Assistant Director of Communications

• TITLE: Assistant Director of Communications
  
  DEPARTMENT: Brand Identity and University Relations
  
  REPORTS TO: Vice President for Brand Identity and University Relations
  
  EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD
  
  EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time
  
  EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
  
  
  
  PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF JOB:
  
  The assistant director of communications works to enhance the reputation and distinctive brand identity of Kentucky State University in the national and regional marketplace. This position works collaboratively with others to increase opportunities for recruitment and philanthropic support by creating awareness of the work and impact provided by university students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
  
  
  
  SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:
  
  The assistant director of communications serves to champion the brand of Kentucky State University through powerful storytelling across our various online and print platforms. This position manages the daily operation of the university’s communications channels, guides the university’s media engagement, and provides strategic communication guidance to campus partners. The director of communications is responsible for creating, implementing, and measuring the success of a comprehensive marketing and communications program that serves to enhance the image and position of Kentucky State University within the marketplace and the general public.
  
  
  
  ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  

• Find and promote good news stories that help reach key stakeholder audiences
• Produce high-level communications and talking points for key topics
• Research pertinent academic history and philosophy; interview students, faculty and administration; write and edit copy for news releases for internal and external publications; and pitch story ideas
• Serve as the university liaison to external media
• Participate as a member of the crisis communications team requiring on-call emergency status
• Develop and maintain relationships with media contacts
• Coordinate media interest in the university through press releases, media request responses, and targeted media contacts
• Maintain media expert’s database
• Work in collaboration with campus partners to assess and refresh marketing materials
• Provide editorial direction for all university marketing and communication publications and printed materials that represent Kentucky State University
• Provide guidance and unifying visual elements for campus communications
• Provide media and messaging guidance to campus partners
• Oversee image, content, and observance of website guidelines
• Manage the digital marketing efforts of the university including, but not limited to, web design, email marketing, and social media
• Ensure communication industry best practices are followed

OTHER DUTIES: Perform other duties as assigned ; this position provides support to the entire Division of Brand Identity and University Relations as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s degree and five years of relevant experience or a combination of education and relevant experience.





KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

• Ability to manage workflow, priorities, and multiple projects at once
• Ability to create, lead and oversee strategies for communications
• Ability to make decisions regarding which campaigns will best advance the university’s strategic initiatives and priorities
• Creativity and the ability to think “outside the box”
• Ability to work under limited supervision
• Ability to understand and communicate complex and sometimes controversial issues
• Ability to effectively present information, respond to questions and write responses
• Ability to cultivate strong and collaborative relationships inside and outside of the organization
• Detail-oriented
• Superb writer and verbal communication, active listening skills, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends
• Ability to adapt to frequent change, delays, or expected events
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Experience working in higher education a plus
• Personal belief in the mission, vision, and core values of Kentucky State University

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: This position does not have any supervisory responsibility.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

• Ability to continuously stand or walk
• Ability to bend, squat, climb stairs, and lift frequently
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.