Director Of Communications And Marketing

Job Summary:

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:

Marketing, Communications, and Public Relations

• 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 missioncentered 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
• This position may be required to perform additional functions based on the requirements of the

Office of Institutional Advancement, the University and/or a specific project.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Digital Media Manger, 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.

Certificates, Licenses or Registrations

None

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.