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Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communication, and Senior Writer

Employer: Alcorn State University
Location: Lorman, MS

Administrative Jobs: Institutional & Business Affairs, Communications & Marketing
Employment Type: Full Time
Institution Type: Four-Year Institution

Job Details
Organization

Job Details

Special Instructions:

For full consideration, applicants should include and upload the following as separate documents:
1) a letter of interest addressing the broad themes in this profile
2) a curriculum vitae /resume
3) transcripts
4) writing sample
5) a leadership statement
6) a diversity statement describing the candidate’s experiences with diversity in engagement and programming
7) list of five references.

Job Title:

Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communication, and Senior Writer

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Posted Salary Range:

Commensurate with experience.

Employment Status:

Full Time

Department:

Marketing and Communications

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 7 (seven) years of professional writing experience, preferably in an academic environment.

Purpose of Job:

Reporting to the Vice President of Marketing and Communication, the Associate Vice President and Senior Writer will help establish a targeted and systematic approach to elevating the profile, reputation, and brand of the Alcorn State University via a robustly contemporized marketing and communication strategy. Leading a fully integrated platform of communications, marketing and creative programs, with a focus on media relations, content, research news, internal communications, social media, marketing, digital, analytics, creative, and visitor experience. Building a culture of collaboration across the University on marketing and communication programs, set goals and measures to define success, and champion transparency and teamwork.

Scope of Responsibilities:

The Associate Vice President and Senior Writer will be essential in continuing to raise the profile of our institutional brand, advancing the work of telling Alcorn’s story at a national and international level, and overseeing and growing strategies for effective internal and external communications. The scope of responsibilities will include but not be limited to developing, creating, and editing content for different marketing purposes, such as social media, newsletters, advertisements, and other public communications projects and etc.

Essential Job Functions :

Reporting to the Vice President of Marketing and Communication, the AVP and Senior Writer will provide counsel on communication messages, strategies and align executive communications with the University’s mission. The AVP and Senior Writer will work within the marketing and communication division to ensure that communications are clear and consistent and reflect the University and leadership team’s values and vision through the following activities:
•Work discreetly on sensitive or confidential assignments, exercise sound editorial judgment, and maintain the trust and confidence of the executive office, senior leaders, and colleagues across campus.
•Prepare the senior/academic leaders for videos and speeches.
•Develop and write feature stories for the University’s Alcorn Magazine.
•Work closely with the executive team, academic leaders and relevant subject matter experts or stakeholders to establish major message themes/topics; research and write speeches for public appearances and campus events; write and/or edit remarks from outside writers, when necessary; develop an institutional voice consistent with the aspirations and priorities of the University; proofread and fact-check to ensure that information is accurate; and provide final set of eyes on all written communication.
•Research and draft columns, correspondence, announcements, presentations, speeches, and other materials to support the communication priorities of the University; work with the president’s office, subject matter experts, communications leaders, and other stakeholders to gather and synthesize feedback and finalize drafts; craft institutional responses to various incidents and to work proactively on anticipated campus issues.
•Maintain or oversee web and digital content; maintain current biographies for the leadership team and ensure that the some elements of the website and website assets, including photography, video, messages, and archive of writings are kept up to date.
•In collaboration with the social media team, contribute occasional content for social media posts.
•Build and maintain productive working relationships with colleagues throughout the University to facilitate the sharing of content across various channels and platforms.
•Create and manage communications plans about specific efforts or initiatives that may include web content, email, speeches, promotional materials, or news; collaborate with the advancement division as appropriate to ensure development communications are appropriate.
•Stay abreast of emerging topics, issues, events, and opportunities for messages on behalf of University leadership.
•Contribute to the planning and implementation of major announcements sent by the president’s office; and work with other offices to gather information necessary to respond to inquiries.
•Maintain and distribute an active style guide reflecting preferences for voice, tone, forms of address, and related guidance.
•Contribute ideas for topics, themes, and message points based on an understanding of institutional priorities, issues, and opportunities, and based on understanding of current affairs locally, nationally, or in higher education; and attend meetings and take notes-often using those notes to develop various written communications.
•In collaboration with the other departments and offices that drive portions of executive team communications, develop, maintain, and share as appropriate a master trigger calendar outlining major communications deadlines and time lines for completion.
•Participate in other department planning meetings and contribute ideas to strengthen the University’s internal and external communications; and work with other areas to develop high-impact content to inform and engage the University’s many audiences.
•Develop and demonstrate a multicultural awareness and contribute to cultivating an inclusive, diverse and respectful University community; demonstrate civil and inclusive behavior when interacting with staff, faculty, students and visitors to the University; and promote a flexible, collaborative and inclusive work and living environment and engage in educational opportunities to increase awareness and understanding of diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications:

•Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 7 (seven) years of professional writing experience, preferably in an academic environment.
•Experience collaborating directly with senior-level administrators or executives.
•Extensive experience researching, writing, and editing of communications content in a higher education institution, public relations agency or closely related field.
•Proven research and writing skills under pressure and demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
•Degree in English, journalism, communications, marketing or a closely related field preferred.
•Experience in policy and higher education is an asset, as is specific experience working with executive communications preferred.
•Understands brand messaging. Works to bring the brand to life through storytelling and writing.

Licensing and Certifications :

N/A

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

•Ability to work independently and collaboratively, make decisions, and multi-task to balance multiple priorities and communicate proactively with stakeholders about project risks or uncertainties.
•Track record in collaborating successfully across complex systems of stakeholders and subject matter experts.
•Demonstrated prior full-time professional experience writing concisely, effectively and persuasively in a variety of styles for specific audiences under time constraints.
•Demonstrated prior full-time professional experience interfacing with executive level staff to identify, leverage and synthesize information into meaningful communications messages for a variety of target audiences.
•Demonstrated organizational skills.
•Knowledge of interview techniques and the ability to define and deliver media messages. Must be able to interview subjects, identify key points, and distill the information in an engaging way for a variety of audiences.
•Knowledge of current Associated Press Stylebook or Chicago Manual of Style.
•Excellent computer skills and ability to utilize a variety of programs, including Microsoft Office suite including PowerPoint and other presentation tools.
•Demonstrated ability to keep abreast of campus events and subject matter expertise in relation to current events to identify and capitalize on media opportunities that will promote the college and increase positive media coverage. Working knowledge of copyright and other applicable laws pertaining to publications and the media.
•Strong story development and journalistic writing skills, as well as advanced editorial skills.
•Ability to produce error-free texts, thorough fact-checked documents and to work well independently or as a member of a team.
•Exceptional interpersonal skills, including strong public speaking, listening and interpretive skills.
•Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability, including a willingness to undertake both mundane and high profile tasks with enthusiasm and energy.
•Ability to work night and weekend hours, on a regular basis.

Light Work - Exerting up to 20 pounds:

Occasionally

Travel:

Occasionally

Extended Work Hours:

Occasionally

Posting Number:

S696

Number of Vacancies:

Location:

Lorman

Open Date:

05/05/2021

Open Until Filled:

Yes

EEO Statement:

Alcorn State University

Equal Employment Opportunity and Notice of Non-Discrimination
Alcorn State University is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Alcorn State University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.

Advertising Summary:

Excellent Benefits Package

Organization

Institutional Statement

Alcorn State University is a premier comprehensive land-grant university that develops diverse students into globally-competitive leaders and applies scientific research through collaborative partnerships which benefit the surrounding communities, states, nation and world.

History

Alcorn is the oldest public historically black land-grant institution in the United States and the second oldest state supported institution of higher learning in Mississippi. When it was founded in 1871, the institution’s three major study components were the four year college track, the two year track, and the three year graded track. The students spent the mornings from seven o’clock until noon in classes. In the afternoon, they worked in the various shops for eight cents per hour. Room and board, including laundry, equated to five dollars a month.

Alcorn State University was founded as the result of the people of Mississippi’s efforts to educate the descendants of formerly enslaved Africans. It was named in honor of the sitting governor of Mississippi, James L. Alcorn. The site was originally occupied by Oakland College, a school established by Presbyterians in 1828. The state of Mississippi purchased the Oakland College campus for $40,000 and named it Alcorn University with the first president being Hiram R. Revels. Revels resigned his seat as a United States senator to assume the post. The state legislature provided $50,000 in cash for ten successive years for establishment and overall operation of the college. Additionally, proceeds from the sale of 30 acres of land for $188,928 yielded three-fifths of the proceeds for Alcorn, totaling $113,400. These proceeds were used only for the agricultural and mechanical components of the college.

