Strategic Communications Manager, CESS

University of Vermont; Burlington (VT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Burlington seeks a Strategic Communications Manager who will oversee the external relations and communications program for the College of Education and Social Services. The role involves collaboration with various stakeholders to promote the College's mission. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and at least five years of experience in communications or marketing. The anticipated pay range is $70,000-$78,000.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in communications, marketing, or administrative management.
• Advanced proficiency in digital content tools.
• Demonstrated commitment to accessibility and inclusive communications.

Responsibilities

• Oversee external relations and communications program.
• Collaborate with the Division of Strategic Communications.
• Communicate stories and events that support College and University goals.

Skills

Excellent written and communication skills

Familiarity with social media best practices

Proficient in Web content management systems

Strong project management skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Creative Cloud

Job description

Strategic Communications Manager, CESS

Oversees the external relations and communications program for the College of Education and Social Services (CESS). Provides leadership in the development, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of communications that advance the College's mission and strategic priorities, in consultation with the Dean, Associate Deans, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and field partners, as well as internal University partners and external vendors. Collaborates closely with the Division of Strategic Communications to ensure alignment and synergy between the College and the University's overarching external relations strategy. Communicates stories, events, accomplishments, and issues of strategic importance from the College in ways that support and reinforce College and University strategic goals. This position reports to the CESS Associate Dean for Graduate, Non-Degree, and Research Programming.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and five years' experience on the skills and essential functions required.
• Adept at using software applications including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher and Powerpoint).
• Proficient in using Web content management systems. ex. Drupal.
• Excellent written and communication skills.
• Understanding of contemporary website best practices.
• Understanding of social media best practices, and content writing for search engine optimization.
• Accessibility optimization practices.

Desirable Qualifications

• Master's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, Higher Education Administration or a related field.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, or administrative management within a higher education or nonprofit environment.
• Advanced proficiency with digital content tools, including Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) or Adobe Express.
• Experience developing and executing strategic communication plans for diverse internal and external audiences.
• Demonstrated expertise in brand stewardship, visual identity application, and messaging consistency across platforms.
• Experience with analytics and performance tools, such as Google Analytics, social media insights dashboards, or SEO measurement tools.
• Familiarity with CRM or email marketing platforms, such as Slate, Salesforce or Emma.
• Strong project management skills, including coordination of multiple concurrent deadlines, use of digital workflow tools (e.g., Wrike, Asana, Trello, Microsoft Planner), and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated commitment to accessibility and inclusive communications.
• Experience with media relations, including drafting press releases, coordinating interviews, and maintaining relationships with local or regional media outlets.

Anticipated Pay Range

$70,000-$78,000

Other Information

For visionary changemakers who are ready to transform educational and social systems, the College of Education and Social Services provides experiential and supportive learning environments inspiring students to create a more humane and just society-for people and planet.

For more detailed information about us, visit the College of Education and Social Services' website, www.uvm.edu/cess.

Special Conditions

A probationary period may be required, Occasional evening and/or weekends required (if non-exempt position, may result in overtime), Background Check required for this position.

FLSA

Exempt

Union Position

Yes, UVMSU

Job Location

Burlington, Vermont, United States

Department

CESS Dean's Office/53000

Standard Hours at 1.0 FTE

37.5

Term

12 months per year

Application

For full job description and to apply, visit https://www.uvmjobs.com/postings/85604.