University Communication Manager

at  Samford University

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DESCRIPTION

This position functions as the manager of various university communication. Under the direction of the executive director of university communications, the university communication manager will specifically support any communication efforts to elevate the branding, reputation and advancement of Samford University. These communication efforts include but are not limited to website stories, university e-newsletter content and production, news coverage-related activities, digital and print magazines, social media posts and crisis communication tasks. As needed, communication support will be provided to Advancement areas, including Planned Giving and Alumni Engagement.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in communication, marketing, public relations, business administration, or other related discipline. Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience working in communication operations, preferably in a corporate communications or higher education context.
Must possess strong writing abilities and experience with editing and content development. Must be able to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously, with demonstrated organizational skills and computer/software literacy.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Strong commitment to the Christian mission of Samford University.
High level of written and oral communication skills. Excellent grammar and editing skills are required. Ability to work under pressure and with a high degree of efficiency and accuracy.
Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work well with others.
Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to work independently with limited direction. High level of professionalism, with a service orientation.
Demonstrated expertise in editing, copyediting, and social media management. Possess a strong understanding of AP Style.

Familiarity with the concepts of a content management system.

• The above statements are designed to describe the general nature of the job and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and duties.

• Coordinate, write and post content for university news webpages on Samford’s website, ensuring strong, brand-consistent messages and timely updates.
• Help executive director of university communication with news events, media coverage, university wide stories, and community news stories as applicable.
• Collaborate on the creation of content and facilitate the publication of the Belltower e-newsletter, sending it out on behalf of the university.
• Collaborate on the creation of content for Seasons magazine and the university’s annual report.
• Ensure assigned special projects and campaigns have appropriate marketing and promotional materials. In conjunction with director of university communication, regularly review pieces to ensure that they are accurate, timely and brand consistent. Coordinate the development of new materials as needed.
• Write stories featuring Student Life and Spiritual Life activities and efforts and support other areas of campus as needed.
• Serve as “parent” to the EMMA system for the Division of Advancement and Marketing, supporting teammates as they produce and distribute emails to various constituents of Samford.
• Serve as the manager of the MERIT system, uploading Dean’s List and other student accomplishment news for distribution to community newspapers across the United States.
• Utilize the media monitoring platform Cision, providing media monitoring updates, metrics and reports and analysis as needed.
• Assist the executive director of university communication with the updating and implementation of the crisis communication plan.
• Collaborate with the Office of Alumni and Philanthropy Engagement and other key areas of Advancement, as appropriate, to support content messaging, proofing/editing and branding for Alumni stories, Planned Giving stories, etc.
• Serve as a backup to facilitate the “Give Campus” pages, as needed.
• Write and/or edit alumni and donor stories highlighting philanthropy, as requested.
• Support Samford Giving Day with marketing and communication strategies in collaboration and with direction from the Office of Alumni and Philanthropy Engagement.
• Support the social media manager with written content and analytics evaluation as needed.
• Attend school and university functions, conduct interviews and attend video/photo shoots as appropriate to facilitate content creation.
• Display a genuine attitude of “team player” within the division, eagerly willing to assist colleagues in accomplishing overall division goals.
• Demonstrate the qualities of self-direction, professionalism, and sound independent decision-making.
• Perform other duties as assigned.