Associate Director, Communications

Classification Title:

ASO DIR, Communications

Job Description:

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Florida is currently recruiting for the position of Associate Director of Communications. This position is responsible for supervising staff in the communications office, including managers within the unit. The incumbent is a dynamic, highly collaborative leader who communicates effectively with both internal and external audiences and manages the overall execution, editing, and timely production of the college alumni magazine. The incumbent leads the creative functions of the CLAS Communications Support team, including editorial, project management, design, and web team members, to ensure the culture, processes, expectations, work style, and other elements support the strategic goals and brand of the college. Must implement a comprehensive communications strategy to help the college achieve key institutional goals, increase its public profile and strengthen its brand. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provides leadership, guidance, and supervision to the CLAS Communications Support team. Assesses and evaluates job performance and productivity of team members. Identifies priorities and working goals for CLAS Communications Support and uses relevant analytics to measure the reach and engagement of the college’s communication efforts. Ensures staff is provided opportunities to further their creative and presentation skills. Manages the annual budget to ensure expenditures do not exceed the annual allocation Leads the overall development and production of the college magazine, Ytori, to assure timely delivery to stakeholders.
• Leads and implements comprehensive strategies to creatively drive the success of the college’s growth and strategic communications plan. Works with the CLAS Dean’s Office and Advancement Office to develop and implement short-term and long-term strategies for the advancement of the college to all stakeholders. Makes decisions concerning content on the website, printed material, and digital media. Manages media relations, PR, and e-communication activities aimed at key stakeholders of and related to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Interprets, recommends, and implements policies and procedures for effective communication in print, on the web, and in other formats. Ensures all print and digital media reflects accurate information prior to distribution. Guides branding decisions for the college and works to establish a consistent voice for the college.
• Develops, researches and writes stories that reflect accurate information and align with the college’s mission, for use in print and online media to enhance the visibility of CLAS research, alumni relations, industry relations, and rankings with peer institutions.
• Responsible for researching and staying abreast of industry standards, creative trends, breakthroughs, and leadership best practices. Implements changes accordingly to maintain the college’s competitiveness among its peers and other organizations as determined by the Dean and Associate Deans.
• Serves as college liaison in university-wide communication discussions and initiatives. Represents the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences as the media spokesperson when needed. May complete other assignments as deemed necessary by the supervisor.
• Assesses the effectiveness of campaigns, publications, and web-based initiatives.

Expected Salary:

The salary range is $75,000-$90,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Minimum Requirements:

Master’s degree in appropriate area of specialization and four years of relevant experience or a bachelor’s degree in appropriate areas of specialization and six years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of appropriate hardware/software required for operation and management of the communications office.

• Knowledge of design principles, graphic creation/manipulation, and webpage design
• Knowledge of writing for target audiences- Knowledge of content creation for multiple media platforms, including digital, print, and social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn)
• Knowledge of effective management and leadership

Ability to manage and train other employees in communications.

Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments

• Ability to communicate orally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain effective customer relations with clients
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with peers
• Ability to function and meet deadlines under highly stressful circumstances
• Ability to write and communicate effectively for target audiences and create content for multiple media platforms. Ability to receive and provide constructive feedback.

Ability to establish performance goals and measures to evaluate the success of assigned area of responsibility.

Ability to formulate and implement policies and procedures.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Outstanding interpersonal and leadership skills with a proven track record of managing large teams
• Committed to continual education on industry trends and best practices
• Working knowledge of web development and design
• Working knowledge of project management

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information of at least three professional references.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required: No