Strategic Communications Manager

Position Description

The Strategic Communications Manager is responsible for overseeing key aspects of Eastern University’s internal and external communication activities and strategies. This passionate and thoughtful individual should be a talented writer and editor who can beautifully communicate the mission and stories of Eastern University through a variety of channels, including overseeing media relations.

The Manager is a member of the Marketing & Communications Office, but is dedicated to supporting the Office of the President and Office of Advancement, while also overseeing key strategic communications activities. The main goal of this role is to articulate and promote the vision, mission, and values of Eastern University.

Position Responsibilities

1. President’s Office Communications:
   
   • Write and strategize communications coming from the President’s Office.
   • Manage the annual calendar and strategy of Presidential communications.
   • Oversee strategic plan communications and materials.
   • Serve as liaison between the Marketing & Communications team and the Office of the President on a variety of projects.
2. Advancement Office Communications:
   
   • Partner with the Office of Advancement to develop strategic donor communications and fundraising messaging, including stewardship, annual giving, campaign communications, and other initiatives that strengthen donor engagement.
   • Write for a variety of media including direct mail, email, and digital and print publications.
   • Serve as liaison between the Marketing & Communications team and the Advancement Office on a variety of projects.
3. External Communications and Public Relations:
   
   • Implement a comprehensive approach for sharing Eastern University’s accomplishments, including institutional, faculty, staff, alumni, and student stories.
   • Work proactively to identify stories, news, and information of potential interest to various stakeholders. Shape and distribute that material to key audiences.
   • Write news releases and work to coordinate media interest in the University. Ensure appropriate responses to media requests.
   • Provide writing support and strategy for crisis communications.
4. University Magazine:
   
   • Serve as Editor of the University Magazine, an annual publication which reaches alumni, students, parents, donors, and friends/partners of the University.
   • Partner with the Editor-in-Chief to select articles, themes, and content. Write articles, proofread, and support oversight of guest writers.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Preferred minimum 3 years of experience in marketing, communications, or public relations with demonstrated success, preferably in the University or not-for-profit sector.
• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, marketing, English, or a related field is preferred. A graduate degree in a related field is desirable.
• Demonstrated skills, knowledge, and experience in the design and execution of public relations and communications activities.

Core Competencies

• Faith & missional alignment: Strong personal faith and the capability to effectively convey and articulate Eastern’s faith-based mission and values.
• Excellent writing and communication skills. Strong command of the English language, grammar, and effective communication.
• Self-starter. Strong creative, strategic, organizational, and relational skills.
• Organized and detail-oriented : Capability to work independently and responsibly while managing numerous projects simultaneously.
• Excellent collaboration skills in order to partner with varied constituencies, including University Leadership, department chairs, faculty, staff, and students.