Deputy Director for Communications and Archives

Howard University; Washington; On-site; USD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

PTO & holidays

403(b) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness programs

Job summary

Howard University is seeking a skilled communications and archives professional to support the Executive Director for Campus Planning, Architecture & Development in REDCAM. The role covers content creation, stakeholder engagement, and archival documentation across internal and external channels.

You will lead media relations, digital content, and storytelling efforts while ensuring compliance with university policies and budgets.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Preference for experience with urban planning, architecture, design, history and real estate development.

Responsibilities

• Plan, oversee, produce and implement communications for REDCAM including website, press, media relations and social media.
• Oversee archives activities: documenting projects, cataloguing, digitizing, and contextualizing materials.
• Create engaging content for internal and external audiences and manage vendor relationships.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy aligned with REDCAM goals.
• Coordinate press conferences, events, and media opportunities with stakeholders.
• Prepare reports, proposals, and evidence-based communications materials.

Skills

Web design

Content production

Copywriting

Social media management

Grant writing

Video & multimedia

Project management

MS Office

Photo/Video editing software

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or related field

Tools

MS Office

Photo editing

Video editing

Job description

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

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.

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 (internal and external) 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 cutting-edge 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.

Liaises with media and handles requests for interviews, statements etc.

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.

Acquires and maintains a detailed knowledge of REDCAM and University policies, principles, and strategies, and keeps up-to-date with relevant developments.

Facilitates the resolution of disputes with external role-players.

Adheres to the University’s style guide, ensuring that we produce a high-quality and error-free content.

Works with key internal role-players to brainstorm content ideas, in line with the REDCAM strategy and in support of various 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 sends 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 that Howard University policies are followed and projects are delivered on time and on budget.

Effectively administers supplier base to attain cost savings targets and supports spending initiatives with Diverse Firms (e.g. CBE, Minority/Women owned Business Enterprises, etc).

Tracks and reports the on-going and anticipated costs for planned and underway communications and archives projects and manages commitments within available financial resources. Maintains comprehensive short- and long-term budgeting for respective projects.

Develops project management materials in support of new and updated communication or archive plans, programs and requirements.

Provides the necessary leadership to manage large and complex communications and archives projects.

Facilitates the establishment and collection of project requirements, objectives and expectations, and clearly communicates this information to project teams.

Monitors and maintains project documentation for capital projects.

Prepares and presents detailed reports and proposals.

Collects a variety of statistical data and provides analytical reports.

Generates informational graphics and other media/visualizations.

Develops and maintains REDCAM archives and catalogue systems for archival materials.

Provides technical and administrative assistance and information to staff.

Performs other duties as required

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Include, but are not limited to: web design and content production; copywriting and editing; social media management and content production; grant writing; video and multimedia production; conducting project-based research; cataloguing and digitizing materials; creating presentations; and conducting media relations.

Solid understanding of project management principles

Working knowledge of MS Office; photo and video-editing software

Excellent communication (oral and written), interpersonal, and presentation skills

Outstanding organizational and planning abilities

Familiarity with aspects of large, complex major capital projects from inception through completion, with particular focus on budget, schedule, quality, and compliance.

Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information needed to solve amorphous problems in the field.

Ability to interpret blueprints, preferably including mechanical, electrical and plumbing disciplines.

Knowledge of principles and practices of research and data collection.

Familiarity with design & construction terms and acronyms.

Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to maintain effective working relations with students, faculty, staff, vendors/contractors and the public.

Project management skills from planning through implementation.

Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A bachelor’s degree in communications, media, journalism, or related area of study.

Minimum 5 years’ experience performing similar roles and responsibilities, with particular 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