, contractors, medical providers and others for reimbursement or other actions under various programs.
Performs, leads, or supervises a wide variety of moderate to complex program and operational support duties.
Applies knowledge of programmatic and administrative requirements.
Applies knowledge of applicable computer software/programs.
Frequent contacts include internal and external customers to gather information or provide information.
May serve as a subject matter expert.
Certification in program area may be preferred.

Job Profile:

JP0091 - Administrative & Office Specialist III - Nonexempt - Salary - S06

Qualifications:

Compensation Grade:

S06

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-03-03

Review Date:

Position Restrictions:

Restricted Funds

EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary’s status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. n-illegal

Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.

Launch Your Career in High-Impact Research Communication. Want to be part of the team that gets cutting-edge research into the headlines As GRI's Communications Specialist, you'll support the communication of research that influences policy, drives innovation, and tackles global challenges. You'll help craft social media campaigns, produce multimedia content, and coordinate events that bring together leading researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world. This role is ideal for an energetic communicator who wants hands-on experience with digital marketing, content creation, and event coordination in a dynamic research environment. You'll work closely with renowned faculty, learn about emerging global issues, and contribute to communications that reach audiences from Capitol Hill to international organizations. The Communications Specialist provides essential support for GRI's communications activities, focusing on digital content creation, event coordination, and operational communications tasks. This role offers excellent opportunities for professional development in research communication and strategic messaging. Success Metrics & Accountability:Primary Metrics: - Social media engagement growth and content production volume - Event communications effectiveness and audience reach - Quality and timeliness of content production support. Secondary Metrics: - Digital platform maintenance and optimization - Internal customer satisfaction with communications support - Professional development and skill building progress. Job Description:Required Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or related field, or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training. Working knowledge in communications, digital marketing, or related field. Strong social media and digital content creation skills. Excellent writing and basic design capabilities. Digital marketing and social media platform expertise. Creative content development and basic design skills. Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects. Excellent interpersonal skills and team collaboration. Adaptability and willingness to learn new tools and techniques. Preferred Qualifications:Experience with higher education or research institution communications. Knowledge of graphic design software, photography, and video editing tools. Interest in global policy issues and research topics.

search terms: Communications Specialist+Communications