News and Content Director - Student Affairs

Position Purpose

The director of communications for Student Affairs creates, delivers, and leads the communications strategy for the Division of Student Affairs, working closely with partners across Dartmouth to support and promote the work of Student Affairs units through a variety of communications channels and services. The director is a staff member in the Office of Communications and reports to the vice president for communications. 

Description

Strategic Communications – 25%

• Provide strategic communications advice and recommendations to the dean of the College and associate deans as well as the Student Affairs leadership team regarding communications initiatives, strategies, and issues resolution
• Develop and implement a division-wide communications strategy and plans aligned with divisional priorities and the Office of Communications strategic plan
• Engage with other Dartmouth departments and the media on sensitive, controversial, or high-impact topics
• Build productive relationships and work effectively with groups and organizations across Dartmouth
• Initiate and manage programs and projects that span a wide range of communications activities, including public and media relations, alignment with Dartmouth branding, marketing, internal communications, issues management, and speech writing
• Facilitate communications between the division and the Office of Communications regarding important issues related to Student Affairs
• Serve on the divisional leadership team and participate in strategic planning, management meetings, committee work, events, public appearances, etc.

Media Relations – 20%

• Function as the primary media contact and media relations expert/spokesperson in the Division of Student Affairs
• Create a media calendar to identify and plan for seasonal communications needs
• Respond to inquiries from the student newspaper

External Communications – 30%

• Evaluate emerging opportunities for communicating about the work of the Division of Student Affairs and its essential contributions to student recruitment, retention, graduation, and success.
• Develop and oversee a divisional social media strategy in consultation with the Office of Communications
• Redesign, update, and manage the Student Affairs website utilizing analytics and market research to better meet student needs
• Manage divisional communications to families
• Support the dean of the College in the development of remarks and talking points
• Highlight the work and achievements of student leaders

Internal Communications – 25%

• Work closely with the dean of the College and develop strong relationships with staff across the division to provide effective, ongoing communications and media advice, training, and support
• Manage the production and delivery of internal student communications
• Support student activities communication needs
• Refine and oversee production and delivery of the division newsletter
• Assist with drafting and editing department policies

Required Qualifications-Education and Years of Experience

• Bachelors plus 6 or more years' experience or combination of education and experience

Required Qualifications-Skills, Knowledge and Abilities                 

• At least 6 years or more of experience in communications, public relations, or marketing
• A passion for higher education and working with students
• Excellent writing and editing skills, with a gift for storytelling and pitch-perfect tone
• Outstanding judgement and political acumen
• Experience working with media and media relations professionals
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a talent for collaboration and cooperation; ability to build consensus among diverse groups of people
• Demonstrated ability to develop communication strategies for a complex organization
• Crisis management experience
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects from inception to completion, adhering to deadlines, within budget, and with high quality
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and sustain project momentum over periods of time

Preferred Qualifications                

• Previous experience in an educational or academic environment
• Advanced degree preferred

For additional information and to apply, please visit https://searchjobs.dartmouth.edu/postings/57778

Background Check           

Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, and verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, with results acceptable to Dartmouth College. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged.