Director, Communications, College of Arts and Sciences

University of Delaware•Newark, DE

About The Position

The Communications Director develops and crafts internal and external messaging for the University of Delaware’s College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), in conjunction with the University’s Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM). Reporting to the Senior Director, College Communications in OCM, with a dotted line to the Dean of the College, the role provides leadership and develops the strategic communications and marketing plan for CAS. Working directly with OCM colleagues, the director supports CAS and its units through public relations, writing, graphic design and print production, digital and multimedia production, event planning, and photography. The role is responsible for projecting a favorable image of the college to stakeholders and the media, and for producing communications materials and strategies for internal and external audiences that support CAS and University goals.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

Experience in a research-oriented institution of higher education.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement strategic communications plans and initiatives for CAS in support of college and University priorities and goals.
Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive digital, social, and multimedia strategy that increases engagement with key audiences, aligns with UD’s digital and multimedia policy, and complies with ADA requirements.
Coordinate with communications professionals to produce and deliver communications tactics and products in accordance with strategic goals, policies, and procedures.
Work with internal college units, including Undergraduate Academic Services, academic departments, and centers, to address strategic communications goals.
Coordinate with groups outside CAS, including communications units in other UD colleges, Development and Alumni Relations, Admissions, and external media, to communicate CAS programs effectively to internal and external audiences.
Develop targeted marketing and communications messaging across print, web, and social media channels.
Provide communications guidance and support for major CAS events and CAS participation in major University events.
Create written and digital content for diverse audiences, including current and prospective students and parents, alumni, stakeholders, and other publics.
Advise senior CAS administrators on effectively communicating goals, priorities, and actions to stakeholders and the media.
Serve as the college’s point person for strategic communications, particularly during emergent situations or major developments receiving media or stakeholder attention.
Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.