Overview
The Departmental Communications Specialist supports the LSU College of Science by providing hands-on communications across all academic departments. Reporting to the Departmental Communications Manager and functioning as part of the College’s Shared Services Communications team (SciComm), this position produces and manages departmental content to ensure consistency, accuracy, and alignment with college and university priorities.
The Specialist is responsible for creating high-quality written, digital, and multimedia materials that highlight departmental research, student success, and donor/alumni impact. This role maintains departmental websites, social media, and newsletters; assists with event communications; and collaborates with faculty and staff to gather content and promote departmental initiatives. The position requires creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment while delivering brand-compliant communications that elevate departmental visibility.
Job Responsibilities
35% Content Creation & Storytelling
Produce written, digital, and multimedia content that highlights research, faculty accomplishments, student success stories, and donor/alumni impact from across all academic departments. Draft copy for content, including but not limited to stories, announcements, and social media posts. Assist with photography, video production, and graphic design as needed.
30% Content Management
In collaboration with SciComm team and departments, maintain and update departmental websites, newsletters, social media channels, and broadcast email communications. Ensure content is accurate, engaging, accessible, and compliant with college and university standards. Track analytics for digital platforms and adjust content based on performance data.
20% Event & Initiative Communications
Support communications for departmental events, such as lectures, and student engagement initiatives across the college. Coordinate with faculty and staff to develop promotional materials and announcements. Assist with communications logistics for event coverage (ex. invitations, photography, live posts, recap content).
10% Collaboration & Faculty Support
Serve as a communications resource for department leaders, faculty, and staff across all academic departments. Collaborate with the SciComm team to share departmental stories through college and university channels.
5% Other Duties as Assigned
Perform additional communications tasks or special projects as directed to support departmental and College priorities.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in communications, Marketing, Visual Media or related field (bachelor’s degree in another subject may be acceptable if supplemented by extensive relevant work experience)
Minimum of two years of professional experience in content creation and production, with documented experience creating editorial and multimedia content
Experience with website content management; Photo and video creation/editing skills; Email campaign production and mailing list management; Social media content creation; Design skills using software tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Canva; Writing, interviewing, content research, and data analysis skills; Excellent editing and proofreading skills; Ability to accept input for high-quality deliverables and client service; Ability to work collaboratively, manage projects independently, and prioritize workflow with flexibility; Effective multitasking and deadline management; Must be a self-starter and advance projects in a high-volume, small-team environment.
LSU is dedicated to fostering an environment where our employees feel appreciated for their skills and individuality. If a candidate does not meet the minimum qualifications as listed but has substantial experience in the key job responsibilities, we encourage them to apply.
Additional Requirements
Operation Essential Personnel - This position may be asked to work during an official closure, but who is otherwise not required to report to the physical campus during a closure and whose absence does not present a risk to the safety, resources, and well-being of the campus per FASOP HR-01.
Special or Physical Qualifications:
Physical ability and eye-hand coordination necessary to use a computer/laptop/iPad; ability to sit and/or stand in the same position for extended periods (3.5 to 4 hours) at a time; Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.; Ability to communicate clearly and effectively through the use of phone, e-mail, and direct contact with individuals; Position may require occasional work outside of the normal workday, including some weekends and evenings related to seasonal activities and annual projects and/or deadlines.
Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!
Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.
All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.
For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.