Director of Marketing Communications

Position Details

Position Title

Director of Marketing Communications

Position Number

000933

Position Summary

The Director of Marketing Communications holds leadership responsibilities relative to marketing and communication for the Washburn University School of Law ( SOL ) in its entirety. The Director will also be called upon to lend significant amounts of time and focus to individual departments within the SOL to develop communication or marketing materials specific to the department’s function.

Essential Job Functions of Position

1. Strategic Marketing
Develop an all-encompassing marketing plan that includes strategies, goals, objectives, policies and procedures to market and promote the SOL and its departments. The implemented marketing plan will enhance the School’s public image and increase brand awareness among current and prospective students, alumni, and other stakeholders and constituents on a national level.

Plan, direct, and implement marketing communications activities that employ a tone, voice, and appearance consistent with all SOL communications to impart key, strategic messages to target audiences effectively.

2. SOL Admissions Marketing
With assistance from the Assistant Dean for Admissions, identify needs and develop strategies to enhance interest among prospective students and promote enrollment in the SOL . Develop, edit, and proof print materials, including a recruiting magazine, cards, bookmarks, statistics cards, and other publications to provide timely, accurate information supporting marketing efforts and contributing to recruitment goals. In addition, draft and edit mass emails to prospective and admitted students to encourage applications and attendance.

3. SOL Alumni Communications
With input from the Washburn University Foundation and Alumni Association, identify timely topics, issues and concerns of particular interest to SOL alumni to encourage involvement in alumni activities and supplement fundraising initiatives.

As co-editor of the Washburn Lawyer, identify topics, research, write and edit content, and distribute the bi­annual magazine publication.

Develop and author content and distribute a monthly newsletter.

Serve as liaison with the Washburn University Foundation to ensure fundraising and marketing materials are consistent with the SOL brand.

4. Media Relations
Pitch stories to publications; plan, coordinate and facilitate press conferences; monitor media coverage to ensure complete distribution of SOL information through a full range of media outlets. Write and distribute news releases to ensure timely and strategic publication of SOL announcements and information as appropriate in support of SOL goals.

5. Social Media and Website
Develop and implement social media strategies for reaching potential and current students, alumni, and other SOL constituencies, increasing engagement, likes, and interactions with our platforms. Responsible for using practices that ensure information is accurate, current and consistent with SOL branding, style and identity standards:

• Work with the SOL website manager to design and develop content for the SOL website.
• Draft, proof and edit news stories for the SOL website.
• Develop homepage content for the SOL website, incorporating imagery, unique features and sections.
• Develop a weekly posting schedule; monitor, review, update, modify and maintain websites and social media sites.
• Recruit, train and supervise social media ambassadors who will attend events, develop and post reporting content.

Respond to posts and comments as appropriate.

6. External Communications
Develop and distribute materials for targeted audiences such as other law schools, attorneys, judges, alumni and other constituents to inform about news, events, CLE /educational opportunities, symposia, developments and achievements at the SOL .

Draft articles and marketing materials and offer advice and assistance to the Dean, Associate Deans and other administrators as called upon to facilitate preparation for speaking engagements, fundraising activities and other appearances and communication and promote consistency with established goals and priorities at the SOL .

Work with the University marketing services agency, website company, freelance writers and designers, the SOL website manager and other stakeholders to develop, publish and distribute SOL information and materials. As SOL representative and liaison, work with publication firms to ensure timely completion of print/ production orders and that all materials meet quality standards consistent with SOL requirements.

7. Budget, Supervision and Additional Activities
Develop budget proposals for Marketing Communications based on projected activities and needs. Approve purchases and monitor budgeted account balances to manage the department’s budget and ensure spending is appropriate and fiscally sound.

Recruits, hires, trains, schedules, and evaluates the performance and effectiveness of assigned staff to maximize employee performance. Reviews and assesses completed work assignments. Performs written Performance Reviews. Provides feedback and professional development opportunities to facilitate improved performance or reward outstanding efforts.

As the team leader and motivator, maintain a healthy, fair, and inclusive work environment by promoting diversity, exercising teamwork, and collaboration. Actively promote a professional workplace culture of mutual respect and collegiality for all members of the institution. Work to build positive and cooperative relationships with staff, encouraging them to work toward individual and departmental goals.

Perform other duties as assigned to support the SOL’s mission, goals and additional job-related duties as appropriate.

Non-Essential Job Functions of Position

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree. At least six years of experience in public relations, marketing, publication design, writing, or editing, or a combination of experience across these areas that equals six years. Two years of experience in strategic marketing. One year of supervisory experience.

Preferred: A degree in Communications, Marketing, Business, or a closely related field. Six years of strategic marketing experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Proficiency in using Microsoft Office. Ability to maintain confidentiality, work independently and as a team player with initiative and a professional attitude. Effective computer skills with the ability to learn new technologies. Capable organization skills and the ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects that are proceeding simultaneously. Experience managing a budget.

Preferred: Experience managing budgets, developing and executing social media strategies. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and/or database management.

Licenses, Certifications & Registrations

Additional Requirements (e.g. Physical Demands)

Campus Security Authority

No

Special Instructions to Applicant

Applicants selected for an in-person interview will be required to bring a portfolio of their work to the interview.

Advertised Pay

Low $60K

Work Schedule

Regular Business Hours

Benefits

Full-time/Part-time

Full Time

Average Hours per Week

40

Months per Year

12

FLSA

Exempt

FTE

1

EEO Statement

Washburn is dedicated to providing a student-centered and teaching-focused academic environment and a curriculum that engages the diversity of human experience across the globe. We seek candidates committed to Washburn’s efforts to create a climate that fosters the growth and development of a diverse student body. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education. Application materials should clearly articulate how the candidate will contribute to the University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Washburn University is an EOE . Washburn University provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or marital or parental status.

Posting Number

S0295P

Background Check Required?

Yes

Driving History Checked?

No

Drug Screen Required?

No

Anticipated Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

For earliest consideration apply by

10/26/2021

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled?

Yes

Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting

https://washburn.peopleadmin.com/postings/3981
Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have a Bachelor's degree?
   • Yes
   • No
   • Yes, by the end of semester of hire.
2. * Do you have experience supervising employees?
   • Yes
   • No
3. * How many years of supervisory experience do you have?
   • 0 - None
   • Less than a Year
   • 1 year
   • 2 years
   • 3 years
   • 4 years
   • 5 years
   • 6 years
   • 7 years
   • more than 7 years
   • more than 10 years
   • more than 15 years
4. * Do you have at least six years of experience in public relations, marketing, publication design, writing, or editing, or a combination of experience across these areas that equals six years?
   • Yes
   • No
5. * Do you have two years of experience in strategic marketing?
   • Yes
   • No

Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Media File
3. Portfolio