Director, Communications, College of Arts and Sciences

Pay Grade: 32E

Context of the Job:

The Communications Director plays a key role in developing and crafting the internal and external messaging of the University of Delaware’s College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), in conjunction with UD’s Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM). Reporting to and under the general direction of the Sr. Director, College Communications in OCM with a dotted line to the Dean of the College, the Communications Director provides leadership and develops the strategic communications and marketing plan for CAS.

The Communications Director works directly with colleagues in OCM to provide public relations, writing, graphic design and print production, digital and multimedia production, event planning and photography services for CAS and its respective units.

The Communications Director is responsible for projecting a favorable image of the college to its stakeholders and the media, and for advocating on behalf of the college and the industries/agencies it supports. Specifically, the Communications Director is responsible for producing communications pieces and strategies for both internal and external audiences to address the strategic goals and objectives of CAS and its units, as well as the overarching goals and objectives of the University.

Major Responsibilities:

• Develops and implements strategic communications plans and initiatives for CAS in support of college and University priorities and goals.
• Leads the development and implementation of a comprehensive digital, social and multi-media strategy that increases CAS engagement with key audiences and is aligned with UD’s digital and multimedia media policy and complies with ADA requirements.
• Works closely with communications professionals to coordinate production and delivery of communications tactics and products, ensuring adherence to strategic goals, policies and procedures.
• Interacts with units internal to the college to address strategic communications goals, including but not limited to the CAS Undergraduate Academic Services office for communication with prospective students and their parents, the college’s academic departments and centers.
• Interacts regularly with UD groups outside of CAS, including but not limited to communications units in other UD colleges, the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, Admissions, and external media entities to ensure that information on CAS programs is communicated effectively and favorably to internal and external audiences at local, regional, national and international levels.
• Develops targeted marketing and communications messaging for the college across multiple channels including print, web and social media.
• Provides communications guidance and support for major CAS events and CAS participation in major university events.
• Creates dynamic written and digital content for multiple diverse audiences, including current and potential students and parents (recruitment), alumni, internal and external stakeholders and various publics.
• Advises senior CAS administrators on the effective communication of goals, priorities and actions to stakeholders and media.
• Serves as the college’s point person for strategic communications, particularly in emergent situations or major developments that receive media or stakeholder attention.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, marketing or related discipline, and six years of related experience managing and delivering communications activities, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in a research-oriented institution of higher education preferred.
• Ability to work effectively, manage multiple clients and projects simultaneously and under tight deadlines, often switching gears multiple times a day among a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community, while managing competing priorities and overseeing the day-to-day effort of supporting professional staff, partners and/or vendors.
• Superior written, verbal, interpersonal, organizational and public speaking skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to apply knowledge, best practices, policies and procedures to specific communications and marketing plans and activities.
• Knowledge of communications concepts, principles, methodology and techniques.
• Knowledge and understanding of current issues and trends applicable to higher education institutions.

Notice of Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity

The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies.

The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.