Director, Institutional Communications

Westminster University•Salt Lake City, UT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Westminster University is seeking a Director of Institutional Communications to drive strategies and implementation of external communications and marketing projects. This role is crucial for building the university’s reputation and brand expression, leading communications and marketing strategy for programs and initiatives, and communicating the student experience to various audiences. The Director will lead a team of digital media and marketing professionals and report to the Chief Communications Officer.

Requirements

Four (4) years or more of work experience in communications, public relations, marketing, or other closely-related fields.
Bachelor’s degree or higher in communications, marketing, or a related field.
Demonstrable experience with principles and concepts in public relations and media relations, and familiarity with marketing, social media, copywriting, photography, graphic design, audio and video production.
May be designated as essential personnel in cases of campus closure or emergency.
Extended hours, including evenings and weekends will be required.
Ability to respond on-call as assigned, including evenings and weekends is required.

Nice To Haves

One (1) year or more of managing individuals who report to you.

Responsibilities

Develop, manage, and execute a strategic communications strategy that elevates the visibility of the university and its leadership.
Serve as the point of contact for media outlets and reporters. Field all incoming media requests and serve as the university’s spokesperson.
Develop messaging and narrative structures for media campaigns and materials such as press releases, media advisories, and pitches.
Responsible for news coverage monitoring, analysis, and internal visibility to continuously elevate and adjust communications strategies.
Produce internal communications that build community and credibility, keeping the campus community engaged and informed.
Lead the strategy and production of integrated multi-media content for Westminster’s website, social media channels, internal newsletters, enrollment platforms, and university publications.
Develop and execute crisis and emergency communications plans for the university.
Develop and plan for weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting on communications campaign performance and impact.
Develop and set social media strategy aligned to the university’s goals and strategic communications plans in coordination with the Digital Media Manager and Chief Communications Officer.
Serve as a reviewer and proofreader of outbound marketing campaigns and materials to review brand and message alignment.
Responsible for analyzing marketing campaign performance to determine effectiveness and make strategic optimizations for future campaigns.
In collaboration with the Chief Communications Officer, building relationships with relevant elected representatives at the local, state, and federal level.
Leading legislative communications and updates to the campus community.
Researching and developing relationships with community organizations, nonprofits, businesses, and other community partners for the university.
Supervise the Marketing Manager and Digital Media Manager, providing regular feedback, guidance, and coaching, along with hiring and training as needed.
Other duties as assigned.