Communications Manager

Inside Higher Ed

Lawrence (KS)

On-site

USD 50,000 - 70,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

A higher education organization is seeking a Communications Manager. This full-time position focuses on leading communications and marketing activities for the School of Pharmacy. Responsibilities include developing a strategic communication plan, managing electronic and print content, and supervising communication-related contract employees. Candidates should have strong communication skills, relevant experience, and a degree in a related field. Applications are due by November 2.

Qualifications

3 years of related experience or HS Diploma/GED with 7 years in a related role.
Experience in writing, editing, public information, or web production.

Responsibilities

Lead communications and marketing activities for the School of Pharmacy.
Develop and manage a strategic Communication Plan.
Primary contact for all electronic and print content for the school.
Supervise contract employees for communication work.

Skills

Strong written communication skills

Excellent verbal and interpersonal communication skills

Project management

Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Experience in public relations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or related area

Job description

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Position Overview – Leads the communications and marketing activities for the School of Pharmacy, including, but not limited to: collection, preparation and dissemination of news about the School, website content and in executing the overall promotion and communications plan for the School of Pharmacy through the website, printed and electronic media, and School-sponsored events. Working in collaboration with School faculty, staff, students and alumni, this position works to promote academic and research projects carried out by faculty, students, and classes within the school. The position will support these stakeholder groups in an effort to deliver positive outcomes in recruitment, events, development and student services efforts. This position oversees and serves as the main point‑of‑contact for internal and external communication operations, brand management, and comprehensive production of marketing and recruitment collateral materials. This position will support communications and coordinate with public engagement‑related activities and requires the utmost in confidentiality, discretion and high ethical standards.

This position is full‑time, 8‑5pm, Monday – Friday and will require an on‑campus presence for collaboration. Occasionally it is anticipated that this position would need to be available for emerging situations outside of the traditional 8‑5pm Monday‑Friday schedule.

Strategic Planning – 50%

Responsible for development and deployment of a strategic Communication Plan for the School of Pharmacy.
Manage all aspects of the plan including but not limited to oversight and review of all web content, social media, publications, recruitment materials, advertisements and any other communications and marketing activities.
Develop all messaging and engage faculty, staff, students and community partners as necessary to implement communication plan.
Research and implement methods to enhance the school's visibility with a wide range of stakeholders, including but not limited to prospective students, families, faculty, and current students.
Work with the Dean to develop and implement an integrated strategic communications plan to advance the School’s brand and increase awareness of its programs, activities and mission.

Website and Written Communications – 35%

Primary contact for all electronic and print content for the school.
Coordinates with school departments to facilitate sharing of departmental information via print, the web, and social media, ensuring adherence to KU guidelines.
Assists Dean or his/her designee with preparation of speeches, internal/external communication, and presentations for School of Pharmacy events and activities.
Develop a digital/social/mobile content strategy that will yield engagement‑enhancing digital/social experiences for all audiences.
Responsible for keeping School of Pharmacy electronic bulletin boards updated with current and relevant information.

Supervision and Other Duties – 15%

Responsible for contract employees employed to complete any written or verbal communications work for the school.
Any other tasks assigned by the Dean related to communications for the school such as scheduling photographers, designers, printers, taking photographs at school events for use in school publications, social media messages, assisting with coordination of alumni events, graduation ceremonies, etc.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Mass Communications, Advertising, Marketing, English or related area and 3 years of related experience OR HS Diploma/GED and 7 years in related experience. Related experience could be any of the following areas: public relations, communications, marketing, advertising, news or related field, such as writing, editing; magazine, promotional or new production, public information; web or print media production.
Strong written communication skills as evidenced in writing samples and application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

Excellent verbal and interpersonal communication skills as evidenced by application materials.
Experience concurrently managing multiple projects and deadlines as evidenced by application materials.
Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Internet for writing, research, and correspondence as evidenced by application materials.
Experience developing, reporting, and writing feature stories and news coverage for varying audiences as evidenced by application materials.
Experience that required excellent organizational skills with experience managing multiple, detail‑oriented projects simultaneously as evidenced by application materials.
Experience with layout, design, and/or desktop publishing as evidenced by application materials.
Experience with photography as evidenced by application materials.
Experience writing and maintaining website content as evidenced by application materials.

Additional Candidate Instructions

A cover letter addressing how required and preferred qualifications are met.
Resume or curriculum vitae.
Contact information for three professional references.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Application review begins Monday, November 3. For consideration, please apply no later than Sunday, November 2.

Contact Information to Applicants:
Patricia McCaffrey
pmccaffr@ku.edu
785‑864‑9692

Seniority level