Director of Communications

Director of Communications

 

Classification Title:  

Communications Manager II/S

Department:

COM EXTERNAL PROG AND ADVANCEMENT

 

Position Summary:

The College of Osteopathic Medicine seeks a strategic thinker, and hands-on communications professional for the position of Director of Communications.  Strong experience with the unique nature of Osteopathic medical care and training will be expected. Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine is particularly interested in individuals with a commitment to inclusive excellence and a history of promoting diversity in their research, teaching, and service. We strongly encourage candidates to apply who can strengthen MSUCOM's commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), as identified in our Diversity, Inclusion, and Safety plan (https://com.msu.edu/about-us/diversity-inclusion-safety).

 

As a member of the College administrative team, this position has responsibility for development and execution of strategic, organizational and brand communications that support the College’s overall strategic priorities.  In close coordination with the Dean, leadership within the College and the Office of Health Sciences, this position will work collaboratively across the organization to develop and execute a robust, multi-channel communications framework that conveys the college’s reputation of excellence, raises visibility of the College nationally and internationally, and communicates effectively with core stakeholders including students, faculty, prospective faculty, donors, alumni, potential research sponsors and other professional/industrial/governmental/international stakeholders. A critical element of the position will be to focus the College’s digital presence and connect strategically with audiences using state-of-the-art strategies, tools and platforms.

 

This position will work in conjunction with MSU Health Sciences Communications to identify and develop powerful content that highlights the College and complements University-level activities.

 

This position reports administratively and functionally to the College of Osteopathic Medicine with a dotted line to MSU Health Sciences Communications for the purposes of collaboration and alignment with regard efforts spanning sustainable health MSU.  The position also is considered a University Communications strategic partner position and participates in planning, meetings, and efforts to related to institutional-level activities and goals.

 

The Director of Communications in the College of Osteopathic Medicine will be responsible for development of a digital-first communications strategy operationalized throughout the College, project and vendor management, website development and maintenance in conjunction with the university’s content management system, as well as development of new digital strategies and enhanced utilization of metrics and analytics as capabilities evolve. A significant role of the position is to support departments and units in addressing their communication needs and coordinating these with the overall College strategy.  Duties involve managing relationships and assignments with faculty and staff to ensure that deadlines are met.

 

Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Development and distribution of print materials, creative direction, marketing support, presentations, publications, technical reports, exhibits, newsletters, websites and social media management for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Reporting to the Dean, the Director of Communications manages a team and works with the College leaders to develop an integrated organization-wide communications plan with key messages for all stakeholders that align with the organization’s strategies and goals to help build and maintain the College’s mission and reputation.
  • Work collaboratively with the College administration and department/unit heads, leadership for Diversity & Campus Inclusion and content providers to provide the products and services necessary to meet the Colleges marketing and communication goals.
  • Work closely with University Communications to engage, cultivate and manage press and external relations to gain coverage of the college/department projects, programs, special events, and announcements.
  • Work collaboratively with lead communicators throughout campus and across MSU Health Sciences to develop joint content, focus on shared initiatives that benefit MSU, share learning and best practices as part of strategic partnership.  This position has a dotted line to MSU Health Sciences Communications to encourage greater partnership across campus.
  • Develop and then execute an integrated communications plan that includes specific approaches to address needs in student recruiting, faculty and staff recruiting, publicizing accomplishments, event and activity communications, research marketing, outreach, development, and external relations for senior leadership.  Leverage earned, owned, shared and paid communications channels to drive supportive actions that benefit the college and MSU.
  • Manage public relations, media relations, issues and crisis communications, and provides issues/crisis counsel to senior leadership. Manage communications relationships with external agencies.
  • Help manage and craft compelling stories that communicate the far-reaching impact of the college and the essence of MSU to increase reputation and connection with the college and MSU.   Ensure all communications are aligned with University brand strategy and standards. 
  • Utilize metrics, analytics and research to better connect communications with our audiences. Encourage adoption of new campus technologies that enhance personalization in communications.  
  • Oversee the day-to-day operations of the communications and marketing function including budgeting, planning and staff management.

 

Minimum Requirements:

The job requires: knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Journalism, Telecommunications, Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, or related field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in public and media relations; composing, editing and publication production; news, broadcasting, and print media; and/or marketing, advertising, and creative services; graphic design; word processing; desktop publishing; web design; presentation; spreadsheet and/or database software; public presentation or radio production; or computer programming/technology; and/or experience in a field related to are of employment; may require management and supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

 

Desired Qualifications:

Demonstrated experience and excellence in development of integrated strategic marketing and communications plans; development and launch of marketing campaigns; campaign development and execution including creative elements; superior writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, especially related to storytelling with a focus on advanced science and technology; ability to manage complex projects and meet multiple deadlines. Experience working in a higher education or agency environment; ability to work in industry design software and content management systems; effective organizational, time management, and project management skills; application and demonstration of strong editorial judgment; proficiency with standard industry software, advanced computer knowledge detailed knowledge of a wide range of digital communications strategies and tools.

 

Applicants should apply on-line at https://careers.msu.edu/

 

MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.