POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Director of University Advancement Communications
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1724
GRADE 44
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Executive Director of University Advancement Relations
GENERAL FUNCTION
Director of University Advancement Communications helps facilitate and plan the communication strategy of University Advancement and works closely with staff to develop stories, organize social media initiatives, and assist with print and electronic communications. This position oversees the organization, design, and functionality of multiple websites within the units of University Advancement and assures accessibility of the websites for all users including consideration of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Director of University Advancement Communications ensures the coordinated development, communication, implementation, and maintenance of web projects, social media content, branding, marketing messages, policies, and procedures within University Advancement, collaborates with all departments under University Advancement and web users to understand and meet the information needs of donors, alumni and friends of the University and other users.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A bachelor’s degree in marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related area is required. A master’s degree preferred. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.
Experience: At least three years of experience in a professional position in a public relations environment is required. Previous supervisory experience is preferred. Writing and/or editing experience with print or electronic media are required. Work experience in higher education or non-profit is preferred.
Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. Knowledge of basic content management software is required. Organizational planning and management skills are required. Knowledge of databases and spreadsheets, word processing, and social media applications is required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required. An understanding of HTML, Java scripting, and streaming technologies is preferred. An understanding of accessibility issues related to disabled users is preferred.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Directs the planning, organizing, evaluating, and developing resources, making recommendations for the overall site regarding design, security, upgrades, and technical issues, and gathering information from the University Advancement units to make suggested refinements based on changing technology, user expectations, and web trends, and supervises the Content Strategist in the promotion of the University Advancement websites in key search engines, journals, books, and directories.2. Creates a positive image of the MSU Foundation and the Division for University Advancement to key internal and external audiences by preparing and managing information that features donors and the impact of the Foundation on the University, including students, faculty, and staff.
3. Coordinates and directs implementation plans for assigned websites, social media platforms, email marketing, online giving, and other online marketing strategies for University Advancement and supervises the writing and editing content for these online strategies.
4. Responsible for budget input regarding purchasing software, ads, large scale project purchases, as well as determining budget for purchase online ads, and other strategic communication plans to be submitted to the Executive Director of University Advancement Relations for approval.
5. Works with the Executive Director of University Advancement Relations to assure an informative, accurate, and interesting presence on the web by adhering to University web policies and protocols when necessary, designing and adding new web pages, modifying and updating existing web pages, maintaining current links, and performing other duties related to web development and maintenance.
6. Ensures coordinated implementation of web projects by communicating clearly with departments, attending meetings, and representing the interests of University Advancement’s websites, and responding to inquiries.
7. Directs and supervises social media and online marketing campaigns created by the Content Strategist and team, as well as day-to-day online and social media activity, including advertising, writing editorials, community outreach efforts, and promotions.
8. Assures the accessibility of all University Advancement websites to all interested persons regardless of disability and assures compliance with state and federal laws regarding accessibility.
9. Ensures the optimal look, feel, and usability of the sites as well as the consistency and timely availability of pages released to the site by supervising the planning and reviewing the navigational user interface design and information site architecture, working collaboratively with programming areas, and understanding the target audience and their information needs.
10. In cooperation with the Executive Director of University Advancement Relations establishes policies and procedures for University Advancement on web-related issues and processes and ensures compliance with University web policies when necessary.
11. Works with University Advancement departments to establish the architecture and design strategy of University Advancement websites.
12. Promotes a positive and professional image of the department by being knowledgeable about various departmental procedures and policies, appropriately answering questions asked by alumni, donors, faculty, staff, or others doing business with the department.
13. Coordinates departmental web pages while working closely with Web Strategy and Development and Creative Services.
14. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
15. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses required by the Executive Director of University Advancement Relations.
16. Contributes to the overall success of University Advancement by performing all other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Director of University Advancement Communications directly supervises the Content Strategist as well as other full and/or part-time employees, graduate assistants, and/or student workers.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2024
