Associate Director Of Strategic Communications

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Job Title:

Associate Director of Strategic Communications

Job Family:

Management

Full-Time/Part-Time:

Full time

Compensation Grade:

8S

Pay Type:

Salary

Department:

Strategic Communications

Job Summary:

As a member of the University Communications team, the Associate Director of Strategic Communications provides Admissions and Enrollment Management with strategic counsel and develops and tracks complex print and digital marketing campaigns that advance Furman University's recruitment and admissions efforts. The Associate Director also supports Student Life and academic departments as needed, with a focus on how they advance recruiting.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for University Communications, the Associate Director has proven experience managing paid marketing campaigns with multiple audiences, goals, tactics and calls to action and uses data to adjust campaigns in real-time, and to create and hone messaging and strategies for positioning the university as a leader among liberal arts and sciences institutions. The Associate Director collaborates with University Communications' digital marketing and brand strategy and visual communications teams, vendors, administrators, faculty and staff to deliver creative, compelling and high-impact communications.

Job Description:

Responsibilities:

In partnership with University Communications and Admissions staff, lead planning and strategy for, and coordinate the implementation of multi-faceted marketing plans and communications flows that focus on attracting top students to Furman. Additional partnerships with Student Life and academic departments support and inform this work in presenting a full picture of the impact of The Furman Advantage.

Serve as the project manager for Admissions and other partners, identifying KPIs, leading content development, monitoring project progress, ensuring key milestones are met, addressing issues as they arise and evaluating each project's return on investment.

Develop, monitor, test, adjust and regularly report to the communications and admissions departments on paid print and digital marketing campaigns. Monitor campaign budgets and paid media vendors. Use data and outcomes to inform communications campaigns and messaging.

Develop goals, establish consistent standards for measurement, and assess progress through quantified and qualified research.

Use knowledge of higher education recruitment cycles and systems, such as Slate, to create and evolve effective communications flows and messaging.

In partnership with university communications staff, consider and explore new forms of communications and marketing, encompassing the latest formats, tools and delivery methods.

Write and edit copy for various communications, publications and marketing plans for overall university initiatives and campaigns.

Ensure all work is done in alignment with the vision and values of University Communications and Furman University.

Research industry standards, trends, breakthroughs and best practices, communicating results to the team and partners.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Relationships:

Collaboration with strategic communications team, with other colleagues in University Communications and other divisions and departments to plan, coordinate, problem solve and present information.

Decision-making Responsibilities:

Responsible for initiating, completing and assessing own work

Work involves non-routine situations and interpretation of data and information, and requires perspective, experience and flexibility in the establishment of procedures, deadlines and creative approach.

Work is collaborative at concept stage and requires openness and communication in determining and directing the appropriate course of action.

Work is performed in collaboration and independently except when the interpretation of law, policy, rule, complex procedure or request for exception is required.

Reporting:

The position reports to the Assistant Vice President for Strategic Communications.

Work Conditions:

Work is performed under usual office conditions. Flexible, hybrid remote work options are available.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree required, master's preferred, with 5 or more years of experience in communications and marketing in higher education or a related field.

Knowledge of recruitment strategies and systems, such as Slate.

Excellent writing and verbal communications skills.

Demonstrated writing abilities for multiple styles and platforms.

Ability to develop complex and comprehensive communications and marketing plans.

Application Requirements:

Resume

Cover letter

Writing samples

Marketing plan sample with performance data

Why Greenville:

An award-winning city, Greenville and the surrounding area is the third-largest urban area in South Carolina and the fastest growing. Nationally recognized for our urban development, sustainability, beauty, food and campus, Greenville continues to top lists of destinations to visit.

Our city has the highest foreign manufacturing investment per capita in America, with Fortune 500 companies like BMW, General Electric and Michelin leading the way. With several hundred restaurants, music and theater and arts venues, Greenville has gained recognition in various national publications such as CNN Money, which ranked Greenville as one of the "Top 10 Fastest Growing Cities in the U.S." Bloomberg named Greenville the 3rd Strongest Job Market, and Forbes named Greenville the 13th Best City for Young Professionals. Strategically located in the Southeast, Greenville's bustling downtown is minutes from the Blue Ridge Mountains, beaches, other small towns and big cities.

University Communications Culture and Values Statement

University Communications' values are grounded in professionalism, respect and humility. We are unified, driven and purposeful in pursuing our common goal of advancing Furman University.

We approach every task as problem-solvers who are curious, creative and innovative - and good listeners first. We value each other's diverse talents, and understand that achieving excellence requires care and attention to the personal growth and well-being of each member of our team. At the end of the day, our work should be fun, engaging and inspiring - and create advocates across the Furman community and beyond.

What is The Furman Advantage?

The Furman Advantage guarantees every student an unparalleled education that combines classroom learning with real-world experiences and self-discovery. Our unique approach to education is highly personalized and includes engaged learning, reflection, belonging and mentoring.

Each element helps to prepare students for lives of purpose and accelerated career and community impact. Furman graduates know how to do the work, in the classroom and in the world, and they are uniquely attuned to how they will make their impact after their four-year journey.

Education Requirements:

Certification Requirements:

Job Posting End Date (if date is blank, posting is open ended):