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Communications Specialists Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GDIT

Communications Specialist

Home, PA · On-site

$72K - $97K/yr

Our work depends on Communications Specialists joining our team to develop strategic communications in support of Customs and Border Protection's trade enforcement mission. Overview GDIT's Strategy ...

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The Weir Group PLC

Communications Specialist

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$51K - $68K/yr

Plan and deliver communications across internal channels, partnering with stakeholders including senior leaders and regional communications specialists to execute campaigns that drive engagement and ...

City of Ottumwa

911 Communications Specialist

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$24.04/hr

Communications Specialists receive, interpret, and process incoming calls, quickly determining the nature and urgency of each situation in accordance with established procedures and training. They ...

Town of Vail

Emergency Communications Specialist

Vail, CO · On-site

$32 - $33.20/hr

Position Overview The Town of Vail is NOW HIRING Emergency Communications Specialists! $6,000 HIRING BONUS* Starting at $32.80/per hour - $34.03/per hour after successfully completing training Click ...

Town of Vail

Emergency Communications Specialist

Vail, CO

$32.80 - $34.03/hr

The Town of Vail is NOW HIRING Emergency Communications Specialists! $6,000 HIRING BONUS* Starting at $32.80/per hour - $34.03/per hour after successfully completing training Click here to learn more ...

Town of Vail

Emergency Communications Specialist

Vail, CO

$32.80 - $34.03/hr

Position Overview The Town of Vail is NOW HIRING Emergency Communications Specialists! $6,000 HIRING BONUS* Starting at $32.80/per hour - $34.03/per hour after successfully completing training Click ...

Weir Group

Communications Specialist

Fort Worth, TX · Hybrid

$51K - $68K/yr

Plan and deliver communications across internal channels, partnering with stakeholders including senior leaders and regional communications specialists to execute campaigns that drive engagement and ...

Weir

Communications Specialist

Fort Worth, TX · Hybrid

$51K - $68K/yr

Plan and deliver communications across internal channels, partnering with stakeholders including senior leaders and regional communications specialists to execute campaigns that drive engagement and ...

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Communications Specialists information

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How much do communications specialists jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for communications specialists in the United States is $67,006.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $71,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Communications Specialists vs Public Relations Specialists?

AspectCommunications SpecialistsPublic Relations Specialists
CredentialsBachelor's degree in communications, marketing, or related fieldBachelor's degree in public relations, communications, or related field
Work EnvironmentCorporate, nonprofit, government, mediaPublic relations firms, corporate communications, nonprofit
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across various industries for internal and external communicationPrimarily in organizations managing public image and media relations
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles involving communication strategiesCompared for media relations and reputation management

Communications Specialists focus on creating and managing internal and external communications across various platforms, while Public Relations Specialists primarily handle media relations and reputation management. Both roles require similar credentials and are used across many industries, but their core functions differ in scope and focus.

What degree do you need to become a communications specialist?

A bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field is typically required to become a communications specialist. Relevant skills such as writing, media relations, and familiarity with communication tools are also important for the role.

What skills do you need to be a communications specialist?

A communications specialist needs strong written and verbal communication skills, proficiency in media and public relations, and the ability to craft clear messages. They should also have skills in social media management, editing, and familiarity with communication tools and software. Critical thinking and adaptability are important for managing diverse audiences and changing media landscapes.
More about Communications Specialists jobs

What cities are hiring for Communications Specialists jobs?

Cities with the most Communications Specialists job openings:

What states have the most Communications Specialists jobs?

States with the most job openings for Communications Specialists jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Communications Specialists jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Communications Specialists jobs are:

Communications Specialists jobs near you
Infographic showing various Communications Specialists job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,006 per year, or $32.2 per hour.

Communications Manager, VUPD

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Vanderbilt University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description


About the Work Unit:
Vanderbilt University Public Safety comes under the charge of the Office of the Associate Vice
Chancellor / Chief of Police for the Division of Administration. The Public Safety Department includes a
staff of over 200 people. The department is organized into three Divisions: Administration, Operations, and
Auxiliary Services. The Department employs commissioned officers, non-academy-trained officers for
security-related functions, and administrative personnel.
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
Administrative Services
  • Manages the Communications Unit; directly supervises communications specialists. Ensures
    the highest level of satisfaction and retention by implementing measures for quality control,
    productivity and efficiency. Observes and documents the work product of each
    communications specialist, provides correction and training where needed, and administers
    Performance Improvement Counseling, if necessary.
  • Ensures policies and procedures are being followed. Completes Performance Evaluations for
    communications specialists.
  • Schedules holiday, vacation, and personal time. Monitors, documents, and takes necessary
    action when attendance standards are not met.
  • Investigates complaints/allegations of employee misconduct and documents findings; makes
    recommendations to management when disciplinary action is warranted.
  • Conducts periodic audits for quality assurance, including radio and phone traffic, direct
    observation, recorded media, CAD entries, and data entry to ensure accuracy, completeness
    , and timely submissions. Issue a quality control memorandum to affected personnel to correct
    errors.
  • Represents VPD as the Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC) for the Tennessee Information
    Enforcement System (TIES). Responsible for attending TIES (Tennessee Information
    Enforcement System) training sessions; provides training for department personnel on the
    use of TIES; ensures department compliance with all requirements mandated by TIES.
  • Develops policies and procedures for the Communications Unit.
  • Maintains knowledge, skills and abilities in order to provide back-up for Manager, Records Unit. Will coordinate with the Manager, Records Unit to provide coverage during extended periods of absence.

