Manages public information services to include development, writing, and editing of Center publications, and announcements/promotions of events and accomplishments. Manages media relations, social media, program marketing, and internal/external communications. Works with the MEC leadership and university communications staff in formulating and conducting outreach efforts.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Works within the MEC to effect consistent and effective representation of the Center and its distinctive programs, personnel, and accomplishments. Coordinates efforts with university communications staff.
• Creates a high level of local, regional, national, and international awareness and visibility with media and other external and internal audiences through day-to-day public information activities including production of creative, top-quality written communications products such as news releases, media advisories, reports, newsletters, brochures, fact sheets, web pages, and special exhibits.
• Manages and updates MEC website and social media accounts. Works with representatives from coastal units to develop and enhance social media. Analyzes current trends and emerging technology in social media and makes appropriate recommendations on how to integrate into the University’s social media efforts.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with local, regional, and national journalists, producers and photographers/videographers; pitches new stories to local, regional, and national news media.
• Produces scientific content for education and outreach through direct interaction with faculty and staff members. Maintains multimedia equipment and files in a variety of relevant file formats across applicable software platforms. Performs other duties as assigned.

• Excellent oral and written communication and organizational skills are required including demonstrated proofreading ability.
  
• Attention to detail.
  
• Initiative and eagerness to learn
  
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
  
• Professionalism and the ability to maintain confidentiality
  
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and task management skills
  
• Efficient computer skills, particularly in the use of email, Microsoft Office products, and navigating the Internet
  
• Familiarity with and proficiency in software required for digital content creation, management, and storage
  
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
  
• Ability to synthesize information and express complex thoughts concisely
  
• Ability to work effectively under deadlines
  
• Knowledge of AP writing style
  
• Ability to write speeches, letters, reports, and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format
  
• Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors
  
• Knowledge of digital marketing tactics, such as SEO and email marketing.

About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 131 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education's "R1: Doctoral Universities - Very high research activity" designation, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and large event venue safety and security, among others. USM is also one of only 37 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of more than 14,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 37 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 27 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.