Job Description

Position Title: Director of Strategic Communications

Job Description:

The Director of Strategic Communications is a role that requires an attentive, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and highly collaborative leader. Reporting directly to the Vice President; the Director plays a critical role in the University's ability to effectively communicate its value proposition and greater role in community development with creative campaigns. S/he will participate in planning and directing the University's strategic marketing and communications plan and ensure that the tactics align with program needs to grow a healthy identity.

• Marketing and Communication Department
• Communications Coordinator (Admissions)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES :

• Plan and direct the university-wide strategic marketing and communication plan to align with the strategic enrollment management plan; develop internal and external messaging parameters and ensures the University's brand identity is consistent across all communication channels and materials.
• Directs the development and maintenance of the University's brand identity, formulate and execute marketing campaigns, advertisements, and promotional materials to enhance brand visibility and recognition.
• Oversee design and creation of compelling marketing materials to support recruitment and fundraising efforts, including brochures, videos and presentations that consistently enhance MWSU's storytelling.
• Plans, designs and directs creative and engaging communication campaigns to various audiences, including prospective students, currently enrolled students, alumni, faculty and staff.
• Collaborate with Enrollment Management for prospective student communications with prescribed calls to action at the various stages of the enrollment funnel and achieve enrollment targets.
• Responsible for proactive media relations, including earned and unearned media opportunities, develops digital content that will be of public interest, and ensures consistent messaging.
• Monitors and manages online presence, including the website, social media platforms and other digital channels.
• Collaborates with academic and administrative departments to identify featured stories and representations of the University mission.
• Provides guidance and counsel on communications to internal stakeholders, including media requests and media training.
• Responsible for crisis communications and issues management. Manages internal communications related to challenging topics.
• Oversees regular communication from the Office of the President and administrative leaders for a clear and unified position.
• Build and sustain relationships with external partners, stakeholders, and community organizations to elevate MWSU's reputation
• Lead the Marketing and Communications team with expertise, offering guidance, mentorship, and fostering opportunities for professional development.
• Support and participate in strategic planning initiatives and perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of workings of university structure, policies and procedures
• Leadership, supervision, planning and organization skills including team building, strategic planning, and continuous quality improvement
• Effective communication skills; ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively
• Ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies across the University and the community
• Ability to operate independently and collaboratively with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders
• Strong time management skills; ability to handle multiple tasks with accuracy while adhering to tight deadlines
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, and Outlook) and Google Workspace tools.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• Five years of related experience in marketing, communication, public affairs/relations or other related field
• Or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
• Valid Driver's License

Preferred Qualifications

• Three years of progressively responsible leadership in marketing and communication within a higher education environment
• Experience with Slate CRM

Physical Demands

Sedentary work; exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

FLSA Exempt

Additional Demands

• May require occasional travel and/or night and weekend work
• The above position description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.

Hours of Work

• 37.5 per week
• Schedule varies based on events

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