Communications Manager

We are seeking a lively and creative communications professional to lead our on-site Bridgeport team as Communications Manager.

This is a rare opportunity to join a rapidly growing team working to rebuild and revitalize a legacy brand in higher education. The perfect fit for this role has an eye for detail, a talent for organization, and a passion for creating and measuring meaningful and effective messaging.

University of Bridgeport is a subsidiary of Goodwin University, and the new on-site communications team will operate as an extension of the Goodwin Marketing and Communications Department. As Communications Manager, you will help build the dedicated in-house communications team that will shape and refine internal and external communications for the UB brand. Duties include drafting, editing, and approving emails, publications, newsletters, and press releases.

You will work closely with Goodwin’s Marketing and Communications team leadership on important projects like branding and institutional initiatives. You will also take the lead crafting internal/external communications, media relations, and crisis communications. You will also forge strong working relationships with colleagues throughout administration, advancement, athletics, and our dedicated and diverse faculty.

Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities :

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Ensures internal and external communications messaging is accurate, consistent, aligned with university standards, and supports institutional goals
• Drafts and coordinates engaging and informative internal messaging (emails, announcements, newsletters, webpages, etc…)
• Draft communications policies, strategies, and guidelines that align with departmental and organizational goals and priorities in conjunction with Goodwin University Marketing and Communications team leadership
• Develops and implements weather closing/delay and emergency/crisis communications plans in conjunction with campus safety and security and other stakeholders
• Attends planning meetings for major events (commencement, faculty research day, homecoming, etc…)
• Directly supervises Communications Coordinator
• Works with Media Relations Coordinator to respond to media inquiries and draft press releases
• Works to address UB leadership requests and responds to communications requests from internal stakeholders
• Represents the team at meetings with internal stakeholders and events
• Provides communication support for UB advancement team
• Meet with department leaders about stories (new academic programs, graduate testimonials, etc…)
• Guides communication projects through development stages
• Occasional photography (events, headshots, etc…)
• Updates and manages University email lists as necessary

Other Functions :

• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.
• Continues professional development and training; keeps current with trends.
• Assists other department staff as needed to promote a team effort.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill :

• Attention to detail and accuracy; strong organizational skills
• Ability to see a project through from start to finish
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Ability to manage and track expenses
• Ability to prioritize tasks, anticipate needs and workflow

Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience :

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in communications, journalism, public relations, or relevant field
• A minimum of 5 years experience in a similar role
• Crisis communications experience
• Copy writing/editing/proofreading experience
• Strong knowledge of communication practices and techniques
• Experience with Constant Contact/Mail Chimp/similar email platform
• Outstanding written and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Excellent organizational and communication abilities
• Team leadership experience
• Familiarity with MS Office programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Familiarity with setting up virtual meetings via Zoom and Microsoft Teams preferred

Special Requirements :

• Valid driver’s license and insured vehicle

Physical and Mental Requirements :



Work Environment None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3 Outdoor Weather Conditions X Work with fumes or airborne particles X Work near moving mechanical parts X Risk of electrical shock X Vibration X



Physical Activity None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3 Standing X Walking X Sitting X Talking & Hearing X Using hands/fingers to handle/feel X Climbing or balancing X Bending, pulling, pushing X Driving X



Lifting Requirements None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3 Up to 10 pounds X Up to 25 pounds X Up to 50 pounds X Up to 75 pounds X Up to 100 pounds X Over 100 pounds X

Vision requirements:

_X_ Close vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 inches or less)

_X_ Distance vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 feet or more)

_X_ Color vision (i.e. ability to identify and distinguish colors)

___ Peripheral vision (i.e. ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or

left and right while the eyes are fixed on a given point)

___ Depth perception (i.e. three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and

spatial relationships)

___ No special vision requirements

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)