Interim Communications Manager

University of Kansas•Lawrence, KS

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Interim Communications Manager temporarily leads communications and marketing activities for the School of Pharmacy. The role implements and may temporarily revise the School’s strategic communications plan in collaboration with leadership, the Dean, and other KU leaders. It oversees internal and external communications, public relations, brand management, and the production of marketing and recruitment materials. The position promotes faculty and student academic and research projects and supports recruitment, events, development, and student services efforts. It also coordinates public-engagement activities and requires confidentiality, discretion, and high ethical standards. The role develops and executes communications related to accreditation, advises faculty and staff on accreditation communications and media inquiries, and maintains knowledge of Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) compliance and requirements. It oversees web content, social media, publications, recruitment materials, advertising, electronic bulletin boards, and other communications channels. The position is the primary contact for the School’s electronic and print content, coordinating with departments to share information in accordance with KU guidelines. The position is a full-time, temporary appointment through December 31, with the appointment reviewed on December 1 to assess ongoing business need. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an on-campus presence for collaboration. Occasional availability outside those hours may be needed for emerging situations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Mass Communications, Advertising, Marketing, English, or a related area and 3 years of related experience; OR high school diploma/GED and 7 years of related experience.
Related experience in public relations, communications, marketing, advertising, news, writing, editing, magazine or promotional production, public information, or web or print media production.
Strong written communication skills, as evidenced in application materials.
Excellent verbal and interpersonal communication skills, as evidenced in application materials.
Experience concurrently managing multiple projects and deadlines.
Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office, Outlook, PowerPoint, and the Internet for writing, research, and correspondence.
Experience developing, reporting, and writing feature stories and news coverage for varying audiences.
Excellent organizational skills and experience managing multiple detail-oriented projects simultaneously.
Experience with layout, design, and/or desktop publishing.
Experience with photography.
Experience writing and maintaining website content.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, discretion, and high ethical standards.
Availability for the Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. schedule, on-campus collaboration, and occasional emerging situations outside traditional hours.

Responsibilities

Deploy and temporarily revise the School of Pharmacy’s strategic communications plan.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop and implement communications strategies supporting the School’s goals.
Plan, develop, and execute accreditation-related communications for internal and external stakeholders.
Advise faculty and staff on accreditation communications, media inquiries, and dissemination of research and scholarly activities.
Oversee web content, social media, publications, recruitment materials, advertisements, and other communications and marketing activities.
Develop messaging and engage faculty, staff, students, and community partners to implement the communications plan.
Research and implement ways to enhance the School’s visibility among prospective students, families, faculty, and current students.
Work with the Dean to develop and implement an integrated strategic communications plan advancing the School’s brand and awareness of its programs, activities, and mission.
Serve as the primary contact for the School’s electronic and print content.
Develop and distribute external communications about accreditation matters for current and prospective students.
Coordinate with School departments to share information through print, web, and social media while adhering to KU guidelines.
Assist the Dean or designee with speeches, internal and external communications, and presentations for School events and activities.
Develop a digital, social, and mobile content strategy that promotes engagement with all audiences.
Keep the School’s electronic bulletin boards current and relevant.
Develop and maintain working knowledge of ACPE compliance, regulatory standards, and accreditation requirements.
Support communications and public-engagement activities, including arranging photographers, designers, and printers; taking photographs at events; assisting with alumni events and graduation ceremonies; and other communications tasks assigned by the Dean.
Collect, prepare, and disseminate news about the School and promote it through websites, print and electronic media, and School-sponsored events.
Work with faculty, staff, students, and alumni to promote academic and research projects.
Oversee internal and external communications operations, brand management, and production of marketing and recruitment collateral.