Communications Specialist, College of Education and Human Development

Department: Col of Ed and Human Development

Classification: GMU Worker

Job Category: Part-Time / Hourly Wage

Job Type: Part-Time

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

The George Mason University College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) invites applications for a part-time Communications Specialist. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason’s academic and culturally inclusive environment.

About the College:

Located just a short distance from Washington, D.C., CEHD is a dynamic academic unit committed to innovation and excellence in its research and teaching activities. The College offers a wide range of academic programs. For a full description of the College’s diverse program offerings, visit http://cehd.gmu.edu/.

Responsibilities:

The Communications Specialist is responsible for developing new communication channels that raise the profile of CEHD in the Northern Virginia region.

This person will work closely with the Senior Director of Communications and Marketing to advance the communication goals of key initiatives, including the Research Practice Partnership (RPP) and the Accelerated College and Employability Skills (ACCESS) Academy.

The RPP brings together educational leaders, educators, and other community partners to examine challenges, opportunities, and pressing issues impacting K-12 education in the Northern Virginia region. The Communications Specialist will work with the RPP planning group to develop a communication plan and tactics to meet the goals of the RPP. This will include developing a database of regional education leaders; distributing an RPP digest that translates the most relevant research for a lay audience; developing an online knowledge base of evidenced-based practices; organizing quarterly RPP symposia; and coordinating internal communications relevant to the RPP.

ACCESS Academy is a collaborative partnership between CEHD, Northern Virginia Community College, and Loudoun County Public Schools. This lab school will be based inside K-12 public schools as part of shared goals to increase pathways for students from high school to college and on to high-demand careers.

In addition to advancing key communications initiatives such as the RPP and ACCESS Academy, the Communications Specialist will work to raise the profile of CEHD more generally by promoting dean and faculty thought leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications or relevant field;
• Experience managing communications or public relations;
• Excellent writing skills;
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects involving multiple stakeholders;
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate verbally; and
• Demonstrated ability to multitask, prioritize, organize, and take lead on complex initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in higher education communications or public relations.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Communications Specialist, College of Education and Human Development at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume.

Posting Open Date:  January 29, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply By:  February 12, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes