Posting Details

Position Information

About the University of West Georgia Classification Title Director of Strategic Communications Position Type Administrative Department University Communications & Marketing Position Title Director of Strategic Communications Position Number S00087PD Pay Grade Range Nature of Work

At the University of West Georgia, we’re in the business of transforming lives and changing perspectives. From success in the classroom and chosen career fields to success on the athletic field and the total college experience, UWG has more than 1100 full-time faculty and staff members dedicated to helping you succeed. Over 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees attend UWG presently.

Additionally, UWG is a qualifying employer under the Department of Education Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF). This program provides student loan repayment and forgiveness for qualifying loans for eligible full-time employees. See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more information.

The University of West Georgia is recruiting for a Director of Communications, a senior-level position in the Office of University Communications and Marketing to direct the development, management and deployment of institutional communications. The director will manage a communications staff of five and will work collaboratively with individuals and organizations for all UWG campus and site locations to achieve divisional and institutional short- and long-term goals tied to student, academic, partnership and operational success.

We are seeking an accomplished and seasoned communications professional to lead, motivate, supervise and evaluate a team of talented communications/writing professionals to produce consistent, and unified messaging that aligns with the university brand and helps to advance the university’s reputation and standing. The director will develop and implement creative and measurable communications plans that encompass strategic planning and execution; create and foster key partnerships; conduct ongoing team training and development; work with university leadership to shape key messages; interact with campus leaders to build consensus and rapport; proactively manage situational communications opportunities; identify and engage key partnerships, such as area media and press partners; manage digital and social media; and provide team coverage of events.

Key Communication Initiatives
•Identify and develop avenues for the reputational advancement of the University of West Georgia among key constituencies, to include alumni, parents, friends, students, prospective students, policymakers, opinion leaders, faculty/staff, and contributors
•Develop and manage a comprehensive communications strategy for the University of West Georgia
•Lead and direct the daily activities of the UCM communications team to achieve maximum impact as the communications specialist in their respective assignments as an integral members of that school, college, or program
•Build a culture of collaboration with internal partners including faculty, staff, institutional leadership; and external partners for developing a bank of goodwill with UWG communities
•Serve as a communications advisor to the president, vice presidents, deans, and other UWG leadership
•Support the Office of the President by drafting presidential presentations, statements and talking points
•Identify trends and industry opportunities to position the University as a subject matter thought-leader
Serve as the Universities primary spokesperson.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, public relations, marketing or related field. Minimum 5 years of experience in strategic communications. Equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge is acquired may be considered. Working knowledge of communications strategy, integrated planning, policy and advocacy, including an understanding of issues and opportunities in higher education today. Experience and relationships with local, regional and national media. Demonstrated success in managing, supporting and motivating staff. Experience in the application of digital and social media technologies and strategies. Experience and expertise in crisis communications, issues management, public and media relations. Outstanding project management skills. Excellent writing skills. Innovative thinking, problem-solving, and trend-spotting skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Higher education experience preferred. Master’s degree is a bonus. Experience working with the office of the president as a communications liaison would be highly beneficial.

Salary $58,548 min. hrly - $83,856 midpoint Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

Standard office environment

Does this position require any special certification/ license? If yes, please specify. No Work Hours Notice to Applicants

Please be advised that should you be recommended for a position, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents policy requires the completion of a background check as a prior condition of employment.

It is the policy of the University of West Georgia to follow federal law in regards to affirmative action and equal opportunity. The University of West Georgia.s affirmative action program and related policies are developed in compliance with Executive Orders 11246 and 11375, as amended; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Sections 503 & 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Title II) and their implementing regulations; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; and the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as it amends 38 U.S.C. 4212.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number S01075P Posting Date 02/19/2019 Closing Date 03/31/2019 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicant Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Letter of Reference 1
4. Letter of Reference 2
5. Letter of Reference 3
6. Other Document

Optional Documents