Job Title : Strategic Communications Director
Department : University Communications and Marketing
Grade : 11
FLSA : Exempt
Title Position Reports To : Assistant Vice President for University Communications and Marketing
JOB SUMMARY:
Adelphi University is currently undergoing an initiative to substantially raise its local, national, and international reputation. University Communications and Marketing will accomplish this through strategic communications and marketing initiatives that will ensure strong and consistent branding, throughout all printed, online and media outlets, increased visibility, and improved recognition of Adelphi's strategic positioning, academic programs, educational quality and achievements.

The Strategic Communications Director is responsible for leading the charge to create a much larger profile for Adelphi University in non-paid media including Adelphi's website, media relations and social space. He or she will be an expert in growing larger social subscriptions across university-wide sties to dramatically increase followers and engagement. The Adelphi University brand strategy, recently redesigned to promote the personalization of the Adelphi education, should lead our candidate to create, develop and implement strategic communications, inclusive of media relations plans to advance and reinforce this message in the competitive landscape on Long Island and out of state. The Strategic Communications Director leads the activities of the social, media relations, and content creators to bring the Adelphi message to life, gain visibility, and ensure brand alignment.

Roles and Responsibilities
Branding Strategy and Reputation Enhancement

1. Develop and implement short and long term strategic communications plans across a variety of platforms to produce and maximize the use of a high volume and wide variety of mixed media content about, on behalf of, and in support of Adelphi with the purpose of engaging new and existing audiences.
2. Develop strategic content and compelling stories to advance Adelphi's brand identity that is in line with Adelphi's strategy and messaging.
3. Plan and direct all strategic communications activities, including media relations, social media, communications, website, and marketing content, finding and leveraging synergy between content and appropriate outlets for non-paid media distribution.
4. Proactively build and maintain relationships with representatives of different areas of the University community to support their initiatives as needed.
5. Develop and lead specific strategies to grow, elevate and leverage the University's social footprint to significantly increase visibility and recognition in support of strategic goals.
6. Develop, lead and monitor strategic media relations strategies to increase unpaid national media exposure.
7. Proactively monitor social media and media relations activity to manage the University's brand and provide assistance in issues management.
8. In collaboration with the Creative Director for Design Services, ensure that the Adelphi brand is brought to life and ensure brand alignment in all content and materials created by the University Communications and Marketing team, including freelancers and vendors.
9. Collaborate with the Senior Director of Marketing and Analytics to use data including but not limited to traffic, reach, and engagement to help drive the content strategy.
10. Produce and edit copy for projects as needed.
11. Stay current and analyze content creation and marketing trends and incorporate into the strategy as appropriate.

Content Management Operations

1. Manage scheduling, distribution and maintenance of all content including but not limited to stories, photos, links, and videos ensuring high-quality content that meets delivery schedules.
2. Oversee and directly manage the content workflow process and the functional content calendars using the office's content marketing system.
3. Serve as the direct liaison to the content marketing vendor's managing editor.

Staff Management

1. Provide leadership, train, manage, set goals and accountability measures for the media relations and social media teams.
2. Recruit and hire staff as needed.
3. Direct individual yearly goal setting for direct reports, including professional development opportunities.
4. Assist employees as needed.
5. Other job related duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS: (Knowledge, skills and abilities)

1. Strong news, feature and new media writing and editing skills and superb oral communication skills.
2. Strong track record and demonstrable experience in media relations together with strong media contacts.
3. In depth knowledge of the social media landscape and track record of demonstrable experience in building a brand on social media on a variety of platforms.
4. Familiarity with digital storytelling best practices and tools.
5. Demonstrated experience using data and metrics to drive decision-making and results.
6. Strong management skills
7. A collaborative mindset.
8. Self-starter with ability to work independently.
9. Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
10. Ability to handle a high volume/stress environment.
11. Proficiency in using a variety of software programs including but not limited to WordPress, InCopy, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
12. Knowledge of and experience creating a wide range of communications and marketing materials
13. Ability to work night and weekend hours, when necessary.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (If any):
N/A

EDUCATIONAL/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor's Degree required and Advanced Degree preferred
Minimum of 8 years related experience required
Supervisory experience required

POSITION(S) SUPERVISED:
Social Media Coordinator, Media Relations Director



To apply please click here!