Director of Communications and Marketing, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation

Application instructions are located at the bottom of the page. Please apply directly through the University of Montana's career portal UM Jobs at https://umjobs.silkroad.com/ for positions at the University of Montana – Missoula, University of Montana Western (Dillon), and Helena College. Do not apply through Indeed.com or use easy apply through Indeed.com * .

The W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation invites applications for a Director of Communications and Marketing to join their team. Reporting to the Dean of W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation with a dashed line to the Vice-President for Marketing and Communications, the Director of Communications and Marketing develops, implements, and leads communications and marketing strategies to help support the College’s vision, strategic goals, and external relations. The Director will work with the Dean, Senior Associate Deans and Director of Development to create and oversee a comprehensive strategy for communications, enrollment marketing and alumni relations, and raise the College’s profile internally and externally. This work will include helping to create an engaging College web presence, developing and executing a communications strategy focused on positioning faculty activities, research achievements, student successes, and alumni news with key audience segments, and developing and implementing a modern social media strategy that drives measurable results.

The Director has a high degree of autonomy - acting independently to engage strategic partners in the College and across campus, develop vision for recruitment and marketing efforts, and supervise the students and staff working under the Director, after establishing priorities with leadership of the College. The incumbent must develop a storng working relationship with UM Marketing and Communications, have an intimate understanding of UM branding and brand management, and integrate and apply UMs brand platform to all FCFC communications.

The Director develops and maintains relationships with strategic partners across campus and in the broader community to set and direct strategic initiatives. These partners include the President's Office, the Provost's Office, the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, University Marketing and Communications, Admissions, Career Services, Event Services, Facility Services, Public Safety, UM Dining, the UM Foundation, the UM Alumni Association, local community partners, and others.

Communications and Marketing

The Director plans, organizes, and directs communications for the College. S/he writes and creates content that provides information central to the College’s mission and strategic efforts. S/he manages layouts and design of materials such as presentations, newsletters, alumni/donor correspondence, event materials, brochures, and recruitment materials. S/he manages the College’s online presence and provides website maintenance support, including photo updates, content updates, video creation, and research and competitive website review for the College’s departments and programs. S/he maintains the College’s social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and uses data analytics to drive engagement with these platforms. The Director will also serve on university communications and marketing committees and task forces as the College’s representative.

Enrollment Marketing

The Director supports the development, planning, and execution of data-driven marketing strategies to support the College’s enrollment goals. S/he will excel at project management, and will understand and align marketing with the student mindset. Specific duties and responsibilities include 1) creating and maintaining relevant marketing communication plans, email templates, and print materials for programs and degrees, 2) creating and managing a performance measurement framework in line with best practice standards in reporting, 3) analytics reporting to assess effectiveness of digital recruitment efforts, and 4) providing recommendations to improve campaign performance, increase brand awareness, and support enrollment goals.

Development and Alumni Outreach

The Director will work closely with the Dean and Development officer to develop strategies for communications and outreach to alumni and current/prospective donors. The Director will assist in cultivating and nurturing relationships with current and potential donors, community partners, and alumni. The Director will create materials such as newsletters and annual reports to increase donor and alumni engagement with the College.

Events

The Director will work with the Dean’s office staff to plan various events, including creation of promotion and marketing plans, media or advertising buying, establishing and managing budgets, managing scheduling, and creation of digital or visual materials.

Budgeting

The Director is responsible for creating and maintaining an annual communication and marketing budget.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Position Details

• Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, MUS Contract and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program
• Salary for this position is $60,000 - $65,000 per year commensurate with qualifications

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning, as well as at least three (3) years of professional experience in marketing and communications, including developing and leading implementation of an organization's marketing strategy; or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the competencies necessary to successfully discharge the duties and responsibilities assigned to the position
• Ability to shift key priorities flexibly as needs in the College evolve
• Demonstrated proficiency with written and verbal communication, social media content development and analytics reporting
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including advanced proficiency with Excel and database systems
• Exceptional writing skills under tight deadlines
• Ability to understand the science conducted in the FCFC and basic knowledge of the peer review process
• Demonstrated knowledge of professional office practices and procedures; business English, spelling, composition, and grammar, including the ability to write, edit, and layout documents in a variety of formats suitable for intended audience
• Experience in communicating with donors or sponsors
• Project management skills, including ability to develop timelines and meet stringent deadlines
• Knowledge of relevant reporting tools such as Google Analytics
• Strong presentation skills
• Great listener and skillful communicator
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to travel for outreach purposes to events and conferences outside of Missoula
• Demonstrated interpersonal, public relations and communication skills including the ability to work with a diverse group of individuals at all levels in the UM organization
• Ability to synthesize and analyze complex information and discern trends for reporting purposes
• Ability to take initiative and work independently and proactively

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a similar position in a higher education
• Knowledge of university communication resources, policies, and procedures
• Knowledge of web and graphic design programs (Cascade CMS, Adobe Creative Suite)
• Knowledge of CRM systems such as Slate
• Working knowledge of video production software such as iMovie
• Broad knowledge of the University of Montana and Missoula communities

About the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation

The mission of the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation is to advance research and education that fosters sustainability and empowers a holistic understanding of social-ecological systems. We are committed to being a global leader in environmental science, conservation and sustainability, and to our core values of : collegiality, community, diversity, excellence, honesty, integrity and passion.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).


How to Apply

Extended Priority Application Date: Wednesday, October 26 , 2022 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Complete applications received by the ‘Extended Priority Application Date’ will be guaranteed consideration. The position will remain open until filled. Candidates are required to submit the following materials online through the UM jobs website to ensure the complete application is received.

A complete application Includes:

1. Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable
2. Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience
3. Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references
4. Writing Sample

Application instructions are located at the bottom of the page. Please apply directly through the University of Montana's career portal UM Jobs at https://umjobs.silkroad.com/ for positions at the University of Montana – Missoula, University of Montana Western (Dillon), and Helena College. Do not apply through Indeed.com or use easy apply through Indeed.com * .

Job Location Missoula, Montana, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular