Senior Director of Communications and Marketing

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement the Senior Director of Communications
and Marketing will develop implement and guide the strategy for all marketing communications
website public relations strategic messaging and collateral to consistently articulate Shaw Universitys
mission. The Senior Director of Communications and Marketing is responsible for planning
development and implementation of all marketing strategies marketing communications and public
relations activities both external and internal; develops and oversees publication of printed materials
and collateral materials in university wide marketing communications and public relations. The Senior
Director of Communications and Marketing will work closely with university leadership offices and the
Institutional Advancement peer group as the communications partner on a variety of strategic
initiatives.

Essential Job Functions:

Marketing Communications and Public Relations

Advise the Vice President for Institutional Advancement on internal and external constituency
relations public relations marketing and communications
Build compelling and relevant omni-channel university marketing plans and campaigns often in
partnership with offices divisional or departmental University wide teams that deliver on missioncentered strategic institutional goals
Develop direct and manage a comprehensive marketing communications and public relations
program that represents a cohesive and consistent message supporting the universitys mission
brand and goals
Develop direct integrate and manage strategic communications marketing and public relations
functions of the university into a cohesive effort that conveys a consistent message in support of
the universitys mission and strategic goals
Measure and monitor effectiveness of marketing efforts and campaigns reporting on qualitative
and quantitative metrics and using data and insights to drive SMART goals and strategy.
Lead the universitys efforts to monitor manage and respond to issues that place the university in
the public eye
Write and issue press releases; manage content design editing printing and distribution of highquality print and electronic publications and posts
Work on projects under the purview of Institutional Advancement and campus - wide units
Collaborate with Enrollment Management offices and other university offices to ensure consistent
branding uniform messaging and prioritization of marketing efforts related to prospective
students
Collaboratively convene and align campus colleagues and activities across the university to
leverage institutional resources and impact
Manage external communications and marketing vendors and consultants to ensure timely and
successful completion of projects.
Work closely with the President Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Advancement
staff the Cabinet and other university leaders to write communications materials proposals and
presentations
Provide advice and guidance to the Senior Administration in interacting with community groups
media and other key constituents. Interact effectively with members of the media and handle
sensitive issues with public relations impact
Oversee all IA digital and social media functions photographic and video services to include
arranging coverage for IA efforts and special functions
Lead development of print web and other media matters to promote a positive image and
distinctive brand for the University
Oversee coordinate and execute original communication products and publications related to
special events direct mail and programs
Serve on university committees as needed

Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge and proven marketing public relations and advertising experience that supports a
brand strategy in higher education setting or a complex organization
Proven track record of driving marketing results in a complex decentralized organization by
garnering support and buy-in from key internal and external stakeholders including senior
university administration faculty staff and students
Experience identifying target audiences segmenting appropriately and developing key messages
and tactics to reach each audience.
Ability to write engaging and persuasive content with strong copywriting editing interpersonal
presentation skills.
Demonstrate proficiency in using word processing content management systems CRMs
communication analytics data base management page layout and social networking tools in
communications or marketing programs.
Understanding of effective creative design and branding principles and the use of digital and
social media as means of communication.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple and competing priorities and to take initiative in a
dynamic fast-paced environment with the pressure of deadlines.
Ability to handle and prioritize tasks while maintaining strong attention to detail.
Considerable creative and analytical strength including awareness of best practices tools and
relevant experiences building compelling marketing efforts that drive results.
Must be a strong and innovative problem solver creative strategist and a great tactical leader who
has an entrepreneurial working style.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced organizational environment
This position may be required to perform additional functions based on the requirements of the
Office of Institutional Advancement the University and/or a specific project.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Digital Media Manger Consultants

Minimum Job Qualifications

Education and/or Experience
Bachelors degree in journalism marketing public relations from an accredited college or
university required. Graduate degree in a related field is desirable.
Masters in Communications or Public Relations preferred or related fields
Minimum of 7 years experience in marketing communications or public relations with
demonstrated success preferably in higher education or the not-for-profit.
Demonstrated skills knowledge and experience in the design and execution of marketing
communications and public relations activities.
Strong creative strategic analytical organizational and personal sales skills.
Demonstrated successful experience writing press releases making presentations and
negotiating with media.
Experience overseeing the design and production of print materials and publications.
Computer literacy in word processing data base management and page layout.
Commitment to working with shared leadership and in cross-functional teams.
Strong oral and written communications skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects at a time.
Excel in a fast team environment with rapidly changing priorities
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; demonstrated expertise writing for publication
including AP style.
Intermediate to advanced computer skills using Microsoft Outlook Word Excel PowerPoint and other
graphics including desktop publishing and/or presentation software required.
Ability to periodically work extended workdays and occasional weekends.

Certificates Licenses or Registrations

None

Other Competencies (skills abilities behavior)

Must have a philosophy that is consistent with the Mission Vision and Core Values of the University.
Commitment and experience in achieving goals and pursuing excellence is critical. Strong oral and written
presentation skills. Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team. Excellence in
organization decision-making problem-solving and creating a collaborative environment. Ability to
manage multiple projects simultaneously. Must be able to read write and speak fluently in English.

Physical Demands

The work environment is in an office setting which requires the ability to travel much of the time work long
hours including evenings and weekends be physically active able to lift up to 50 pounds and the ability to
demonstrate specific skills.

Required Experience:

Exec