Strategic Communications & Outreach Specialist

JMU Careers; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Tuition waiver program

Paid leave and holidays

Job summary

James Madison University (JMU) invites applications for a Communications and Advertising Specialist in the School of Media Arts and Design. The role reports to the Director and Associate Director, developing advertising and outreach strategies targeting students, alumni and prospective students, while mentoring SMAD student workers in communications-related roles.

The position focuses on social media, email communications, and cross-department collaboration to advance SMAD's visibility and

Qualifications

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience in visual design and/or advertising/marketing.
• Experience in multimedia production.
• Ability to prioritize assignments and meet deadlines.
• Basic knowledge of website content management.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (including Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Teams).
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to effectively mentor students.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the research, creation and publishing of content across social media to promote and inform targeted audiences about the School of Media Arts and Design.
• Create and manage bulk email communications to specific audiences, including faculty, alumni, current students and prospective students.
• Collaborate with CAL and other JMU offices on coordinated campaigns and communications.
• Cultivate connections with alumni.
• Research, report and write alumni profiles for the SMAD website.
• Research, report and write news updates about SMAD student, faculty, staff and alumni accomplishments for the SMAD website.
• Assist the associate director with updating and maintaining the SMAD website.
• Coordinate alumni visits, guest lecture opportunities, workshops for students, and other alumni events.

Skills

Excellent communication

Advertising/Marketing experience

Multimedia production

Prioritization

CMS basics

Microsoft Office

Teamwork

Mentoring students

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

Canva

Cascade CMS

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Job description

James Madison University (JMU) invites applications for a Communications and Advertising Specialist in the School of Media Arts and Design. The role reports to the Director and Associate Director, developing advertising and outreach strategies targeting students, alumni and prospective students, while mentoring SMAD student workers in communications-related roles.

The position focuses on social media, email communications, and cross-department collaboration to advance SMAD's visibility and