DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Director of Marketing and Communications.

JOB SUMMARY

This position plays a pivotal role in leading and coordinating communication and marketing efforts for the College of Arts and Sciences. This position is responsible for guiding public relations, event management, digital marketing, branding, content marketing, and social media initiatives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in marketing, communications, public relations, or a closely related field and four years of experience managing marketing, communications, event management, and/or public relations with at least 1-year supervisory experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong planning and organizational skills, attention to detail
• Ability to work independently as well as lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams
• Creative and proactive problem-solving skills to address challenges and identify innovative solutions
• Proficiency in graphic design and creative software, such as the Adobe suite
• Proven ability and effectiveness in supervisory roles
• Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and execute a variety of events
• Strong editorial and project management skills
• Ability to work effectively under deadlines and manage multiple assignments simultaneously
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic marketing initiatives that align with the college’s goals
• Ability to cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including college units, university departments, and external partners.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree from an accredited institution in marketing, communications, public relations, or a closely related field. Experience in higher education, with an understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in academia.

• Develop and implement unified marketing strategies for the college, targeting students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the community. Manage news releases and media inquiries. Oversee internal and external communications, including print materials, newsletters, videos, and website content. Lead and edit any annual college publications including layout planning, interviews, writing, editing, and design collaboration.
• Enhance and maintain the college brand by promoting a positive image and increasing public awareness. Ensure brand consistency across all materials and communications. Manage the design, ordering, and stock of branded promotional items.
• Oversee the college’s social media strategy, including generating fresh photo and video content, monitoring post-performance, expanding our presence across various platforms, planning a monthly content calendar, responding to comments/direct messages, crafting compelling captions, etc.
• Assist with the planning, coordination, and creation of college-wide events to include the creation and coordination of several social or holiday-oriented events each semester.
• Collaborate with school directors on their marketing-related initiatives, such as promotional items, print materials, events, websites, social media, etc.
• Supervise or coordinate with Dean’s Office staff involved in marketing, communications, event planning, and outreach, including Assistant to the Dean for Arts PR and Marketing, the Arts Auditoria Manager, and the Assistant to the Dean for Recruitment, Retention and Transitional Programs.
• Select, train, and supervise graduate assistants and interns.
• Maintain and update signage and messaging in all college facilities including, but not limited to the Liberal Arts Building, Chain Technology Building, Walker Science Building, etc.
• Serve as the college’s liaison for various university departments and entities, including USM Mailout, USM Calendar, Formstack, Alumni Association, Web Communications, and University Communications.
• Contribute to the overall success of the College of Arts and Sciences by performing other essential duties as assigned.