Director Of Strategic Communications And Marketing

Director Of Strategic Communications And Marketing

The Director of Marketing and Communications for the College of Sciences is responsible for all internal and external communications for the academic unit and serves as member of the College of Sciences' external relations and leadership team. The position sits with University Communications reporting to the Senior Assistant Vice President for Integrated Marketing Communications. The position holder will have a dotted line to report to the Dean of College of Sciences.

The position holder leads the development, execution, and assessment of the College of Sciences' annual integrated marketing communications plan. This integrated marketing communications plan includes marketing, internal communications, public relations, and special events planning. This plan reaches a vast array of target audiences including but not limited to prospective students, current students, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and community members.

The position holder is responsible for the creation, quality, and production of the College of Sciences' digital communications including news stories, social media and web, as well as print publications, such as white papers and annual reports.

The position holder evaluates the timely adjustment of marketing and communication plans and operates within a designated budget for marketing and communications activities. The position holder interacts professionally with all internal and external customers using strong interpersonal skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree in Communications, English, Marketing, Public Relations or a related field of study or a bachelor's degree and related experience equivalent to a master's degree in Communications, English, Marketing, Public Relations or related field of study. Preference for experience/training in science.

• Considerable knowledge of marketing, public relations and communications principles/practices and strategies.
• Working knowledge of data collection, evaluation and reporting of program/plan effectiveness.
• Considerable knowledge of and skill in using Microsoft Office and Adobe software such as Creative Suite 6 Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign or similar applications.
• Considerable skill in editing, grammar and writing persuasively.
• Considerable knowledge of social media avenues and technologies for current emerging trends in marketing and advertising.
• Basic photographic skills.
• Comprehensive communication skills and the ability to effectively interact with clients of diverse cultures.
• Demonstrated ability to assist in the composition layout and design of various college publications. Demonstrated ability to identify, organize and accomplish tasks in priority order and keep several projects moving ahead simultaneously all with a minimum of supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret guidelines, policies and procedures to fit changing situations. Demonstrated ability to interact well and maintain effective relationships with alumni.
• Considerable experience in developing and managing all aspects of effective marketing and public relations plans, preferably for programs in higher education.
• Considerable experience writing and editing professional newsletters and promotional materials.
• Considerable experience at writing research press releases, as well as feature articles and straight news stories.

Additional Considerations:

• Preference for experience/training in science.
• Preference for experience in science marketing and communications.
• Higher education experience preferred.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer