Executive Director Of Communications For Saas

Posting Summary

Logo Posting Number STA00427PO24 Job Family Communications and Marketing Job Function General Communications USC Market Title Public Information Director Link to USC Market Title https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/132403 Job Level M4 - Managerial Business Title (Internal Title) Executive Director of Communications for SAAS Campus Columbia Work County Richland College/Division Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support Department SAAS Communications State Pay Band 8 Approved Starting Salary $79,302 Advertised Salary Range Commensurate with experience Location of Vacancy Part/Full Time Full Time Hours per Week 37.5 Work Schedule

Standard working schedule: 8:30am - 5:00pm

Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Basis 12 months Job Search Category Student Services

About USC

About University of South Carolina

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Inclusive Excellence Statement

At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.

Benefits for FTE Positions

The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the About Benefits section on the Applicant Portal at uscjobs.sc.edu.

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary

• Do you enjoy making a significant impact on an organization?
• Are you skilled at building strong relationships with key stakeholders, including media, investors, and community partners?
• Is project management your strong suit?
• Can you communicate effectively during a crisis?
• Do you excel at handling diverse tasks and responsibilities?
• Are you both highly organized and adaptable?
• Do you want to lead and collaborate with a group of charismatic coworkers and communication professionals, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment?

Look no further! Student Affairs and Academic Support Executive Director of Communications is the position for you!

Primary duties include

Overall Management:

• Oversee operations and strategic direction of Marketing and Communications Department within the Division.

• Provide visionary leadership and set strategic goals aligned with organizational objectives.

Comprehensive Strategy Development:

• Develop and implement a cohesive messaging strategy aligned with division and university goals.

• Manage communication and marketing activities targeting internal and external audiences.

• Fundraising Support:

• Contribute to fundraising communications, promoting philanthropic support and creating collateral materials.

Planning and Execution:

• Assist in research, planning, budgeting, and execution of marketing and communications plans.

Data Analysis and Evaluation:

• Collect and analyze data to inform practices and evaluate effectiveness of communication efforts.

• Adjust plans for continuous improvement based on evaluation results.

Crisis Communication Leadership:

• Lead crisis communications for Student Affairs and Academic Support.

• Provide counsel to division leadership and advise on communications with students.

• Advise division staff on communications related to sensitive or emergency issues.

• Ensure the crisis communications plan is updated annually and division communicators are trained accordingly.

Proactive Communication:

• Monitor the environment and develop proactive communications to mitigate issues.

• Implement responsive communications strategies when challenges arise.

Perks:

• Work-Life-Balance: Full-time pay with a 37.5 work week with occasional work-from-home options.

• Generous paid time off.

• An engaging and collaborative on-campus environment

• Our location is next to the iconic UofSC Horseshoe, surrounded by amenities, so you'll love where you work!

• Opportunities for professional development.

• Eligible for enrollment in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Working at a globally recognized, high-impact research university committed to a superior student experience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BALBcUSl7ck

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree and 3 years of related experience or bachelor's degree and 5 or more years of experience, which may be substituted by equivalent combination of certification, training, education, and/or experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree and seven years of related experience including some prior management experience.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Excellent written and oral communication skills. Experience with electronic and print media. Highly sensitive, well developed interpersonal skills and the ability to operate with confidentiality in all situations. Expert knowledge of journalistic principles and practices and techniques of disseminating information to the public through news media. Knowledge of principles and methods of planning, conducting, and supervising large-scale public relations programs. Knowledge of agency programs, policies, procedures, objectives and goals. Ability to gather, organize and present oral and written information in a clear, concise, and accurate manner. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal/external constituencies, communication media and general public. Sound judgment and the ability to work independently and in a team. Ability to direct and advise staff members, set clear expectations, and evaluate performance.

Job Duties

Job Duty

Serve as the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications for the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support.

Provide overall management overseeing the overall operations and strategic direction of Marketing and Communications Department within the Division. Provide visionary leadership and set strategic goals for the department in alignment with the overall organizational objectives. Develop and lead the implementation of a comprehensive strategy that ensures cohesive and prioritized messaging aligned with both division and university goals. Manage all communication and marketing activities for the division across digital and traditional channels, targeting internal and external audiences such as; current and prospective students and their families, current and prospective division employees, USC faculty and staff, current and prospective donors, other key stakeholders.

Contribute to the department's fundraising communications needs, including promotion of philanthropic support and the creation of collateral materials that will enhance giving.

Assist in the research, planning, budgeting and execution of the marketing and communications plan.

Collect and analyze data to inform practices. Evaluate the effectiveness of communication efforts and adjust plans for continuous improvement.

Lead crisis communications for Student Affairs and Academic Support. Provide counsel to division leadership, direct work of division communicators and advise USC Communications and Marketing on communicating with students.

Advise division staff on communications related to sensitive or emergency issues such as campus safety, sexual assault, high-risk behavior, inclement weather, student deaths and reputational risks.

Ensure division crisis communications plan is updated annually and division communicators are educated about and trained in their roles and responsibilities.

Monitor the environment and develop proactive communications to mitigate issues and responsive communications when challenges have already surfaced

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 30 Job Duty

Direct and perform Student Affairs and Academic Support employee communications, executive communications, and media relations functions to meet employee needs, reflect and support the division's goals and convey the division's strengths.

Research, write and edit content for a variety of department collateral, including brochures, newsletters, annual reports, website, advertisements, direct mailers, emails, press releases and fundraising appeals.

Incorporate metrics into projects and assist in evaluating effectiveness of all activities, and propose, revise and oversee activities as necessary to achieve successful efforts.

Conduct market research, including analysis of peer institutions, and surveys of internal audiences, peers and alumni.

Contribute to the overall social-media strategic direction of the department, identify socially minded messaging and implement social-media updates on a regular basis. Contribute to design of the departments' websites, including usage analysis, site architecture, information presentation and content.

Collaborate with staff to identify newsworthy stories and determine and implement the best vehicles for their promotion.

Maintain expert knowledge and understanding of the most state-of-the-art practices in marketing and communication.

Remain up to date on all facets of the overarching marketing strategy of the department and current projects.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 30 Job Duty

Build, lead and direct the day-to-day operations of a shared services team composed of digital content creators, graphic designers and public relations and marketing specialists. Assigning duties and responsibilities to team members based on their skills and workload.

Provide guidance, direction, and support to team members to help them achieve their goals and perform their duties effectively.

Monitor employee performance and providing feedback, coaching, and training as needed. Identifying issues or problems that arise in the work environment and taking proactive steps to address them.

Resolve conflicts or disagreements among team members and facilitating communication and collaboration.

Make decisions and providing guidance on complex or ambiguous issues that may arise during day-to-day operations.

Conduct performance evaluations and providing regular feedback to employees on their performance.

Recognize and reward employees for their achievements and contributions.

Work with SAAS Human Resources to address performance issues or disciplinary matters as necessary.

Serve as a liaison between upper management and frontline employees, relaying information, goals, and expectations effectively.

Facilitate team meetings, discussions, and training sessions to ensure clear communication and understanding among team members.

Listen to employee concerns, suggestions, and feedback and addressing them appropriately.

Liaison with SAAS HR to ensure position descriptions are written accurately, and pay is equitable.

Supervise search committees and manage departmental onboarding for new hires, while also ensuring seamless offboarding processes for departing employees.

Ensure fair and equitable performance increases as necessary.

Develop and manage the departmental budget, ensuring efficient use of resources. Liaison with central finance team for procurement and to ensure all requisitions are paid. Ensures compliance with University financial policies and procedures.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20 Job Duty

Work closely with division leadership to identify communications and marketing opportunities and to shape themes and messages for use with various constituencies. Serve as the institutional expert on communications with students and the primary division liaison to USC Communications and Marketing.

Partner with USC Communications and Marketing and other divisions to engage in communications and marketing activities that advance the division and institution's strategic priorities.

Assist the university's media relations representatives in identifying press-worthy news stories and pitching those stories to the media; help respond to requests from the media.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 15 Job Duty

Engage in special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 5

Position Attributes

Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.

Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive No Hazardous weather category Non-Essential

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date 08/01/2024 Job Open Date 06/04/2024 Job Close Date 07/18/2024 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicant

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

We are only accepting applications submitted by July 18, 2024.

The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

• Health and Life Insurance

• Retirement Programs

• Paid Tuition

• Dependent Scholarships

• Annual Leave

• Sick Leave

• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)

• Paid Parental Leave

• Professional Development Opportunities

Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.

Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/169310 EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Do you have at least a Master's Degree and 3 years of related experience or Bachelor's Degree and 5 or more years of experience, which may be substituted by equivalent combination of certification, training, education, and/or experience?

• Yes

• No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Cover Letter

• Resume

Optional Documents

• List of References and Contact Information