Communications Specialist
University of Arkansas | |
United States, Arkansas, Little Rock | |
2801 South University Avenue (Show on map) | |
Jun 04, 2026 | |
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Closing Date: 06/25/2026 Type of Position:Professional Staff - Project/Program AdministrationWorkstudy Position: Sponsorship Available: No Institution Name: University of Arkansas SystemSince its inception, the University of Arkansas System has developed a tradition of excellence that includes the state's 1871 flagship, land-grant research university; Arkansas's premier institution for medical education, treatment and research; a major metropolitan university; an 1890 land-grant university; two regional universities serving southern and western Arkansas; five community colleges; two schools of law; a presidential school; a residential math and science high school; a 100 percent-online university and divisions of agriculture, archeology and criminal justice. The individual entities of the UA System maintain cooperative strength as well as diverse offerings that exhibit unmatched economic and social impact to the state. The UA System provides communities in Arkansas with access to academic and professional opportunities, develops intellectual growth and cultural awareness in its students and provides knowledge and research skills to an ever-changing society. The system enrolls more than 60,000 students, employs over 17,000 employees, and has a total budget of over $2 billion. An intrinsic part of the texture and fabric of Arkansas, the UA System is a driving force in the state's economic, educational and cultural advancement. Department:CommunicationsDepartment's Website: SUMMARY OF DUTIES: The dual position will serve as both the executive assistant to the WRDL Advisory Board and a Communications Assistant working closely and being managed by the UA System Director of Communications. Job duties are broken down between the primary roles below, with the right candidate expected to split 20 hours/week managing the fluctuating flow of duties between the two entities. WRDL Executive Assistant Duties include: *Develop a relationship with the chair of the WRDL Advisory Board to understand the needs of the Board and its regular meetings, especially in all aspects of planning three prominent annual lectures held on alternating campuses within the UA System. *Prepare Board meeting annual schedules and create and send invites to committee members' calendars. Reserve meeting spaces and make location arrangements, and work with catering for lunches. *Prepare meeting agenda in consultation with Board Chair, including committee reports for current meeting: Finance, Promotion, Preservation. *Prepare and present financial reports at meetings and as requested by Chair prepare campus lecture schedule; record and prepare minutes. *Serve as a liaison between Chair, public members and campus reps on activity related to campus lectures, including working closely with campus communications/marketing offices to use combined resources for content and promotion. *Assist campuses with the process of bringing lecturers to campuses being a liaison between campus reps and UA System Office of General Counsel for issuing lecturer contracts for legal review and completion. *Review, edit and approve marketing, content and promotional items created by campuses to ensure adherence to WRDL brand requirements. *Advise campus reps regarding appropriate expenses and processes for payment. *Ensure lecturer honorariums are paid according to contract deadline and campus reimbursements are paid promptly. *Draft correspondence for Chair's signature. *Submit request for approval by UA Board of Trustees when new Board members are appointed and track member terms. *Assist with orienting new campus representatives. *Organize annual Board retreat, when scheduled. *Act as a steward of WRDL content and brand to provide historical information upon request. Interact with the UALR Center for Arkansas History and Culture (CAHC), the holder of WRDL historical records. Transfer records/documents to CAHC on a determined schedule. *Work with Board and UA System Director of Communications in developing a new WRDL website that includes legacy content and creation of fresh content in creating a new home for all things related to WRDL. *Create and maintain social media and web presences for WRDL that drives traffic to its website, where content regarding its lectures schedule and Board information is kept up to date. *Update WRDL Procedures Handbook as needed. UA System Communications Assistant Duties Include: *Report to the UA System Director of Communications to manage combined workload and assignments between the UA System and WRDL, work location scheduling, and maintain a relationship balancing and meeting expectations of the two positions on a part-time schedule. *The right candidate will have a workspace at the UA System Administration building at 2404 N. University in close proximity to the Director of Communications office but will also have flexibility to visit campuses and work remotely, when needed. *Learning and being an ambassador of the UA System brand to include all its 22 campuses, divisions and units statewide. *Learning and maintaining relationships with other key stakeholders inside the UA System to include Office of General Counsel, Government Relations/Public Affairs, Academic Affairs, Finance, Risk Management, Human Resources, Audit, communications and leadership at campuses, divisions and units, and the UA System President's office. *Learning and maintaining external relationships with members of the local, statewide, and national media. *Being proficient in creating content related to websites, news releases, social media, administrative letters, policy, speech writing, talking points, advertising, and announcements - generally being versatile in managing projects for a variety of audiences. *Familiarity with certain communications-related software to include MailChimp, Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, Canva, etc. - to help create and edit compelling and tasteful graphic design, photography, video and content. *Familiarity or a willingness to learn about the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act and assist with addressing, filling, organizing, redacting, exempting with numerous FOIA incoming requests for public information. *Help with rewriting, updating, creating, and editing content on uasys.edu. *Open to brainstorming new communications-related ideas, strategies, trends and possessing a creative spirit to assist with office-related projects and design needs. Qualifications: REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS The right candidate will have earned a bachelor's degree in a communications-related field and have at least a minimum five (5) years of experience in content creation, design, public relations, journalism, event planning, or related fields. Have the ability to adapt to new software and systems quickly; excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks, and handle multiple projects; high attention to detail; ability to use independent judgment, troubleshoot issues, and adapt to shifting demands; ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively with senior system office and campus leadership, as well as members of the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas; and ability to handle sensitive information and records with discretion is a must. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Previous experience in graphic design, content creation, editing, social media managing within an institution of higher education; and some experience with the Workday platform and web content management systems, particularly WordPress. Salary Information: Required Documents to Apply: Optional Documents: Recruitment Contact Information: nhinkel@uasys.edu All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Sitehttps://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS Please do not send to listed recruitment contact. Pre-employment Screening Requirements:Criminal Background CheckThe University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law. The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Constant Physical Activity:Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Talking Frequent Physical Activity:Sitting Occasional Physical Activity:Driving, Walking Benefits Eligible:No | |
Jun 04, 2026