Deputy Director for Communications and Archives

Howard University; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution is seeking a Deputy Director for Communications and Archives to oversee the production of communication-related activities and manage archives. Candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant experience and a Bachelor's degree in communications or a related field. This role emphasizes project management and communication strategies tailored for both internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience performing similar roles focused on communications and archives.
• Experience with urban planning, architecture, design, history, and real estate development is desired.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and administrative support for communications and archives.
• Develop effective communication strategies and tactics.
• Manage and improve internal and external communication flows.

Skills

Written and oral communication

Project management

Social media management

Creative problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications, media, journalism, or related field

Job description

Deputy Director for Communications and Archives

Join to apply for the Deputy Director for Communications and Archives role at Howard University.

Basic Function

The purpose of this position is to provide technical and administrative support to the Executive Director for Campus Planning, Architecture & Development in the areas of communications and archives, to encompass all aspects of REDCAM’s real estate development portfolio. The position will work with other Deputy Directors, Project Managers and various stakeholders to support the Executive Director in a communications and project documentation capacity, while assisting peers to produce high-quality project outcomes, detailed documentation, and correlated data/language sets.

Dimensions

Indeterminate

Nature And Scope

This position has contact with REDCAM employees as well as with other University stakeholders. May also have contact with outside entities including municipal officials.

Principal Accountabilities

• Responsible for planning, oversight, production and implementation of communications-related activities for REDCAM, including, but not limited to: website, press, media relations, social media, publications, awards, grant writing, presentations, and multimedia/video for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Responsible for planning, oversight, production and implementation of archives-related activities for REDCAM, including, but not limited to: documenting completed and ongoing projects; cataloguing, digitizing and contextualizing materials; creating and documenting narratives and storytelling elements; maintaining a weekly ledger of REDCAM progress and activities; conducting historic and contextual research projects.
• Ensures units within the university’s stakeholder network have appropriate access to REDCAM messaging. Responsible for creation of engaging content for various platforms catering to numerous user groups.
• Develops effective communication strategies and correlated tactics.
• Manages and improves internal communications (memos, newsletters, etc.).
• Manages and improves internal and external communications flows.
• Develops and implements a communication strategy that includes media outreach, marketing tools, collateral, content creation, social media management, and other approaches to communications for both internal and external audiences.
• Arranges and coordinates press conferences, town halls, and planned events with stakeholders.
• Drafts content for mass media or website and liaises with media; handles requests for interviews and statements.
• Manages external communications vendors and collaborates with university communications and marketing professionals to create and implement communications plans and produce copy, including for advertisements or articles.
• Researches and writes press releases and content for the REDCAM website, infographics, blogs, and newsletters.
• Maintains knowledge of REDCAM and University policies, principles, and strategies, and stays up-to-date with relevant developments.
• Facilitates the resolution of disputes with external role-players.
• Adheres to the University’s style guide to ensure high-quality, error-free content.
• Works with key internal role-players to brainstorm content ideas in line with REDCAM strategy and brand initiatives.
• Supports and evaluates results of communication campaigns with the team.
• Builds and maintains relationships with journalists and key external role-players.
• Determines content topics, coordinates with others to obtain information, writes, edits, designs and distributes to students, alumni, donors and community and business contacts.
• Prepares and supervises the production of press releases, announcements, brochures, event materials, photographs, newsletters, etc.
• Promotes a positive public image for REDCAM and the University.
• Manages contracts and contractors for communications and archive-related projects, ensuring compliance with Howard University policies and on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Manages supplier base to attain cost savings targets and supports spending initiatives with Diverse Firms (e.g., CBE, MWBE).
• Tracks and reports costs for planned and underway projects; maintains short- and long-term budgeting for projects.
• Develops project management materials in support of new and updated communication or archive plans and requirements.
• Provides leadership to manage large and complex communications and archives projects.
• Facilitates establishment and collection of project requirements and communicates them to project teams.
• Monitors and maintains project documentation for capital projects; prepares and presents detailed reports and proposals; collects data and provides analytical reports; generates graphics and media/visualizations.
• Develops and maintains REDCAM archives and catalogue systems for archival materials; provides technical and administrative assistance to staff.

Core Competencies

• Performs other duties as required.
• Includes web design and content production; copywriting and editing; social media management and content production; grant writing; video and multimedia production; research; cataloguing and digitizing materials; creating presentations; media relations.
• Project management skills and familiarity with large, complex projects; budget and schedule awareness; compliance focus.
• Excellent written and oral communication; strong interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational and planning abilities; ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of research methods, data collection; familiarity with design and construction terms.
• Ability to interpret blueprints; ability to work with students, faculty, staff, vendors and the public.
• Creative problem-solving and ability to gather relevant information to solve complex issues.

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A bachelor’s degree in communications, media, journalism, or related area of study.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience performing similar roles with focus on communications and archives.
• Experience, interest, and familiarity with urban planning, architecture, design, history, and real estate development is strongly desired.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Compensation Range: $100,000 - $110,000