Training & Communication Specialist

Reporting to the Associate Director of Client Services, the Training & Communication Specialist position is responsible for developing various types of communication projects using the GAIL (Giving and Alumni Information Link) database system in accordance with the needs of central staff and staff in the schools/colleges/units. GAIL is the central database of record for all alumni and donors at the University of Georgia and serves as the UGA Foundation’s fundraising database.

This position will create and maintain instructional design materials, conduct user training classes (in person, virtual and online), and conduct meetings with staff members requesting assistance with their communication projects, and also act as liaison between the requesting party and any/all central teams to ensure additional supporting tasks are performed that will assist with completing each project in a successful manner.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Requires technical knowledge in the field acquired through an apprenticeship, a 2-year degree, or professional certificate. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university or 1-2 years of related higher education experience, or any equivalent combination of mass communication projects training and experience.
• Experience with fundraising (Constituent Relationship Management/CRM) database systems (ex: Blackbaud).
• Experience leading training or teaching classes for one or more people.
• Experience with providing customer support to one or more people in a professional business setting.
• Experience with creating and managing mass communication efforts (ex: newsletters, announcements, email communications, etc. to large audiences).
• Experience with creating clear and concise training materials (documents, videos, instructional aids, workbooks, etc.).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES and/or COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of, and ability to apply, new and emerging strategies and techniques for processing mass communications
• Strong communication and comprehension skills, multi-tasking, and time management skills
• Ability to support the department’s mission by learning and participating in creative technologies to improve customer satisfaction
• Knowledge of, and ability to apply, research methodology as applied to the field of mass communication including marketing strategies
• Knowledge of, and ability to apply, new and emerging training and instructional methodology, techniques, and principles
• Knowledge of, and ability to apply, specialized technical and management training and learning management programs
• Knowledge of, and ability to apply, research methodology as applied to the field of training and instruction
• Ability to demonstrate, present, understand, and teach effectively before groups
• Ability to operate a variety of audio-visual technology
• Ability to demonstrate and present new communication plans and ideas
• Ability to build successful and direct partnerships with clients
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal staff, campus units, and alumni

Additional Division Expectations:

• Through open, honest, and respectful communication, all staff, supervisors, and colleagues of the Division of Development & Alumni Relations are expected to interact with fairness, compassion, and decency. All employees will be held accountable for meeting the expectation of promoting a stable, productive, and healthy work environment.
• Adherence to CASE standards and commonly accepted industry standards relating to fundraising reporting are expected of all fundraisers. All fundraisers will be held accountable for meeting this expectation.

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Training, Workshops & Instructional Design (40%)

• Communication Projects (40%)

• Meetings & Support  (20%)

ABOUT THE DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENT & ALUMNI RELATIONS

The Division of Development and Alumni Relations at the University of Georgia advances the goals, objectives, and priorities of the university by generating private financial support, building, and maintaining relationships with alumni and donors, and assisting students with career development opportunities.

ABOUT CLIENT SERVICES

The Client Services (CS) unit is a branch of the Department of Advancement Information Technology within the Division of Development and Alumni Relations. First, the CS Team is responsible for all training of UGA employees that will utilize any of the following systems: the GAIL/Blackbaud CRM (Giving and Alumni Information Link) database system, and basic level FAME (financial accounting database system), as well as any new systems/software brought on board in the future. Secondly, the CS Team provides direct, front-line support to all UGA staff using the GAIL CRM system and assists with all communication projects directly supporting fundraising and stewardship efforts. Thirdly, the CS Team is responsible for collaborating with internal and external division staff for identifying issues/needs/enhancements, resolving said issues, and being the liaison for partnering with system users and internal teams to steer system progress and growth.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 1,800 full-time instructional faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

EEO POLICY STATEMENT

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).