Director of Communications & Events

About Drexel

Drexel is one of Philadelphia's top 10 private employers, a comprehensive global research university and a major engine for economic development in the region. With over 24,000 students, Drexel is one of America's 15 largest private universities. Drexel has committed to being the nation’s most civically engaged university, with community partnerships integrated into every aspect of service and academics.

Job Summary

Westphal College of Media Arts & Design seeks a creative, ambitious, and strategic individual to lead its Office of Communications and Events. The Director of Communications and Events, aligning with Westphal’s strategic planning process, will play a critical role in elevating Westphal's presence through a visual and narrative identity that communicates its unique value, strengthens community and industry relations, and serves as a foundation for improved internal and external communications. We seek an experienced and professional individual who is highly organized, can delegate effectively, and is comfortable balancing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

The Westphal Director of Communications and Events reports directly to the Dean and is charged with producing successful communications and events to increase awareness of the Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, support fundraising efforts, drive recruitment, and achieve student learning outcomes through events and projects. This position works with the University’s Office of Communication to gain placement in traditional and digital media and through the strategic use of social media in the Philadelphia region and beyond. The Director works closely with the Digital Content Specialist, Events Coordinator, Directors of Recruitment, the Institutional Advancement team, College leadership team, and communications representatives from each of the College’s departments to achieve this mission.

About the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design:

The Drexel University Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design is dedicated to the education of students in the areas of design, media and the performing and visual arts. Westphal College offers 18 undergraduate and nine graduate majors, housed in award-winning, technologically enhanced facilities, and taught by distinguished faculty who have worked at the top of their fields. The College values a studio approach that incorporates six months of required co-op work experience for all undergraduate students. Westphal is home to a virtual reality and immersive research lab, two theaters, an art gallery, a notable collection of over 17,000 historic costumes, a record label, a television station, and numerous cutting-edge making spaces.

Westphal educates students to find their place as leaders in today's rapidly changing world by teaching the diverse skills needed to conceptualize and implement creative thinking. The synergy of Westphal’s creative programs, strong foundation curriculum and diverse minors, and stewardship of University assets and enterprises enhance the strength of the College in this interdisciplinary age. The College actively participates in community-based learning programs that allow students and faculty to study the issues affecting our world in collaboration with neighboring communities. As the center for creativity at Drexel, Westphal College’s collaborative community of scholars, creatives, thinkers, and doers are uniquely positioned to face the world’s challenges and define the creative careers of the 21st century. Westphal is dedicated to building a community where everyone is welcome and a multiplicity of voices are celebrated.

Fifteen of Westphal’s degree programs have earned national rankings and the College is ranked one of the best design and applied art schools in the nation. The Westphal College of Media Arts & Design is academically accredited as part of Drexel University, by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Additionally, the programs in art, design and media are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD); the architecture program is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), and the interior design program by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).

Essential Functions

Strategic Communications & Marketing

• Work collaboratively within the Office of the Dean and across the University to develop strategic communication plans, branding, brand management, and content/creative strategy development for the College.
• Work with recruitment staff to raise brand awareness among prospective students, parents, and high school teachers and guidance counselors.
• Identify opportunities to drive recruitment efforts, fundraising, and event promotion through digital media marketing, social media marketing, and print communications.
• Participate in University-wide committees on communications and marketing as needed.
• Oversee the use of Drexel University and Westphal College brand to ensure the College is known regionally and nationwide for applied arts education, co-op, creative work, and research.
• Ensure all Westphal College communications activities meet University standards and guidelines.

Publications and Collateral

• Coordinate the development of promotional and marketing materials for the College from concept to production, working closely with faculty and staff.
• Coordinate design and creation of invitations, brochures, program ads, etc.
• Serve as steward and archivist of the college logos and graphics.
• Prepare quarterly Westphal College Board Report for presentation to the University's Board of Trustees.
• Serve as creative director for the development of branded assets used in marketing initiatives, including digital and print design, photography, and videos.
• Oversee writing of and approve executive communications for the Dean and senior leadership, including emails, talking points, letters, and speeches.

Digital Communications

• Responsible for the management of Westphal’s social media accounts including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Vimeo.
• Manage the editorial content, design, and distribution of the Westphal College newsletter with a distribution list of over 30,000.
• Maintain email and mailing lists for media and e-newsletters.
• Review and analyze various forms of data to develop reports, track progress, and identify new growth opportunities.
• Edit and ensure proper management of college website to provide timely information and updates.
• Oversee the production and distribution of internal and external email communications related to the work of the communications team, including College updates from the Office of the Dean, Westphal IT, and other constituencies.
• Manage the curation of Westphal’s digital assets, including photos, videos, and graphics.

Media Relations, Outreach, and External Affairs

• Work in partnership with the Office of University Communications to oversee all media, press, and public relations requests.
• Write press releases as needed, pitch and prepare stories for publication in internal publications including but not limited to DrexelNow, Drexel News Blog, Drexel Details Alumni Newsletter, Drexel Magazine, EXELMagazine, and The Triangle.
• Maintain files of college publicity: track student, alumni, and faculty awards and accomplishments; College and program rankings. Utilize this information as needed for presentations, proposals, social media, etc.
• Serve as the Westphal College communications and events point of contact with students, staff, faculty, and external parties.
• Manage crisis communications for internal and external audiences through consultation and support of the University’s leadership.
• Represent Westphal College and Drexel University at select VIP events.

Events

• Oversee planning and marketing of events in the College, including some day-of management - which will require some night and/or weekend hours.
• Cultivate strong relationships with external and internal vendors, obtain insurance certificates, negotiate contracts, and manage event budgets.

Supervision

• Manage Westphal’s communications and events team, including Digital Content Specialist, Events Coordinator, and Graphic Design scholarship student, and oversee student employees and work-study students.
• Conduct annual performance reviews of direct reports.
• Responsible for overseeing the project management infrastructure and owning all stages of the project lifecycle from inception through delivery.

Required Qualifications

• 5 years experience in communications, branding, and marketing, preferably in higher education is required.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing or a related field is required.
• Demonstrated planning and implementation of strategic communications
• Strong oral and written communication skills, editing and proofreading
• Functional knowledge of HTML and CSS
• Experience managing content calendars and social media planning tools (HootSuite, Sprout Social or similar)
• Ability to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced work environment, often balancing competing priorities
• Experience managing a team of employees

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and basic graphic design
• Experience with digital display and social media advertising
• Working knowledge of SEO
• Experience with MailChimp and Sitecore CMS a plus

Location

• University City.

Additional Information

• This position is classified as exempt with a salary grade of L. For more information regarding Drexel’s Professional Staff salary structure, https://drexel.edu/hr/career/ducomp/salstructure/

Special Instructions to the Applicant

• Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

Please note that this position is located at Drexel’s University City Campus. Westphal College of Media Arts & Design is currently operating on a hybrid in-person and remote basis. This role requires in-person hours with some flexibility for remote work, including occasional night and weekend hours for event management.

Advertised:Oct 7 2021 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:Nov 7 2021 Eastern Standard Time