Assistant Director, Communications - Marketing and Communications

Southeast Missouri State University; Cape Girardeau (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SEMO is seeking an Assistant Director, Communications to craft compelling stories for external and internal audiences. You will lead a team of writers and editors, manage a busy production schedule, and coordinate with University stakeholders to deliver timely messaging.

You will develop emergency communications, serve as media contact, supervise staff and students, and analyze metrics to improve earned media and campaign performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in advertising, communications, English, journalism, marketing, public relations, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience writing compelling stories, including news releases and feature writing.
• Solid understanding of marketing and media channels, content best practices, and AP Style.
• Experience supporting crisis and issues communications, including developing timely messaging and coordinating with audiences.
• Impeccable eye for detail, proofreading and editing skills, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Collaborative working style with media partners and cross-team cooperation.
• Excellent creative, communication, organizational and idea-generation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop compelling stories and messages to attract a digital audience across platforms and channels.
• Write and distribute media releases and serve as liaison with media professionals to promote SEMO stories.
• Supervise and mentor a team of full-time staff and student writers.
• Edit and manage a busy communications production schedule to ensure timely delivery.
• Collaborate with university stakeholders to target audiences including prospective students, parents, and media.
• Develop emergency communications and campus notifications; assist as media contact during crises.
• Build relationships with reporters and editors at local, regional, and national media outlets.
• Assist in media interview preparation and drafting speaking points for University teams.
• Monitor and analyze metrics to improve earned media and campaign performance.
• Assist in event marketing planning and execution.
• Collaborate with team members to achieve university goals and campaigns.

Skills

Story writing

Media relations

Crisis communications

AP Style

Editing

Deadline driven

Team collaboration

Content strategy

Education

Bachelor's degree in advertising, communications, English, journalism, marketing, public relations, or related field

Job description

Southeast Missouri State University

Salary: Depends on Qualifications

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 202600346

Location: Cape Girardeau, MO

Closing: Continuous

Position Summary

Assistant Director, Communications

Marketing and Communications

Full-Time

Marketing and Communications at Southeast Missouri State University seeks a creative and efficient storyteller with strong journalistic instincts who can craft compelling content for a variety of externally and internally focused communications.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop compelling stories and messages that attract and grow a digital audience on communications platforms, publications, web pages, and email marketing communications


• Write and distribute media releases using industry-specific platforms and serve as liaison with media professionals to pitch and promote Southeast's stories and manage requests


• Supervise and mentor a team of full-time professional staff and student writers


• Serve as primary editor and manager for a busy communications production schedule, ensuring deadlines are met and communications are timely


• Work closely with key stakeholders within the University to develop communications that strategically target audiences, including prospective students, parents, alumni, and media


• Develop emergency communications and campus notifications and distribute through various platforms and assist in serving as media contact during crisis communications


• Build relationships with reporters and editors at local, regional, and national media outlets


• Assist in media interview preparation and drafting speaking points for members of the University team


• Monitor and analyze key metrics to improve earned media, communications, and performance


• Assist in the planning and execution of event marketing and necessary communications


• Enthusiastically collaborate with team members to achieve University goals and create effective campaigns

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in advertising, communications, English, journalism, marketing, public relations, or related field


• Demonstrated experience writing compelling stories, including news releases and feature writing


• Solid understanding of marketing and media channels, content best practices, and AP Style


• Experience supporting crisis and issues communications, including developing timely, accurate messaging, responding to media inquiries and coordinating communications with internal and external audiences during sensitive or high-pressure situations


• An impeccable eye for detail, proofreading and editing skills, and ability to consistently meet deadlines


• Collaborative working style with a focus on building relationships across teams and with media partners


• Excellent creative, communication, organizational, and idea generation skills

Additional Information

About Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO)

Founded in 1873 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Southeast Missouri State University provides student-centered education and experiential learning with a foundation of liberal arts and sciences, embracing a tradition of access, exceptional teaching and commitment to student success that significantly contributes to the development of the region and beyond. SEMO values access to high quality, affordable education with a broadly representative student body, faculty and staff that respects and celebrates a diverse learning community in a global society.

SEMO Fast Facts

SEMO Strategic Plan

Southeast Missouri State University is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and to the principles of affirmative action. In accordance with this commitment, and in compliance with the requirements of applicable laws, it is the policy of the University to provide equal opportunity for all applicants and employees in its employment practices, without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. The University believes that a diverse University community advances the academic purposes of the University and enhances the working and learning environment.