Assistant Director of Communications

Classification Title:

AST DIR, Communications

Job Description:

The Assistant Director of Communications (UF Alumni Gator Magazine) is responsible for planning and producing the quarterly alumni magazine, Florida Gator. This person will play a lead role in planning and packaging the content, handling the writing of some pieces, editing other writers, curating and editing copy from campus communicators and other sources, shaping display type and visuals and working with photographers and designers. This person will also serve as a contact for external service partners, such printers and freelancers. This person will also handle administrative tasks associated with the magazine. In addition, this person may work on smaller writing projects on behalf of UF Advancement.

Essential Responsibilities:

Magazine Editing & Writing
• From conception to execution, lead the production of a quarterly magazine that enhances UF’s reputation, drives development and assists in the strategic positioning of the UF Advancement and Alumni brand internally and externally.
• Write compelling stories, short features and other packages, as well as display type, captions and other copy.
• Working with a creative team, plan the packaging and shape of feature stories, from display type to photography and illustrations, to ensure the use of a variety of storytelling practices.
• Stay abreast of campus affairs, Gator Nation news and alumni accomplishments to develop stories.
• Work with both internal and external writers, designers, artists and photographers to develop stories and packages, and serve as the primary editor for these stories and packages.
• Curate internal and external stories to produce digestible news used throughout the publication.
• Partner with social media and Gator Nation News to extend storytelling efforts beyond Florida Gator.

Magazine Production
• Produce each magazine within the budget established by leadership.
• Serve as primary contact for the publication’s printer, ensuring deadlines are met and quality is high, and troubleshooting production issues.
• Perform administrative tasks associated with the magazine, such as the coordination of advertisements, freelancer payments, mailing list requests, archiving, leadership reports, file/folder organization, posting each issue on the UF Alumni Association’s website, creating annual and individual issue production schedules, maintaining story budgets, managing the distribution of each issue and fulfilling requests for additional copies, and other magazine management tasks as needed.
• Other tasks as needed or as requested by leadership.

Content Creation for Other Projects
• In consultation with the Executive Director for Strategic Communications, create inspiring messaging and stories for alumni- and development-related print and digital communications and marketing, including feature stories, news releases, brochures, booklets, magazine copy, web copy, social media, multimedia, video and other materials.
• Serve as a contact for internal service partners in alignment with the communications beat system.
• Ensure that tasks and projects are completed at the highest quality and that deadlines and processes are met.
• Identify process obstacles, devise process solutions and maintain management system to maximize efficiency.
• Participate in regular status meetings to inform team and stakeholders of project deliverables updates, and impending deadlines and milestones.
• Prioritizes multiple assignments and plans and executes strategies to work independently and under limited timeframes to meet deadlines. Ensures project deliverables are met.

Expected Salary:

Salary commensurate with education and experience.

Minimum Requirements:

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

Preferred Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess:
• Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization such as journalism, public relations or communications
• Writing experience, preferably as a reporter or editor at a newspaper, magazine or broadcast media outlet
• Editing experience, preferably leadership of a magazine or features department or other publication that shows an ability to approach print work creatively, with attention to detail, and to edit, conceptualize and package print work.
• Must be an outstanding communicator and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills; interpersonal skills; and the ability to work collegially and interact effectively with a diverse constituency.
• Demonstrated writing abilities for multiple styles and platforms.
• Must possess a proficiency in communicating effectively with diverse audiences in conversations and through writing. Knowledge of advancement philosophy and practices; higher education experience preferred.
• Ability to multi-task and problem-solve, using research and analytical skills to develop and implement creative solutions.
• Skill requiring judgment to take initiative, accurately establish priorities, complete complex assignments in a timely manner, and adapt quickly to changing needs and in dealing with conflicting challenges.
• Working knowledge of office computing as well as internet browsers and various Internet tools. Working knowledge of a donor database, contact management and tracking system.
• Experience working in a team atmosphere and ability to understand and translate institutional policies/objectives into persuasive communications preferred with the ability to work with other communication professionals across campus.
• Proven success in managing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, adapting quickly to changing priorities, while maintaining great attention to detail and accuracy.
• Commitment to excellence and customer service.
• Ability to work independently under pressure with minimal supervision.
• An appreciation for and support of diversity in the workplace in all its forms; proven success working with stakeholders; project management skills; experience in a data-driven environment; organizational skills; and the ability to lead, influence and motivate others are required.
• Working knowledge in these areas: Windows, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, internet browsers, preferably Internet Explorer, E-mail. Working knowledge of a donor database, contact management and tracking system.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter, resume, and three references.

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

Health Assessment Required: No