Michigan State University

Director of Marketing and Communications

POSITION SNAPSHOT

The College of Law at Michigan State University seeks an experienced and creative leader for the position of Director of Marketing and Communications. This position plays an important role in promoting the college’s mission and achievements by overseeing communications and marketing strategies across a range of platforms.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Marketing and Communications develops and implements overall internal and external communications and marketing strategies for the College of Law, aligned with the university’s vision, mission, and strategic priorities. This position has responsibility for conceptualizing and overseeing execution of initiatives that reach multiple audiences and helps elevate the college’s reputation among potential and existing students and scholars, constituents, donors, alums, and employers. Builds visibility and brand through digital and print communications, including website, videos, newsletters, social media, publications and other channels and products. Plans and implements content strategy, public relations, brand management, marketing, advertising, graphic/web design, social media, and production. Develops and implements a strategic integrated marketing and communications plan that includes the use of appropriate metrics to gauge performance and guide improvement. Leads staff of professionals with responsibilities of web management, graphic design, writing/editing and technical functions. Partners with internal stakeholders within the College of Law to help promote the diversity, equity, and inclusion mission and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan. Shapes the College of Law’s integrated communication and marketing plan by providing strategic counsel through a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens. Oversees the delivery of clear, concise copy for internal and external audiences on a broad range of diversity, equity, and inclusion topics. Implements strategic communications strategies to amplify our diversity, equity, and inclusion messages.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Management of Communications Office
    Provide direction and oversee work, supervising and supporting team of staff, coordinating priorities and projects to achieve communications goals, budget oversight, ensuring brand alignment, and function of college websites.
  • Media Communications
    To present stories through various activities including content selection, creation & editing: online and print magazines, news, events, web content, videos, advertisements, various brochures, and publications, both print and digital; coordinates design, photography, budget, and printing; research audience interests and responses.
  • Developing and executing strategic communications and marketing plans for print and digital work on behalf of Admissions, Advancement, the Dean, and other organizational stakeholders.
  • Writes/edits copy for internal and external audiences on a broad range of diversity, equity, and inclusion topics. Creates content and edits emails, letters, presentations, scripts, etc., on behalf of the Dean and other organizational leaders. Writes copy as needed for recruitment materials and alumni publications.
  • Public Relations and Content Strategy/Marketing
    Achieving media coverage & external visibility through news releases, op-eds, interactions with reporters and collaboration with University Communications; oversight of social media and email strategy.

Supervisory Responsibilities:  Supervises team of 3 professional employees. Also provides supervision of freelance photographers, videographers, writers, and editors, and serves as a liaison with vendors and printers.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in English, journalism, public relations, marketing, telecommunications or communications, or a related field; five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in news media or media relations or in a field which corresponds to the particular department of employment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

DESIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS

  • Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a master’s degree program in English, journalism, public relations, marketing, telecommunications or communications, or a related field.
  • Significant skills or understanding in public and media relations, publication production, video production, advertising, graphic design, social media, communications analytics, or web design.
  • Application and demonstration of strong editorial judgement.
  • Supervisory experience.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent oral, written, and digital communication skills.
  • Experience working in a higher education environment.
  • Experience in the delivery of visual and graphic content and presentations in support of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Knowledge of best practices for communication to diverse audiences.
  • Experience in the development and implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy and action plans.

Applicants should apply on-line at https://careers.msu.edu/

MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer