POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Director of Communications, Office of the Provost
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1727
GRADE 46
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Provost
General Function: The Director of Communications, Office of the Provost, develops and manages an annual communication plan for the Office of the Provost that includes the implementation of communications and public relations efforts in support of the strategic communications plan for Academic Affairs. The person in this position also provides feedback, guidance and, as necessary, leadership on communications and marketing efforts that highlight the university’s academic achievements and offerings.
Minimum Acceptable Qualifications
Education: A master’s degree is required. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.
Experience: Ten years of professional experience in public relations, media relations, journalism, brand management and/or organizational communications is required. Comprehensive experience in writing, multimedia content production, communications (for both internal and external audiences) and brand management is required. Experience in higher education, particularly with an academic focus, is preferred. Magazine experience as well as digital communications experience is a plus.
Skills: Exceptional interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills are required, along with the ability to assess and provide feedback regarding photography, videography and design. Strong project management and time management skills are required, along with the ability to manage multiple projects. Strong decision-making skills and the ability to leverage and manage resources, both internal and external, are required as well as strong relationship development/management skills are required. A working knowledge of various computer software applications, especially Microsoft Word, Adobe Creative Cloud applications and WordPress, is required. A history of writing according to style guides, including the AP Stylebook, is required. Demonstrated knowledge of and respect for those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
Effort: Occasionally required to lift and carry materials and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
Other: The scope of the position requires evening and occasional weekend work. Occasional overnight, out-of-town travel is required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Develop and manage an annual communication plan for the Office of the Provost.2. Establish priorities, monitor and evaluate results of communication strategies for academic programming through the Office of the Provost.
3. Manage the creation and use of internal and external branding for the Office of the Provost, including print advertising, print marketing materials, video and digital advertising.
4. Conduct quality control over all Provost branding and communication, manage production workflow and ensure adherence with Marketing and Communications guidelines and brand policies.
5. Serve as primary editor of Academic Expressions, the key messaging platform for the Office of the Provost.
6. Work closely with the Division of Marketing and Communications on strategic efforts to raise visibility of academic affairs and its accomplishments.
7. Interface with the Provost, Chief Academic Strategy Officer, Provost Fellows, Office of the Provost staff and faculty and staff across Academic Affairs.
8. Serve as the primary point of contact for all media inquiries.9. Assist with academic-based communication offerings (e.g., Mind's Eye, Logos, e-Journal of Public Affairs)
10. At the direction of the Provost, collaborate with academic departments on projects and events.11. Proactively contribute to a work environment that encourages knowledge of respect for and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
12. Remain competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses and attending training and/or courses as directed by the supervisor.
SUPERVISION: The position may supervise graduate assistants and/or student employees.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
MAY 2024