In 1878, Alcorn University became Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College. The original purchase of 225 acres of land had grown to over a 1700 acre campus. Alcorn is situated in Claiborne County, seven miles west of Lorman, Mississippi, 80 miles south of the capital city Jackson, Mississippi, 45 miles south of Vicksburg, Mississippi and 40 miles north of Natchez, Mississippi. The college was exclusively for males at first, but eventually women were admitted. A dormitory for women was built in 1902. Over time facilities increased from three historic buildings to more than 80 modern structures.   

In 1974, Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College became Alcorn State University. Governor William L. Waller signed House Bill 298, granting this status. Alcorn has thrived by continuously accomplishing dynamic goals and objectives despite limited resource allocations from the state. By the early 1990s, Alcorn’s physical plant and academic programs had grown from just a name change into a more diversified university. The student population is now representative of more than 65 counties, more than 30 states and at least 18 foreign countries. The university provides an undergraduate education that enables students to successfully pursue work in graduate and professional schools, engage in teaching, and enter other professions. As Mississippi recognized the importance of educating all citizens, Alcorn grew in status and importance.

Alcorn State University began with eight faculty members in 1871 and today there are more than 800 faculty and staff. The student body has grown from 179 students to more than 4,000 students from all over the world with varied ethnic backgrounds. Although early graduates of Alcorn had limited horizons, today’s graduates are successful in their chosen professions and many are outstanding entrepreneurs. Throughout Alcorn’s history, the leadership and faculty remained committed to restoring and enhancing the institution’s image and to attracting young people whose interest is the pursuit and receipt of a quality education. Over the decades, “the college that excelled against great odds”, has now become one of the leading universities in the nation. Alcorn State University operates seven divisions with degree programs in more than 50 areas including the bachelors, masters, and educational specialist degrees.

The collaborative strength and contributions of Alcorn’s past seventeen presidents during its 140 years of existence have enabled the institution to excel. On November 30, 2010, the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning voted unanimously to appoint Dr. M. Christopher Brown II as Alcorn State University’s 18th president. President Brown’s background and vision are strategically aligned with Alcorn’s history and tradition. He is poised to expeditiously move Alcorn State University to the next level of excellence.   

Dr. Josephine M. Posey  

Against Great Odds: The History of Alcorn State (1994)

Location

Alcorn is in Claiborne County, Mississippi, seven miles west of Lorman, seventeen miles southwest of Port Gibson, and about halfway between Vicksburg, to the north, and Natchez, to the south.

Organization

At Alcorn, seven schools offer a number of diverse programs for undergraduate and graduate studies leading to the associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and specialist degrees.

Enriching program opportunities include:

The Honors Program is a rewarding option for students who wish to further enhance their academic experience. It brings together students and teachers who share exceptional intellectual commitment in an atmosphere that strengthens scholarship, leadership and creativity.

Global Programs helps students broaden their perspectives and become more competitive in today’s international marketplace. Besides coordinating exciting study-abroad opportunities, Global Programs brings worldwide perspectives to campus through exchange programs and special events.

Alcorn offers Pre-professional Programs to prepare students for a successful transition to specialized studies in the fields of law, engineering, nursing, physical therapy, pharmacy and dentistry.

Enrollment

Approximately 2,946 full-time undergraduates (1,037 men; 1,909 women), 350 part-time undergraduates (97 men; 253 women), 722 graduate students (154; 568), total enrollment 4,018.

Accreditations

Alcorn State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the associate, bachelor’s, master’s and education specialist degrees.

The University also holds accreditation with the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, the American Dietetics Association, the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, the National Association of Schools of Music, the National Association of Industrial Technology and the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Activities

At Alcorn, it’s easy to make friends — and make a difference. With such a wide range and more than 50 student groups and organizations, there’s one to suit every personality, interest, skill set and schedule.

Without ever leaving campus, students can volunteer — as Peer educators, Student Ambassadors and Orientation Guides, to name just a few possibilities. In addition, many student groups coordinate volunteer opportunities off-campus in surrounding communities and public schools.

Athletics

The Alcorn Braves have won numerous athletic championships. And many of our alumni have found success as professional athletes. Alcorn State is a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and provisional member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Division I.

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