Communications Specialist

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
paid holidays, retirement plan
United States, Arizona, Prescott
Jul 31, 2026
Job Description The Opportunity The Communications Specialist plays a key role in creating, influencing and delivering strategic communications that elevate the university's brand, reputation and engagement with internal and external audiences. This position offers the opportunity to manage assigned internal communications, develop high-impact stories and monitor industry-relevant trends; support media relations; and collaborate across departments to advance institutional priorities. The ideal candidate is a creative and strategic communicator who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about delivering clear, compelling messaging. Key Job Functions Develop, write, and execute strategic communications across multiple formats and channels, including press releases, newsletters and emails, and contribute content to the university's news site, internal network and social media platforms. Implement assigned communication strategies and support broader efforts to engage target audiences, including current students, faculty, university leadership, media and external stakeholders. Support the university's media relations strategy by building and maintaining relationships with journalists, media outlets and key stakeholders to enhance earned-media coverage and public visibility. Draft and distribute assigned media materials, including press releases, media advisories, and announcements. Monitor news coverage and relevant digital media and respond to inquiries as appropriate. Evaluate and analyze social media activity, providing insights and recommendations to support and amplify the reputation of the University. Create and distribute internal communications to keep employees and students informed of organizational updates, initiatives and events. Assist in planning and coordinating events, meetings and presentations. Ensure consistency in branding, messaging and organizational voice across all communication platforms. Conduct research and analyze the effectiveness of news and communication campaigns, providing data-driven recommendations. Support emergency communication efforts, including drafting timely alerts and coordinating messaging with internal and external stakeholders. About us For over 100 years, Embry-Riddle has been the world's leading aviation and aerospace university, educating more than 30,000 students across residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona, as well as through a global network of Worldwide locations and online programs. With more than 165,000 alumni around the world, our impact reaches every corner of the aerospace, aviation, defense and technology industries. Today, our faculty, researchers and professional staff are advancing innovation across aviation, space, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, autonomous systems and next-generation engineering. Working alongside industry leaders, government agencies and innovators, they are solving real-world challenges and shaping the technologies that will define tomorrow. Whether you are an educator, researcher, administrator, technologist or industry professional, your work at Embry-Riddle will contribute to something bigger than a job. Join a community driven by discovery, purpose and excellence-and help shape the future of aerospace. Perks Await You at Embry-Riddle! Health Benefits:Experience comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with wellness programs that include preventive care and fitness memberships. Our flexible spending and health savings accounts simplify managing healthcare costs. Join a workplace that prioritizes your health-because your journey to wellness should be rewarding! Buckle up for a healthier, happier you! Tuition Coverage:Get 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree, and discounted rates for your spouse and dependent children up to age 26. Retirement Contributions:ERAU contributes an annual 6% gift of your base salary to your retirement plan and offers a 4% matching contribution, with no vesting period. Generous Time Off:Enjoy up to 18 days of paid leave in your first year, including 3 days granted upon hire and 15 days accrued throughout the year. You'll also receive 9+ paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day. Qualifications Education: Bachelor's degree in communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field. Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience in communications, public relations, or a related field. Demonstrated experience in writing, editing, and content creation across multiple platforms. Skills and Competencies: Excellent writing, editing and verbal communication skills. Proficiency with content management systems and familiarity with social media. Familiarity with graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) preferred. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. High attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to work effectively both independently and in a collaborative team environment. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive approach. Strong news judgment and the ability to translate complex or technical information for general audiences. Knowledge of current communications trends, tools, and best practices. To submit your application for this opportunity, please visit the Embry-Riddle Career Site and search for requisition number R311884. Please attach all relevant materials to your application when you apply online. Complete submissions include: Cover letter Resume Contact information for at least three professional references (please note that references may be contacted as part of the interview/screening process) Current Embry-Riddle employees: Please apply directly through the ERAU Employee Hub Central application within Workday. Embry-Riddle is committed to fostering a workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. We strive to ensure that all faculty, staff, and students are treated fairly and provided equal opportunities for employment, advancement, compensation, training, and other benefits of employment. Embry-Riddle makes employment decisions - including hiring, promotions, compensation, and other terms of employment - based on individual merit, qualifications, and abilities. Embry-Riddle is strongly opposed to discrimination and harassment, and such behavior is prohibited by university policy. Embry-Riddle does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, veteran status, predisposing genetic characteristics, age, religion, or pregnancy status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law, in its employment, educational programs, admissions policies, financial aid, or other school-administered programs or activities. For further information, please visit our website. Embry-Riddle is not seeking assistance from staffing or recruitment agencies. All agencies are directed to contact eraujobs@erau.edu and should not reach out to hiring managers or staff.