Assistant Director for Communications

The Office of Housing and Residence Life at Old Dominion University is seeking candidates for the Assistant Director for Communications (full-time, 12 month) position. This position will serve as the mid-level professional responsible for coordinating and directing all functions related to the day-to-day customer service and external communication operations of the department. As an integral member of the Housing and Residence Life (HRL) management team, this position supports and assists with the coordination of all student, parent, University, and community information functions. This position hires, supervises, and trains the front desk staff for the central housing office, coordinates and/or writes all publications, newsletters, and e-mail communications of the department, and works with a wide variety of campus offices to provide accurate and timely information for resident students, their parents, and the University community. This position is also responsible for monitoring, updating, and managing the department’s website information and presence. This position serves as a primary customer service expert and trainer for the department planning and assisting in department training operations.

Required Education: Master’s degree in marketing, communications, event management or related field OR a bachelor’s degree and related experience equivalent to a master’s degree in in areas of study previously indicated may be substituted.

Required Qualifications: Extensive experience with Microsoft packages and graphic design/publication software packages. Some experience in developing and managing effective marketing and public relations plans. Some experience writing and editing professional newsletters and promotional materials. Some experience at writing research press releases, as well as feature articles and news stories. Some experience in event planning. Some experience working in a collaborative and continuous improvement environment exercising a client-centered philosophy. Prior professional and/or student staff supervision experience. Graduate assistant experience may be considered as professional experience. Considerable knowledge of marketing, public relations and communications principles/practices and strategies. Considerable skill in editing, grammar and writing persuasively. Working knowledge of data collection, evaluation and reporting of program/plan effectiveness. Some knowledge of social media avenues and technologies for current emerging trends in marketing and advertising. Strong project management skills and the ability to work on multiple large projects at once. Excellent public speaking and oral communication skills. Ability to manage multiple projects with strong analytical abilities. Excellent writing and communication skills, and the ability to work with a diverse group of students, staff, university administrators and external constituents including parents. Demonstrated ability to synthesize details about complicated programs or projects into easily understood stories. Demonstrated ability to assist in the composition layout and design of various publications. Demonstrated ability to manage and supervise student workers/employees.

Preferred Qualifications: Prior work experience in housing/residential life or higher education setting. Communications or publications experience, and event management. Some experience in developing and managing effective marketing and public relations plans/programs within higher education.

Review Date: The initial application review date for this position is February 23, 2021 and will remain open until filled.

Old Dominion University does not discriminate in admissions, treatment, employment or access to its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), political affiliation, veteran status, family medical and genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.