AD Academic Affairs Comm

University of South Carolina•Columbia, SC

45d

About The Position

The Associate Director of Academic Affairs Communications develops and executes the integrated communications strategy for the Office of the Provost, including the promotion of major initiatives, academic excellence across colleges, signature events, and core functions of the Office to key campus constituents and peers at other national higher education institutions. The Associate Director of Academic Affairs Communications also provides communications guidance and strategic support to the 20+ units reporting to the Office of the Provost and provides executive communications support to the Provost. The Associate Director collaborates closely with academic communications managers across the institution. Work is conducted under the general supervision of the AVP for University Communications and with guidance from senior staff within the Office of the Provost.

Requirements

Requires a bachelor's degree in a job related field and 4 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Proven ability to create engaging written content across platforms.
Demonstrated proficiency in content management software, social media platforms, web analytics and social media monitoring.
Knowledge of AP style is a must along with the ability to be a self-editor.
Must be organized, enterprising and a self-starter.
Project management skills and an ability to meet deadlines.
Verbal communication skills along with an ability to work as part of a team and with distinct units within the Office of the Provost.
Ability to solve problems through creativity, strategic thought and planning.
A desire to develop professionally, stay on top of new trends and developments in marketing and public relations and enhance skills is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a client facing content strategy, marketing or public relations role.
Previous experience working within higher education is preferred.

Responsibilities

Content Strategy and Creation: With a commitment to clear and engaging communication, and adherence to brand consistency, creates a variety of cross-channel content including web stories, newsletters, press releases, social media content and calendar items. This includes writing/editing long and short form stories that highlight the University's academic excellence and multimedia content created on behalf of the Office of the Provost.
Social Media Strategy and Management: Oversees the Office of the Provost's social media accounts, including developing content and strategies to maximize engagement with faculty and students. Focused engagement with peers highlighting the University of South Carolina's academic excellence is a priority. The Associate Director of Academic Affairs Communications also advises individual units within the Office of the Provost on social media best practices.
Account Executive/Project Manager: Provides oversight and management of communications projects conducted in collaboration with other campus communication units and performs client coordination between staff and administrators within the Office of the Provost and affiliated units. These services include strategic marketing, event promotion, web design and development, content strategy, public relations, design and creative services, printing services and vendor management.
Executive Communications: Researches and prepares executive-level communications and public statements issued on behalf of the Office of the Provost. Such statements include email communications, talking points and other correspondence with a variety of audiences. In consultation with other members of Communications and Marketing, ensures communications mirror institutional priorities.
Communications Consulting: Provides guidance for effective communications to Office of the Provost reporting units. In conjunction with University Communications and the Brand Collaborative, the Associate Director of Academic Affairs Communications will provide guidance to academic unit communicators when appropriate.