Director of Communications

University of Arkansas System•Pine Bluff, AR

About The Position

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is an 1890 Land-Grant HBCU with a diverse student population, competitive degree offerings and stellar faculty. For more than 140 years, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has worked to create an environment that inculcates learning, growth and productivity while affording a basic need to its students – a chance to advance. The 15:1 student to teacher ratio makes it possible to maintain a learning environment with close interaction between students and faculty while challenging curricula encourage our students to seek and fulfill their potential. You can excel in your chosen field of study through a curriculum of Certificate and Associates degree programs, more than thirty Undergraduate programs, Master’s degree programs and a Doctorate program in Aquaculture/Fisheries. You can also develop workplace readiness through internships, co-ops and fellowships in the U.S. and abroad. Out-of-class experiences and student involvement include more than 90 student organizations, an internationally renowned Vesper Choir, Marching Band, Concert Bands, Wind Symphony, nationally recognized debate team, award-winning theater department and accomplished athletic program. Though the main campus is in Pine Bluff, its reach is worldwide. UAPB has an extended campus in North Little Rock and offers as well as online courses. With the addition of the Arkansas Research and Education Optical Network (ARE-ON), students can engage in information exchange with others anywhere in the world. There are also Research and Extension offices in Lonoke, Newport and Lake Village and collaborations with other colleges and universities in the State through the National Science Foundation funded STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Academy. As the second oldest land-grant institution in the state of Arkansas, the mission of this No Excuse University remains the same – to provide a high quality, affordable education with a personal touch. We invite you to Become a Part of the Pride at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

Requirements

5-10 years of communications experience, ideally in a role that reflects a broad skill set in print and electronic communications.
Background working for, and in conjunction with, television, newspaper, and or online publications is a plus.
Background in areas such as website content development, newsletters, and digital communications.
The ability to work across multiple platforms simultaneously, and to take knowledge and transform it into exciting and useful messages, and disseminate it to a diverse audience base is critical.
Highly collaborative style; experience developing and implementing communications strategies
Excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills
A strong track record as an implementer who thrives on managing a variety of key initiatives concurrently
Relationship builder with the flexibility and finesse to "manage by influence"
High energy, maturity, and leadership with the ability to serve as a unifying force and to position communications discussions at both the strategic and tactical levels
Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, board members, volunteers, donors, program participants, and other supporters
Self-starter, able to work independently, and entrepreneurial; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives
Background and skill sets that show an understanding of, and sensitivity to, the changing marketing and communications dynamics in a diverse and highly technological environment.

Nice To Haves

Background working for, and in conjunction with, television, newspaper, and or online publications is a plus.
Background in areas such as website content development, newsletters, and digital communications.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and evaluate the annual communications plans across the university’s audiences in collaboration with UAPB’s alumni, donors, and constituents
Works with administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the university’s marketing and communications firm (The Design Group) to distribute news of significance to the UAPB community.
Reports UAPB news through press releases and regular contacts with media organizations.
Manage the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic needs including, but not limited to, UAPB Magazine, newsletters, brochures, online content, and assist in supporting the UAPB website
Work in collaboration with external and internal resources to grow UAPB messaging, website, and administrative coordination
Coordinate public relations maintenance—ensure new/consistent information (article links, stories, and events) is posted regularly
Track and measure the level of engagement within the network over time
In conjunction with the Office of Institutional Advancement, manage communication needs and directives established by the Office of The Chancellor and the University system.
Collaborates with other Communications Offices throughout the university, including UAPB Athletics and College of Agriculture. Manage all media contacts as needed.