Director of Communications for Academic Affairs (0857)

Position Summary

The division seeks an experienced communications strategist and writer to provide effective communications support and counsel to the EVPP, their leadership team and units that report to the EVPP . The position will oversee a broad range of communications to ensure cohesive messaging that supports the EVPP’s key initiatives and enhances NIU’s academic image and reputation, in alignment with the university vision, mission, values and goals.
The position will report directly to NIU’s EVPP with a dotted reporting line to the university’s associate vice president of Institutional Communications/chief communications strategist. The role will have flexibility in regards to working remotely and on-campus.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Communication Plan

• Creates, coordinates and/or implements comprehensive communications plans for all major ensuring customization by audience which includes faculty, students, staff, as well as key external parties.

Content Creator

• Serves as the content creator for the Office, developing and reviewing talking points, correspondence, speeches, reports, newsletters, articles, press releases, web content, presentations and other written and digital communications for internal and external audiences.

Annual Planning

• Develops and leads an annual planning process for the division to determine priorities, set goals, and create strategies for communications that will foster a culture of shared leadership, strong employee engagement, student success and belonging.

Messaging

• Develops timely, strategic and thoughtful messaging responsive to the needs of the NIU community.

Newsworthy Stories

• Proactively seeks out newsworthy stories about faculty, students and staff and develops opportunities for sharing them with targeted audiences.

Quality and Accuracy

• Sets and helps others meet/maintain a high-standard of quality for all communications to ensure accuracy, brand compliance and consistency.

Professional-Level Communications

• Performs professional-level communications functions that require expertise and experience in engaging diverse audiences, change management, communicating complex subject matter and managing emergent issues and incidents.

Coordinate Media Requests

• Coordinates media and information requests on behalf of the Office of EVPP, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination of information.

Crisis Communication

• In collaboration with Institutional Communications, assists with the management of issues and crisis communications efforts which occasionally requires working in the evening or on weekends.

Membership

• Participates as an active member of NIU’s College and Division Communicators group.

Other

• Operates with a high level of discretion and minimal supervision, and performs a wide range of duties that require sensitivity, independent judgment, diplomacy and flexibility.

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)

• B.S. or B.A. in communications, journalism, public relations/affairs or related field requiring the development of writing and research skills.
• Five (5) or more years of relevant experience with a preferred focus on strategic communications, public relations and writing, preferably in higher education, other non-profits or business.
• Five (5) or more years of experience in communications and/or public relations, with extensive experience in writing for a variety of audiences, as well as managing issues and crisis communications.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)

Classification-Specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

1. Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
2. Knowledge of recruitment practices.
3. Knowledge of social media analytics, social media publishing tools, web analytics, and tracking technologies.
4. Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
5. Knowledge of media production, including social media platforms and efficiency of use, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods.
6. Knowledge of Microsoft Office, presentation software, spreadsheet software, video creation and editing software, web page creation and editing software, and analytical or scientific software.
7. Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems.
8. Skill in producing live social media coverage.
9. Skill in verbal and written communication.
10. Skill in identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
11. Skill in time management, organizing work assignments, and responding quickly and effectively to challenges.
12. Ability to develop and execute marketing, and strategic communications plans to effect outcomes.
    
    

Position-Specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

1. Strong and polished written and verbal skills, with an ability to write clearly and concisely and to synthesize complex information.
2. Impeccable interpersonal skills, and strong ability to collaborate and function in a team setting.
3. Excellent organizational and project management skills, with attention to detail and an ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
4. Solid working knowledge of public relations best practices, strategies and systems.
5. Knowledge of strategies for effective communication with different constituencies (e.g., students, faculty, staff and external stakeholders).
6. Demonstrated commitment to handling sensitive information confidentially.

Specialty Factors (Civil Service)

None

Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)

None

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)

N/A

Additional Requirements (SPS)

N/A

Preferred Qualifications (SPS)

N/A

Physical demands/requirements

• Regular office related duties
• Sitting for extended periods of time
• Using computer/electronic equipment for extended periods of time
• Occasional lifting and moving items weighing up to 25 lbs.

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

07/01/2023

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Percent of Staff Year

1.00

Standard Hours Per Week

37.50

Salary

$70,000.08-$85,000.08

Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range

$2,916.67-$3,541.67

Earn Type

Salary

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedures:

1. Fully complete the Education and Work History sections of the application. Be specific on your entire work history, including employment dates and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position; however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience. Important: Please upload any unofficial transcript(s) and/or documentation that verifies any education, experience, and/or training you have received.
   • If eligible for Veteran’s Preference Points, DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256 paperwork reflecting an Honorable Discharge MUST be uploaded to this application to receive the maximum eligible points on the Civil Service examination.
2. After the posting has closed, your submission will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the classification, including any specialty factors associated with this position. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a score based on your education and experience, and your name will be placed on the active employment register.
3. Please monitor your e-mail for further information regarding your application. Emails will be generated from jobs@niu.edu and CivilServiceTesting@niu.edu . Please add these emails to your address book to ensure timely delivery of any future communication.
4. Illinois residency required within 180 days of the hire date.

Credentials Assessment Examination:

• The examination for this position is a Credentials Assessment and is based on your application materials as submitted for this posting. A Credential Assessment is a rating by the Human Resources Office of an applicant’s/employee’s education, experience, and special credentials/qualifications (licenses, etc.). Applicants are required to upload documentation to verify the
• Required documentation noted in the posting, such as a driver’s license, licensures, or certifications MUST be uploaded with your application materials.
• After assessment of all qualified applicants has been completed for this position, the names with the top three (3) scores will be referred to the hiring department for interview.

Additional Details:

• Click on Marketing Associate for more information including salary ranges, typical duties, minimum acceptable qualifications, and testing requirements.
• Please click on Human Resource Services – Benefits for detailed information about Northern Illinois University’s benefits package.
• Out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days after start date.
• Employment is contingent upon your passing a criminal background investigation. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Special Instructions

Quick Link to Applicant

https://employment.niu.edu/postings/71245

Is Background Check Required?

Yes

EEO Statement Summary

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services 230
TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu
815-753-5560

Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity ( AAEO ) at ada@niu.edu .

Safety Information

NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.

Read the Annual Safety and Security Report. Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-1649 for a hard copy.

Read the Fire Safety Report . Contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at 815-753-0404 for a hard copy.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter
3. Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
4. List of at least 3 References

Optional Documents

1. Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256)
2. Other #2
3. Other

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Are you currently a citizen or resident of the State of Illinois?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * What is the highest level of education that you have earned?
   • High School/GED
   • Associate's Degree
   • Bachelor's Degree
   • Master's Degree
   • Doctoral Degree
3. * Have you attached all transcripts to support the degrees you are submitting for consideration?
   • Yes
   • No
4. * How many years of experience do you have in this type of position?
   • 0-1
   • 1-3
   • 3-5
   • 5-7
   • 7+
5. * Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or resume.
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
6. * If applicable, have you attached a copy of your DD214, DD215, NGB22, or DD256 for consideration of Veterans Preference Points? The copy submitted should reflect the status of discharge in order to be considered.
   • Yes
   • No
   • Not Applicable