Careers @ MSU

Working/Functional Title

Director of Communication and Marketing

Position Summary

Seeking a seasoned marketing communications professional to lead the marketing and communications unit of the Michigan State University College of Communication Arts and Sciences. Successful candidates will direct overall integrated marketing and communications strategies for the college including but not limited to leading strategic communications planning, traditional and digital marketing strategy and implementation, internal and external communications, brand management, public affairs, research publicity, crisis communication, social media, advertising, and media production. This position will report directly to the dean and serve as a member of the college leadership team. The position reports functionally and administratively to the College of Communication Arts and Sciences with a dotted line to University Communications and Marketing for the purposes of collaboration, alignment and coordination.

This position has opportunity for a hybrid working schedule with a minimum of three days per week in-office. Remote work agreements are continuously assessed based on the needs of the organization and follow policies and guidelines provided by the College of Communication Arts & Sciences and Michigan State University.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

College Communication and Marketing:

• Identify stories to promote the college locally and nationally, establishing ComArtSci as a leader among communication college peers.
• Work collaboratively with lead communicators throughout campus to develop joint content, focus on shared initiatives that benefit MSU and ComArtSci and share learning and best practices as part of strategic partnership.
• Plan and oversee coordination and execution of core college communications including annual report and alumni newsletter.
• Coordinate college content production; oversee and optimize processes to engage ComArtSci’s marcom team and vendors in collaboration with faculty to produce editorial content and marketing materials (digital and print) to shape the reputation of the college.
• Coordinate with University Communications and Marketing to leverage expertise and to access enterprise communications and marketing opportunities and tools.
• Conceptualize marketing materials and write and/or edit as needed to support development of these materials.
• Implement communication and branding standards and protocols for the college in alignment with university brand standards.
• Project management lead for large scale college projects

Strategic Planning and Execution:

• Lead strategic communications planning and execution for the college.
• Conceptualize and execute integrated marketing communications plans and initiatives that reach multiple audiences to elevate ComArtSci’s reputation, increase engagement, and raise philanthropic intent among potential and existing constituents, donors, and alums.
• Define, develop, and pursue comprehensive, effective messaging and content to support strategic priorities and initiate communication efforts consistent with those priorities.
• Use metrics, analytics and research to better connect communications with audiences. Encourage adoption of new campus technologies that enhance personalization in communications.   
• Maintain knowledge of academic program markets, competitive situations, and trends.

Website and Social Media Strategy:

• Recommends and implements web development, intranet, and technology enhancements with consideration for market trends and future direction.
• Developing a comprehensive social media strategy to increase brand awareness, engagement, growth.
• Work with content creators to produce high quality, engaging, content for social media platforms.

Executive and Crisis and Issues Communication:

• Serve as partner to the Dean and leadership to facilitate executive-level communication.
• Coordinate with University Communications and Marketing to maintain awareness of issues affecting college communications.
• Develop crisis communication plan.

Minimum Requirements

• Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in journalism, telecommunications, marketing, advertising, public relations, or related field; five to eight years or more years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in marketing communications including skills or understanding in marketing, media relations, crisis communications management and strategic planning; demonstrated leadership, superior interpersonal skills and project management skills in a diverse environment; excellent oral, written and digital communication skills; management and supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Higher education experience is strongly preferred with an understanding of academic structure.
• 8 or more years of leadership experience in the areas of communications, marketing and public relations, including strategic planning in these areas.
• Experience identifying audience needs, increasing engagement with a diverse audience of external and internal stakeholders, and successfully implementing and measuring effectiveness of communications and marketing in a complex organization.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and direct a collaborative and creative team of marketing and communications staff.
• Extensive experience using data analytics to drive strategies and decision making.
• Experience in the delivery of visual and graphic content and presentations in support of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Knowledge of best practices for communication with diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of best practices in digital communications and detailed knowledge of a wide range of digital communication tactics and tools.
• Application and demonstration of strong editorial judgment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

A complete application will consist of resume, cover letter, a sample of a detailed communications/marketing plan, writing and other work samples, and the names and contact information for at least three professional references.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

https://comartsci.msu.edu/

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding Eligibility ends November 26, 2024 at 11:55 PM