Job Description

Director of Communications and Marketing

Reporting to the Senior Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships, the Director of Communications and Marketing will develop, implement, and guide the strategy for all marketing, communications, website, public relations, strategic messaging, and collateral to consistently articulate Shaw University's mission. The Director of Communications and Marketing is responsible for planning, development and implementation of all marketing strategies, marketing communications, and public relations activities, both external and internal; develops and oversees publication of printed materials and collateral materials in university wide marketing, communications, and public relations. The Director of Communications and Marketing will work closely with university leadership, offices and the Institutional Advancement peer group, as the communications partner on a variety of strategic initiatives.

Essential Job Functions:

Advise the Vice President for Institutional Advancement on internal and external constituency relations, public relations, marketing, and communications

Build compelling and relevant omni-channel university marketing plans and campaigns, often in partnership with offices, divisional, or departmental University wide teams, that deliver on mission-centered strategic institutional goals

Develop, direct, and manage a comprehensive marketing, communications and public relations program that represents a cohesive and consistent message supporting the university's mission, brand, and goals

Develop, direct, integrate, and manage strategic communications, marketing, and public relations functions of the university into a cohesive effort that conveys a consistent message in support of the university's mission and strategic goals

Measure and monitor effectiveness of marketing efforts and campaigns, reporting on qualitative and quantitative metrics, and using data and insights to drive SMART goals and strategy.

Lead the university's efforts to monitor, manage, and respond to issues that place the university in the public eye

Write and issue press releases; manage content, design, editing, printing, and distribution of high-quality print and electronic publications and posts

Work on projects under the purview of Institutional Advancement and campus-wide units

Collaborate with Enrollment Management offices and other university offices to ensure consistent branding, uniform messaging, and prioritization of marketing efforts related to prospective students

Collaboratively convene and align campus colleagues and activities across the university to leverage institutional resources and impact

Manage external communications and marketing vendors and consultants to ensure timely and successful completion of projects.

Work closely with the President, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Advancement staff, the Cabinet, and other university leaders to write communications materials, proposals, and presentations

Provide advice and guidance to the Senior Administration in interacting with community groups, media, and other key constituents. Interact effectively with members of the media and handle sensitive issues with public relations impact

Oversee all IA digital and social media functions, photographic and video services, to include arranging coverage for IA efforts and special functions

Lead development of print, web, and other media matters to promote a positive image and distinctive brand for the University

Oversee, coordinate, and execute original communication products and publications related to special events, direct mail, and programs

Serve on university committees as needed

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge and proven marketing, public relations, and advertising experience that supports a brand strategy in higher education setting or a complex organization

Proven track record of driving marketing results in a complex, decentralized organization by garnering support and buy-in from key internal and external stakeholders including senior university administration, faculty, staff, and students

Experience identifying target audiences, segmenting appropriately, and developing key messages and tactics to reach each audience.

Ability to write engaging and persuasive content with strong copywriting, editing, interpersonal, presentation skills.

Demonstrate proficiency in using word processing, content management systems, CRM's communication analytics, data base management, page layout and social networking tools in communications or marketing programs.

Understanding of effective creative, design, and branding principles, and the use of digital and social media as means of communication.

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple and competing priorities and to take initiative in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with the pressure of deadlines.

Ability to handle and prioritize tasks while maintaining strong attention to detail.

Considerable creative and analytical strength, including awareness of best practices, tools and relevant experiences building compelling marketing efforts that drive results.

Must be a strong and innovative problem solver, creative strategist and a great tactical leader who has an entrepreneurial working style.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced organizational environment

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Digital Media Manager, Consultants

Minimum Job Qualifications:

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor's degree in journalism, marketing, public relations from an accredited college or university required. Graduate degree in a related field is desirable.

Master's in Communications or Public Relations preferred or related fields

Minimum of 7 years' experience in marketing, communications, or public relations with demonstrated success, preferably in higher education or the not-for-profit.

Demonstrated skills, knowledge and experience in the design and execution of marketing, communications, and public relations activities.

Strong creative, strategic, analytical, organizational, and personal sales skills.

Demonstrated successful experience writing press releases, making presentations, and negotiating with media.

Experience overseeing the design and production of print materials and publications.

Computer literacy in word processing, data base management and page layout.

Commitment to working with shared leadership and in cross-functional teams.

Strong oral and written communications skills.

Ability to manage multiple projects at a time.

Excel in a fast team environment with rapidly changing priorities

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; demonstrated expertise writing for publication, including AP style.

Intermediate to advanced computer skills using Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other graphics, including desktop publishing and/or presentation software required.

Ability to periodically work extended workdays and occasional weekends.

Other Competencies (skills, abilities, behavior):

Must have a philosophy that is consistent with the Mission, Vision and Core Values of the University. Commitment and experience in achieving goals and pursuing excellence is critical. Strong oral and written presentation skills. Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team. Excellence in organization, decision-making, problem-solving and creating a collaborative environment. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Must be able to read, write and speak fluently in English.

Physical Demands:

The work environment is in an office setting which requires the ability to travel much of the time, work long hours including evenings and weekends, be physically active, able to lift, up to 50 pounds, and the ability to demonstrate specific skills.

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