Director of Communications, Division of Research, Innovation and Impact

at  University of Missouri

JOB DESCRIPTION

The University of Missouri’s Marketing and Communications Division seeks a Director of Communications to serve as a senior strategic communications leader for Mizzou’s Division of Research, Innovation & Impact. This position is responsible for the development, implementation and measurement of an integrated communications strategy for the Division of Research, Innovation & Impact to achieve University of Missouri priorities. This role reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor in the Division of Marketing and Communications and serves as part of the MarCom leadership team. This position also has reporting responsibilities to the Vice Chancellor for Research.
This collaborative leader will serve as a central contact for information on research and creative activity funding, storytelling and resources for faculty, staff and students. The director will lead a four-person team, including communications leads at two of Mizzou’s largest research centers, to develop a multi-channel communications strategy, compelling storytelling and engaging delivery that brings research at Mizzou to life for target audiences.
About the Division of Research, Innovation & Impact
The Division of Research, Innovation & Impact (RII) invests in the success of Missouri, the nation and the world by empowering University of Missouri researchers, scholars and entrepreneurs to develop projects that push the boundaries of discovery and scholarly pursuit, launch breakthrough innovations and technologies, and deliver research that offers beneficial impacts to the public.

Essential Duties

• Direct the development, implementation and measurement of an integrated communications and marketing strategy to elevate the reputation of the Division and University and achieve leadership priorities.
• Provide executive counsel, advice and support to the Vice Chancellor for Research and other senior leaders to ensure high-quality communications and alignment of the brand narrative for the Division of Research, Innovation & Impact.
• Supervise all operations of the research communications team.
• Provide strategic oversight and leadership for communications directors embedded in the Bond Life Sciences Center and the Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health building.
• Assess existing vehicles and programs, both print and digital, and ensure that key messages and communications are disseminated in a clear, cohesive and engaging format across many vehicles and media.
• Set clear direction and priorities for a team of professionals. Maintain a leadership style that is open, which empowers staff through active communication and delegation.
• Foster excellence in collaboration, customer service and problem-solving, creating a team who are considered thought leaders across the University and whose opinions are sought after and respected.
• Collaborate with researchers and staff to translate complex scientific information into accessible and engaging content.
• Promote accountability through well-defined and measurable goals.
• Serve as brand champion for Mizzou and the Division of Research, Innovation & Impact and ensure consistency in tone and message across all marketing communications and initiatives.
• Serve as a member of the university’s Marketing and Communications team.
• Engage and collaborate with other units at the University to provide cohesive messages regarding research and scholarship initiatives.
• Continually assess team strengths, recruit new staff as necessary and maintain a high-quality, diverse team.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 6 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The ability to lead through influence and directly manage teams.
A well-rounded communicator who understands storytelling in all forms. An understanding of visual storytelling, including graphic design and data visualization, and experience collaborating with photo and video teams.
A working knowledge of social media best practices and various social media platforms.

• Direct the development, implementation and measurement of an integrated communications and marketing strategy to elevate the reputation of the Division and University and achieve leadership priorities.
• Provide executive counsel, advice and support to the Vice Chancellor for Research and other senior leaders to ensure high-quality communications and alignment of the brand narrative for the Division of Research, Innovation & Impact.
• Supervise all operations of the research communications team.
• Provide strategic oversight and leadership for communications directors embedded in the Bond Life Sciences Center and the Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health building.
• Assess existing vehicles and programs, both print and digital, and ensure that key messages and communications are disseminated in a clear, cohesive and engaging format across many vehicles and media.
• Set clear direction and priorities for a team of professionals. Maintain a leadership style that is open, which empowers staff through active communication and delegation.
• Foster excellence in collaboration, customer service and problem-solving, creating a team who are considered thought leaders across the University and whose opinions are sought after and respected.
• Collaborate with researchers and staff to translate complex scientific information into accessible and engaging content.
• Promote accountability through well-defined and measurable goals.
• Serve as brand champion for Mizzou and the Division of Research, Innovation & Impact and ensure consistency in tone and message across all marketing communications and initiatives.
• Serve as a member of the university’s Marketing and Communications team.
• Engage and collaborate with other units at the University to provide cohesive messages regarding research and scholarship initiatives.
• Continually assess team strengths, recruit new staff as necessary and maintain a high-quality, diverse team