Director, Marketing & Communications

FLSA Classification

Exempt

Salary Range/Pay Grade

Salary Range: $60,000 - $70,000

Reports to

Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement

Job Description

Summary/objective

The Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) Office of Communications works with the University community to advance the SUNO brand and reputation. Through the Office of Communications, we tell the story of the University positively to bring awareness, recruit students and shine a spotlight on the many achievements of the University, and its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The Office of Communications handles multiple tasks to connect with local and national media outlets, University departments, colleges, and organizations, and the HBCU audience

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement, the Director of Marketing & Communications is responsible for working with the Executive Cabinet, Deans, and departments regarding marketing and promotion of the University. The Director will work closely with the Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management to develop and manage a coordinated marketing plan to address the University’s enrollment and retention goals, which includes expanding marketing efforts through the utilization of media outlets, print materials, radio, television, the internet, and social media. In this role, the incumbent also works closely with a diverse group of University partners to coordinate marketing efforts for the academic departments, promote programs and events on campus, and oversee the production of all graphic and marketing materials.

As the University’s brand ambassador, the Director will work with the Vice Chancellor of Institutional Advancement to determine the appropriate mix of media to promote and the represent the University. This involves ensuring the coordinating between University departments to ensure campus partners utilize the appropriate mix of digital media, print, radio, television, billboards, and direct mail. Moreover, the Director is responsible for producing and maintaining the standards set forth in the University’s Style Guide and upholding policies related to marketing and promotions. As the University’s official spokesperson, it is understood that all media and social media posts/comments, both public and personal reflect the Southern University at New Orleans brand and should be managed accordingly.

Lastly, the Director of Marketing & Communications is classified as an essential position, which means that the incumbent requires the ability to respond to emergency and crisis situations at any moment.

Essential functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Responsible for working with the leadership team to create and implement integrated, outcomes-based marketing and communications plans across the University to include Enrollment Management (recruitment and retention) and Advancement (fundraising). The plans will set out objectives, plans, and specific activities to be pursued in each area of responsibility. This plan will be developed in the context of the organization’s strategic and operating plans and will be directed at supporting the objectives established in those plans.
• Works in partnership with the Chief of Staff and the Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement to prepare the Chancellor’s monthly Chancellor’s Report for the Southern University and A&M College Board of Supervisors.
• Under the guidance of the Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement, serves as the primary speech writer for the University’s Chancellor.
• Responsible for the development and implementation of an annual, strategic special events calendar that ensures the efforts, resources and volunteer time are utilized in a manner that provides the greatest return to the organization. Ensures all events are planned to capture the attention of the intended audience and the media. Manages the production of each event ensuring all appropriate sponsorships are achieved and all details are managed in a creative, timely and cost-efficient manner.
• Guide University partners in the development of strategic and cost-effective media approaches using the approximate mix of media outlets to include print, online, social media, radio, television, etc.).
• Develop and maintain brand standards by engaging with communication partners across the campus to drive a positive, uniform brand and message.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and consistent information across the University to achieve marketing, media relations, enrollment and advancement goals.
• Establish and maintain marketing metrics, assess outcomes, and adjust strategy as needed, maintaining strong media relationships and providing for the timely release of university information, including that of a sensitive nature.
• Serve as a primary media contact person and university spokesperson
• Provide 24/7 on-call access to respond to pressing matters
• Remain abreast of new marketing and communications practices and technologies and provide leadership in implementing new practices or modifying existing practices to benefit the institution.
• Oversee editorial content to ensure the integrity of information, as well as its ability to meet regulatory requirements for public disclosure of information.
• Responsible for the development and implementation of an annual, strategic, special events calendar that ensures the efforts, resources and volunteer time are utilized in a manner that provides the greatest return to the organization. Ensures all events are planned to capture the attention of the intended audience and the media. Manages the production of each event ensuring all appropriate sponsorships are achieved and all details are managed in a creative, timely and cost-efficient manner.
• Develops and maintains a strong and productive relationship with both print and electronic media. Ensures the organization is understood by the media and the media are interested in presenting information to the public in a manner that informs and educates them on the organization.
• Directs market research activities in order to keep abreast of changing demographics and other relevant issues in order to evaluate marketing and communication activities and to monitor emerging issues.
• Ensures the development of advertising and promotional plans and manages the annual advertising and promotional budget.
• Serves as a key member of the university’s emergency preparedness team.
• Prepares and disseminates pertinent and timely information to the campus and public in response to emergencies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Experience working in an academic setting, preferably with senior higher education administrators and faculty.
• Professional experience as a writer, editor, and/or communicator, with a strong portfolio of work to demonstrate these skills.
• Demonstrated experience will include:

- Working with a variety of communications platforms

- Preparing and executing strategic communications plans and evaluating/reporting on their effectiveness

- Project management of news content, publications and print material

- Writing and editing strategic, goal-specific materials

- Working with graphic designers, freelance writers and content owners, and website coordinators

• Ability to develop and cultivate positive working relationships with a wide variety of individuals.
• Ability to work efficiently and cooperatively with individuals with various levels of authority.
• Strong skills in collaboration and creative problem-solving.
• Ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and shifting priorities, including crisis management.
• Supervisory experience.
• Superior time management skills.
• Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills; ability to sort through diverse issues, set appropriate directions, and initiate implementation plans that deliver the intended results.
• Willingness and ability to be on-call 24/7.
• Ability to establish strategy and make independent decisions across multiple assignments with minimal supervision.
• Ability to take independent action; take ownership and responsibility and can bring vision to reality through collaborations with a broad range of individuals, groups, and organizations.

Required education and experience

· Bachelor's degree preferably in English, communications, public relations, journalism, or related field is required.

· A minimum of five (5) years of proven experience in communications or public relations in a higher education organization.

Preferred education and experience

· Master's degree in a related field.

· More than five (5) years experience implementing and working in marketing/communications.

Southern University of New Orleans (SUNO) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Non-Discrimination Statement

In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal, state, and local laws, Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) forbids discriminating or harassing conduct that is based on an individual's race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, membership in Uniformed Services, and all other categories protected by applicable state and federal laws.

This commitment applies but is not limited to decisions made with respect to hiring and promotion, the administration of educational programs and policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other College-administered programs. Discriminatory acts of any kind are strictly forbidden.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

Southern University of New Orleans (SUNO) complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Office of Human Resources.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

State as a Model Employer - SAME

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• New Orleans, LA 70126: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person