Description
The Assistant Director of University Communications reports to the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Marketing and Communications. The department’s goal is to promote and enhance the reputation of UCCS to its audiences, both internal and external.

Communication Strategy: The Assistant Director of University Communications is responsible for setting and directing the communication strategy for campus communication, aligning consistent, on-brand messages through marketing, PR, web, internal communications and social media.

External Communication: The Assistant Director serves as the university's official communication link to local, regional and national media. In this role, this individual oversees all proactive and reactive media relations. In many cases, the Assistant Director of Communications serves as the official university spokesperson. In other cases, the Assistant Director actively collaborates with faculty to publicize their work at the university or to link media members in search of faculty expertise. The Assistant Director oversees the staff member in charge of the university’s social media strategy.

Internal Communication: The Assistant Director is responsible for official campus communication channels, such as the regular e-newsletters, communication from campus leadership and campus event promotions.

 

Who We Are:

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is one of four campuses in the University of Colorado system and is home to over 9,500 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students.

Colorado Springs  (pop. 450K+) is situated at the base of Pikes Peak, offers many recreational and cultural activities and was recently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top Best Places to Live in the U.S.

Job Duties:

Communications

Develop and implement strategic internal communication vehicles that inform and engage employees Lead internal communication efforts including producing, assigning and editing regular communicationsWork with internal stakeholders to coordinate messaging, both internally and externallySupport university-wide communications needs, including writing and editing materials in collaboration with colleagues in University CommunicationsWork closely with colleagues in the department to ensure consistency between internal and external messaging

Support the development of special events, programs, award entries and announcements

Media Relations

Cultivate positive relations with members of the news media and provide quality service in response to their inquiries

Serve as spokesperson for the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and lead media relations effortsDevelop (or oversee development of) media tools such as press releases, fact sheets, talking points and media kits

Direct, plan, execute and measure media relations strategies that align with University goals for reputation, recruitment, retention, development, and financial stability. This includes maintenance of editorial calendars and media contact lists for each campus market and archival and reporting of all University news media coverage

Leadership and Supervision

Define measurement for communications and brand awareness including key performance measures to gauge reach and effectiveness of communications strategiesCoordinate crisis communications response and work with other PIOs in the region to build relationships for a crisis incidentManagement of department budgetRepresent UCCS at appropriate CU meetings Play a leadership role on the University Communications team, contributing to the division’s broader strategies and goals

Lead team members in the contribution to University goals and objectives

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Exceptional written and oral communication skills Creating and implementing organization-wide communication strategies Ability to provide advice and counsel to leadership Ability to prioritize and successfully manage numerous tasks at one time Experience with troubleshooting issues and recommending solutions Understanding of media relations and a proven track record of media relations success Effective leadership and management skills Ability to create and execute reporting duties involving metrics and KPIs that align with strategic mission, vision, values and goals Ability to work collaborativelyAbility to meet competing deadlines

Superior customer service skills

This position has been determined to be exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).  This position is required to physically work on campus regularly so this position is not one that can be done completely remote.

What We Offer:

Salary Range: Generally starting at $56,834 - $78,392

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid vacation and time off, and a tuition benefit. Information on university benefits programs, including eligibility, is located at http://www.cu.edu/employee-services. Total compensation goes beyond the value on the paycheck.  Please consider reviewing the Total Compensation page at Total Compensation Calculators | University of Colorado 

Tentative Search Timeline:

• The potential dates for interviews with the search committee will be the week of November 1, 2021.
• The potential dates for interviews with the supervisor and appointing authority will be the week of November 8, 2021.
• The potential employee start date is December 1, 2021.

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs is committed to providing a safe and productive learning, living and working community. To assist in achieving this goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history check. 

UCCS is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, the University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation or political philosophy in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. Alternative formats of this ad can be provided upon request for individuals with disabilities by contacting the Office of Human Resources at (719) 255-3372.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the established essential functions and meet the physical and environment demands described satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, physical and environmental conditions required of the employee on the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, physical and environmental demands.

Applicants with disabilities: If you have a mental or physical impairment, which limits one of your major life activities (e.g. walking, hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, or learning) and require special accommodations for testing or interviewing, it is your responsibility to notify the office scheduling the interview or test at least 3 working days before the interview or test date.  If you need special accommodations at the work site, you must notify the appointing authority or Human Resources.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or related field 4 or more years of full-time, professional job-related experience.

Minimum of 1 year experience with media relations and crisis communications.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or related field Internal communications experience University experience

PR experience working with Colorado Springs media organizations

Experience supervising staff. Accreditation through PRSA or IABC Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit. Employee is occasionally required to move. Tasks may involve using a computer screen continuously for long periods of time. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Job Category: Communication
Primary Location: Colorado Springs
Schedule: Full-time
Posting Date: Sep 30, 2021
Unposting Date: Ongoing