Communications Coordinator (HR Title: Communications Specialist II)

Company: Southern Methodist University
Location: Dallas
Posted on: April 25, 2025

Job Description:

Description

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Department:

Perkins School of Theology is one of the 13 seminaries of The United Methodist Church and one of only five university-related United Methodist theological schools, located in the heart of Dallas, Texas, with an extension program in Houston/Galveston. The faculty and staff of Perkins are committed to our mission of equipping persons for faithful leadership and Christian ministry in a changing church and society. Students study with a faculty, diverse both culturally and in theological perspective, in the school's graduate degree and certificate studies programs. Perkins is Wesleyan by tradition, United Methodist by affiliation, inclusive of diverse Christian expressions, and welcoming of all. The oldest graduate professional School at Southern Methodist University, Perkins embraces its setting in the Southwestern United States while seeking to make theological education accessible, through in-person, hybrid, and distance learning, to students from the region, the nation, and around the world.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Communications Coordinator plays a key role in developing compelling content, storytelling, and providing marketing support for internal departments at Perkins School of Theology. This position assists in crafting narratives that engage key audiences-prospective students, alumni, donors, and the broader Perkins community-while supporting the execution of marketing initiatives. Additionally, the Communications Coordinator will assist in liaising with media outlets to enhance the school's visibility. This role requires close collaboration with the Assistant Dean for Marketing and Communications and other team members to ensure cohesive messaging across various communication channels. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, collaborative professional with strong storytelling, writing, and organizational skills

Essential Functions:

• Content Development & Editorial Support - Assist in writing and editing content for newsletters, press releases, publications, blog posts, thought leadership, and website updates. Maintain a consistent and engaging brand voice across all written materials. Develop compelling stories that capture the mission, impact, and experiences of Perkins.
  
• Digital Communications & Social Media - Support the management of Perkins' social media accounts by drafting and scheduling organic content in alignment with strategic marketing priorities. Assist in monitoring social media channels, responding to comments, and fostering audience engagement. Update website content as directed, ensuring accuracy and alignment with brand messaging.
  
• Conference, Event & Sponsorship Support - Coordinate event communications and support logistics for marketing-related event needs, including signage and collateral. Research opportunities for conferences, sponsorships, and industry events that align with Perkins' mission and marketing goals. Assist in securing participation, including registrations, exhibit space, and sponsorship agreements.
  
• Project Coordination & Administrative Support - Track deadlines and ensure timely execution of marketing and communications initiatives. Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors on content and design projects. Maintain marketing assets, including photography archives, video files, and written materials.
  
• Media Relations - Assist with responding to media inquiries and requests, ensuring timely and accurate responses. Monitor and track media mentions. Support media outreach efforts. Draft and distribute media releases.
  
• Other Duties as Assigned -Take on additional tasks as needed to support the broader team and the strategic goals of the Marketing and Communications department.
  
• Occasional evening/weekend hours may be required.
  Qualifications
  
  Education and Experience:
  
  A Bachelor's degree is required.
  
  A minimum of two (2) years of experience is required. Experience in writing and editing content for newsletters, press releases, blogs, publications, and website updates is required. Experience in digital communications and social media management, including content creation, scheduling, and audience engagement is also required. Administrative support experience is required.
  
  Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  
  Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills and a strong customer service orientation.
  
  Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.
  
  Candidate proficiency with story-mining and narrative development to identify compelling stories is essential.
  
  Candidate ability to liaise with media outlets and support PR initiatives is a plus.
  
  Candidate familiarity with thought leadership writing, exposure to theological education, nonprofit, or higher education marketing is preferred.
  
  Candidate working knowledge of graphic design, content management tools and email marketing platforms is also preferred.
  
  Candidate familiarity with Asana and/or project management tools is essential.
  
  Candidate ability to use Canva or Adobe Creative Suite for basic content creation is a plus.
  
  Candidate fluency speaking, reading, and writing Spanish is preferred.
  
  Physical and Environmental Demands:
  • Sit for long periods of time
  • Carry/lift 25 lbs.
  • Stand
  • Walk for long distances Deadline to Apply:
    
    Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by March 25, 2025.
    
    Application deadline: April 25, 2025
    
    EEO Statement:
    
    SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.
    
    Benefits:
    
    SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.
    
    SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
    
    The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.PandoLogic. Keywords: PR Communications Coordinator, Location: Dallas, TX - 75201 , PL: 597365359

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