Director of Communications and Young Alumni Relations

Shorter University

Director of Communications and Young Alumni Relations

Office of University Advancement

Position Summary:

Assisting and reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement, the Director of Communications and Young Alumni Relations plays a lead role in showcasing Shorter University as a Christ-centered university committed to excellence in all areas: academics, arts, and athletic performance, Christian service, and leading our young alumni programs. As a key member of the Advancement team, the Director of Communications and Young Alumni Relations creatively and professionally communicates about the University to increase favorable impressions in the minds of external audiences through consistent branding efforts, managing social media, support website management, electronic and traditional communication tools, photography, design print and digital publications, and video production.  

Essential Responsibilities:

• Be a team player by working well with those within the entire University. 
• Maintain the University’s visual and verbal identity through consistent application and enforcement of the use of the Shorter University brand.
• Lead young alumni programs in coordination with the Alumni Director.
• Create a yearly strategic plan for communications and young alumni relations.
• Provide monthly reports to the Vice President for University Advancement on communications and young alumni relations.    
• Manage and regularly post on all social media outlets by either developing relevant content and/or sharing content via Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and all other forms of social media that may be pertinent.  
• Design graphics for electronic media and print  
• Serve as University photographer at significant events and to capture pictures used to promote the University. 
• Produce and/or contract videography for the campus, producing marketing-level work to be used on the website, social media, and all other forms of promotion. 
• Work collaboratively with dean(s) and department head(s) on media relations activities. 
• Oversee the development and implementation of a media outreach program to place media stories in print and electronic media outlets.
• Implement a strategic, proactive media relations program focused on institutional storytelling, including print and digital publications, video storytelling, and social media content. 
• Oversee the development and implementation of the University’s fundraising media efforts to promote Shorter University as a Christ-centered institution and to promote the University’s mission of Transforming Lives through Christ.
• Support the management of the University website.
• Assist in strategizing and leading the implementation of University Advancement Communications, including writing, electronic communications, and publication design for projects that will strengthen relationships with alumni and donors.
• Promote Advancement events and support their execution, including the Christmas on the Hill President’s Gala, Homecoming, and SUForward Day.
• Manage student workers and interns. 
• Partner with the Advancement team in identifying and applying for new grant funding
• Support developing any needed reports the Advancement Office may need 
• Serve as backup for crucial Advancement functions.
• Other duties as assigned

Education and Experience Required:

• A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is preferred. 
• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills combined with the ability to both conceptualize and carry out key functions of the PR operation, including strategic communications planning, crisis communications, media relations, writing, and design
• Ability to work independently and on deadline 
• Exceptional writing skills 
• Video and photography experience 
• Web design is a plus. 
• Social media experience 
• Ability to use InDesign to create digital and print layouts
• The ability to work well under pressure, meet deadlines, and handle multiple projects 
• Highly motivated
• Must be a committed Christian who can support the mission of the University

Send letter of application, unofficial transcripts of all academic work, statement of faith, resume, and three current letters of reference to:

Human Resources

Shorter University

315 Shorter Avenue

Rome, Georgia 30165

Shorter University is a Christ-centered University affiliated with the Georgia Baptist Mission Board and requires employees to be committed Christians.

Transforming Lives Through Christ