Director of Communications & Archives, Urban Development

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

403(b) match

Tuition Reimbursement

Wellness programs

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Howard University invites applications for a position supporting the Executive Director for Campus Planning, Architecture & Development, focused on communications and archives for REDCAM’s real estate portfolio. The role collaborates with Deputy Directors, Project Managers and stakeholders to deliver high-quality project documentation and narratives.

Responsibilities include managing press, social media, publications, and multimedia; maintaining archives, research, and budgeting; ensuring access

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 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.
• 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

Skills

Web design

Copywriting

Social media management

Grant writing

Video production

Project management

Research & data collection

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications, media, journalism, or related area

Tools

MS Office

Photo editing software

Video editing software

Job description

Howard University invites applications for a position supporting the Executive Director for Campus Planning, Architecture & Development, focused on communications and archives for REDCAM’s real estate portfolio. The role collaborates with Deputy Directors, Project Managers and stakeholders to deliver high-quality project documentation and narratives.

Responsibilities include managing press, social media, publications, and multimedia; maintaining archives, research, and budgeting; ensuring access