Asst. Director of Communications, Social Sciences - 140922

The Assistant Director of Communications serves as a communications professional for the School of Social Sciences. Provides communications support under the day-to-day direction of the Director of Communications for the School of Social Sciences and the administrative supervision of the Executive Director, Academic & Research Communications. The position develops and executes communications strategies that advance the School's mission and strategic priorities. The position works collaboratively with the Assistant Dean, faculty, staff, and campus partners to support communications initiatives across a broad range of academic, research, and public engagement activities.

Working both independently and in collaboration with the Director of Communications, creates and implements communications plans and projects for the School of Social Sciences. Independently oversees a comprehensive communications program for the School with moderately complex communications requirements. The communications program includes written, visual, digital, and electronic communications. Works with management to develop and execute communications strategies, plans, and projects that support School priorities. Supports executive communications needs for the dean as well as internal communications and content for the School. The Assistant Director of Communications promotes a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion and acts in accordance with the principles of community. Provides superior customer service to internal and external constituents. Serves as a strong facilitator and liaison to advance the mission and goals of the organization. Actively, deliberately and thoughtfully infuses inclusivity and diversity throughout university communications.

Performs a wide range of duties in the following areas: internal communications support, editing and writing news briefs, profiles and features for various university and school publications. Also supports writing needs for web pages and other electronic media, community outreach, marketing plans, social media, and special events. Produces and/or coordinates multimedia content, including video concepting, scripting, filming, editing, and production for digital and social platforms. Exercises sound news judgment in identifying timely and audience-centered story opportunities. Demonstrates strong working knowledge of social media and experience using social media strategically in a professional setting. Understands the complex and fragmented media ecosystem and how to tailor content across earned, owned, shared, and emerging channels. Uses AI tools efficiently and ethically in support of communications work while applying independent critical thinking, editorial judgment, fact-checking, and professional standards. Manages department communications needs in absence of director. Works and collaborates regularly with other senior staff to shape, create, and develop communications materials to support the school's strategic communications plan and the priorities of the dean.

~ This is a hybrid position that will be required to be in the office three days a week and will sit in the School of Social Sciences.

~ Cover letter required for a complete application.

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

• Solid written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening and political acumen skills.

• Knowledge of all aspects of communications, including strategic planning for various media venues, technical aspects and requirements of various venues, and most appropriate and effective applications.

• Knowledge and skills to advise and consult with management to ensure delivery of the desired message to the target and / or broad general audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and complete projects quickly in a fast-paced communications environment. Ability to comprehend academic research and/or technical industry activities and to write and translate the work in a way that is understandable to the general public.

• Thorough knowledge of content management systems and / or relevant web applications used for web production and organization-specific computer application programs.

• Knowledge and understanding of technical applications to effectively direct technical staff, or personally perform technical work, including design concepts, various media, and applications. Experience developing and coordinating multimedia communications, including digital, social media, and video content, to support strategic communications objectives.

• Thorough technical skills in computer applications for web production, image handling, publishing and design, illustration, presentation preparation, animation, web interaction, and / or other state-of-the-art web communication capabilities.

• Knowledge of the organization, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, policies, practices, infrastructure, and a strong knowledge of current affairs, and issues in higher education and / or health sciences.

• Demonstrated ability to identify and effectively target and place newsworthy stories with local and national media in order to support overall strategic communications plan.

• Thorough skills in understanding and effectively utilizing all news / media mediums including broadcast news, the internet, social media and other emerging technologies.

• Thorough skills to create clear, easy-to-navigate, informative, accurate, well-designed, and functional web sites that provide web content consistent with the organization's message and in keeping with management directives and client objectives.

• Solid skills to create, develop, and implement comprehensive long and short-term strategic communications plans.

• Experience with and ability to use and learn software including Word, Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Cision, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, CapCut, Sprout Social or similar software, MyEmma, SharePoint, WebEx, etc.

• Demonstrated experience with photography and ability to obtain appropriate images and to use them effectively in communications.

• Experience or demonstrated ability to provide communications support to campus leadership or executives.

• Experience using analytics, earned media and other metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of social media campaigns, communications plans and websites.

• Knowledge of location protocols and channels for communication internally and externally.

• Demonstrated competency and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

• Cover letter required for a complete application.

• Evening and weekend work occasionally required.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.