Support Services
  • Manages the maintenance and upkeep of communications equipment including the consoles and other related equipment, supplies and resources utilized by Communications personnel.

Training
  • Ensures the training of communications specialists and other police officers utilized as relief on key functions of job including Computer Aided Dispatch, NCIC/TCIC/TIES, and Severe Weather Alert System. Trains and certifies communications personnel as public safety dispatchers and NCIC Query operators.

Community Services
  • Serves the community through proactive and self-initiated activities related to the position.
  • Assists community members as necessary.

Supervisory Relationships:
This position does have supervisory responsibility over the Communications Department; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Chief of Staff.
Education and Certifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution of higher education preferred. The degree may be substituted for relevant, progressive dispatch experience on a year-for-year basis.
  • Possession of a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), National Crime Information Center (NCIC), Tennessee Information Enforcement System (TIES) and Enhanced 911 training and certification is required.

Experience and Skills
  • 8 years of related experience in a public safety agency with at least (1) year of management experience is required.
  • Knowledge of Federal, State, Local and other regulatory boards and requirements governing radio and electronic transmission necessary.
  • Thorough knowledge of the operation and maintenance requirements of radio, computer, alarm, and other systems commonly found in communications is necessary.
  • Key Characteristics of a Successful Team Member in this Work Unit:
  • Excellent management and team-building skills.
  • Ability to remain calm and objective throughout stressful and unpleasant situations.
  • Demonstrate the ability to manage, coordinate, and direct the activities of administrative and support personnel.
  • Have current knowledge of industry best practices and develop new and innovative ways to enhance

General Characteristics of a Successful Vanderbilt University Staff Member:
ACCOUNTABILITY:
  • Owns decisions, outcomes, work products, etc. that are within the scope of one's role.
  • Works through Issues - Recognizes that the work is about successful outcomes; if things aren't going well, outcomes suffer; is willing to have crucial conversations if things aren't going well; doesn't just complain to management... does everything possible to remedy the situation directly first
  • Reliable - Does what they say they will do, when they say they will do it; shows up for work when expected; doesn't push the burden of work volume or deadlines to others
  • Integrity - Holds oneself accountable; takes responsibility for failures as well as successes, recognizes that trust is required to hold a team together
  • Acceptance of Feedback - Takes constructive criticism with grace, and makes improvements without taking it personally or holding grudges; when wrong, owns it - freely admits mistakes

COLLABORATION:
  • Works inclusively to build trust and accomplish tasks, goals, and initiatives. Understands, anticipates, and appropriately responds to internal and/or external customers' needs.
  • Optimism - Is friendly, tirelessly cordial, polite, and genial; comes in to work with a good attitude and doesn't bring their own personal "little black clouds" into the work environment
  • Teamwork - Genuinely values teamwork and co-workers, makes them feel valuable and important by acknowledging what they do well; doesn't expect from others effort that one is unwilling to do themselves, finds ways to acknowledge others' strong suits
  • Honest and Transparent - Doesn't have hidden agendas, doesn't play people against each other; is authentic and forthright
  • Helpful Nature - Offers to help lighten the load for others in times of need; volunteers rather than waiting to be asked; understands that almost no one works in a silo and needs the help of others to do their job well; recognizes that by helping others first, others will likely reciprocate

COMMUNICATION:
  • Provides information clearly and accurately in various settings, ensuring understanding and participation. Understands how best to present information to different audiences and understands how information may be perceived.
  • Shares - Shares information. Communicates proactively. Transmits knowledge; recognizes that "knowledge is power" is less effective than "sharing knowledge is power." Asks for advice, and considers it thoughtfully
  • Is Nice - Asks caring, interested questions and is a good listener -- smiles and is grateful; sends appropriate notes of thanks to others who have helped; avoids gossip or saying negative things about co-workers; patient and generous; makes suggestions rather than stating hard and fast opinions. Avoids being negative, sarcastic, and cynical
  • Praises Publicly; Criticizes Privately - When dealing with a difficult co-workers or customers, "pretend your children are watching" how the situation is handled; good manners help keep a cool head; gives credit where credit is due
  • Responds Promptly - Recognizes that when emails and phone messages aren't returned in a timely way, it sends the message that the other party is not important; responds even if just to acknowledge receipt and provide a timeframe by which the requester can expect a full response

DRIVE & GRIT:
  • Is focused on professional excellence and strives to facilitate and support the same for colleagues in and outside their team, effectively manages through challenges and opportunities while seeking to understand and learn from professional experiences.
  • Perspective - Maintains a sense of humor and perspective; can laugh first and foremost at oneself
  • Raises the Bar - Expects and delivers excellence; is a creative problem solver; is proactive; welcomes input on making things better -- places a high value on learning and getting better
  • Resilience - Is resilient in the face of daunting challenges and setbacks; bounces back readily.
  • Adaptability - Reads cues and adapts accordingly; adjusts style and approach to accommodate the styles and needs of others; can anticipate and effectively de-escalate potential conflicts

ENGAGED:
  • Appreciates the values and mission of the organization, works to contribute to the university, and understands how their work affects the university and the university community.
  • Eager - Enthusiastic, wanting to learn, wanting to continue one's personal and professional development and expertise
  • Hard-Working - Is industrious as well as efficient (busy isn't the same as productive); can juggle multiple competing priorities simultaneously without becoming overwhelmed
  • Believes - Believes in the work being done and in the importance of the organization's mission
  • Creative Thinking - Goes beyond the boundaries of the job description, willingly takes on new challenges, and finds creative solutions rather than always awaiting direct instructions

JUDGMENT & PROFESSIONAL ACUMEN:
  • Makes appropriate decisions and evaluates risk and uncertainty to create ideal outcomes, exhibits an eye for the macro and the micro, and works to ensure others are able to do the same.
  • Autonomous - Self-managing; self-motivated; manages time, activities, and outcomes well so that progress stays on track; cleans up after themselves
  • Maturity -- Exhibits professional maturity; doesn't pass the buck to dodge accountability; doesn't engage in petty office politics or inappropriate social conduct
  • Detail-Oriented - Even small mistakes can create big issues; attention to detail work indicates care about the outcomes
  • Assumes the Best - Assumes that others are working as hard as you are on things that are as important as what you are working on; just because you don't know what someone does, it doesn't mean they're not doing anything

Additional Characteristics of a Successful Vanderbilt University Leader:
ACCOUNTABILITY & EXECUTION:
  • Owns decisions, outcomes, work products, etc. that are within the scope of one's role.
  • Holds everyone in the workgroup accountable for accomplishing the outcomes of the unit.
  • Let's the buck stop with them; owns the outcomes for the work unit and doesn't throw subordinates under the bus if things go wrong
  • Practices what they preach; doesn't set expectations of others that they don't live up to themselves
  • Pitches in to help the team when it really needs help
  • Communicates early and often, even as information is evolving
  • Is willing to learn from their direct reports.
  • Welcomes inquiry and recognizes mistakes as learning opportunities
  • Thinks creatively when tackling a challenge; questions the status quo in search of better ways. Looks for insights, assesses risks

COACHING, DEVELOPMENT & TEAM FOCUS:
  • Leads by example, works to ensure that members of the team have the necessary tools, resources, and knowledge to be successful.
  • Ensures that team members have the tools and resources to do the job
  • Praises publicly; is genuinely appreciative of the accomplishments of members of the team
  • Criticizes privately; focuses more on how to do it better next time than on how it went wrong this time
  • Willingly shares expertise with team members; actively coaches
  • Is clear with the deliverables and outcomes needed, but allows members of the team to tackle the problems in the way they see fit, without micromanaging every process; it understands that the destination - rather than the exact route - is what's important
  • Cares about their employees as people, not just as "resources"
  • Makes this a fun place to work; enhances camaraderie, builds trust, and invites members of the work group to be their authentic selves
  • Addresses problems among the workgroup when they arise, rather than letting them fester.

DECISION MAKING & DIRECTION SETTING:
  • Takes responsibility for and makes effective decisions through understanding the needs of the institution, collaborating and communicating, and identifying the strategic and operational imperatives of the university.
  • Makes decisions, even in the face of incomplete information, rather than avoiding making decisions.
  • Seeks first to understand before making decisions; doesn't act first and ask questions later; solicits input from a diverse group of others, including members of the work group, other stakeholders, and naysayers/critics, when faced with complex challenges, before making a decision. Identifies options and homes in on pros and cons of each option; Lets others know where they are in their decision-making process
  • Shares a clear vision for the work of the unit, and is clear about what outcomes are expected.
  • Provides clear guidance and direction, doesn't change direction with the wind; communicates in ways that are clear and succinct, rather than confusing or ambiguous
  • Communicates early and often, even as information is evolving
  • Champions the work unit's cause, and makes compelling business cases for its needs
  • Is willing to course-correct if things aren't going as planned, even after decisions have been made and communicated
  • Is willing to learn from their direct reports

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