Director of Law School Communications & Marketing - 501457

SUMMARY:

The Director of Law School Communications & Marketing is responsible for creating and implementing a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy for the University of Richmond School of Law, and for aligning that strategy with the Law School’s mission and priorities. The job encompasses marketing, media relations, oversight of print and digital materials, website development, and social media strategy, providing support for departments within the Law School including Admissions, Career Development, and Advancement. Through storytelling and content strategy development, the Director will raise the profile of the Law School among prospective students, within the legal academy, and in the broader legal community.

Reporting directly to the Dean of the Law School, the Director is an integral part of the Law Dean’s senior management team and works closely with the Dean to identify challenges and emerging issues faced by the Law School, and to devise communications opportunities and solutions. The Director manages a team that includes a Digital Media Manager and an Events & Communications Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Planning:

• Create and implement a comprehensive marketing and brand strategy that identifies opportunities to enhance the visibility and reputation of the Law School across all key audiences and stakeholders.
• Identify and take advantage of the latest communications formats, tools, and delivery methods.
• Partner with the Assistant Dean for Law School Development to create communications and marketing materials that will mobilize alumni and friends and inspire philanthropy.
• Partner with the Associate Dean for Admissions to support marketing efforts to attract and retain top prospective students.
• Partner with the Dean on efforts to elevate institutional brand and reputation, with a particular focus on promotion faculty accomplishments and scholarship; initiatives include direct mail, email marketing, and programming
• At the discretion of the Dean, work on special projects that support the overall strategic vision of the Law School, including the creation of speeches, reports, or special materials.
• Oversee communications budget.

Communications and Public Relations:

• Serve as the hub for narrative development and storytelling in the Law School; write and distribute compelling stories to advance the Richmond Law brand.
• Serve as public relations liaison both with the University and outside entities; train and provide resources to faculty in the area of media relations.
• Ensure consistent brand marketing and messaging across all platforms and among all departments within the Law School.
• Maintain oversight and direction of Law School website.
• Working with the University Communications Office, provide editorial guidance for law alumni magazine; write articles and feature stories for publication in the magazine.
• Oversee the Law School’s digital and social media strategy, using current trends and best practices, in partnership with the Digital Media Manager.

Metrics and Research:

• Develop and analyze key metrics to track and assess effectiveness of marketing initiatives.
• Produce analytic reports and make recommendations for strategic improvements to enhance the outcomes of development, admissions, and dean’s offices.
• Stay current on relevant emerging market trends.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Exceptional judgment; strong leadership and managerial skills; excellent strategic thinking, analytic analysis, and creative problem-solving abilities; exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills; outstanding drafting skills and reporter-like instincts for seeking out developing stories; extensive experience in general communications strategy, social media, print and digital marketing, and web development; knowledge of and experience with project management concepts and practices; high standards for accuracy and attention to detail; ability to balance a variety of tasks with a high degree of competency and accuracy; working knowledge of web analytics and various computer software specific to communications and website design.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree with 5 years’ experience is required; a master’s or law degree is preferred. Experience in communications, marketing, creative development, writing, or graphic design is preferred, as is experience in legal education or law. Experience with web content development and social media is a plus, particularly experience with Cascade or a similar content management system.

WORK HOURS:

• Full-time, exempt position
• Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; 7.75 hrs./day; 38.75 hrs./week
• Occasional evening and/or weekend work

SALARY STRUCTURE:
Pay Grade 8 (Hiring Range $62,345.00 to $82,600.00 annually)

COVID-19:

The University of Richmond requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all students, faculty, and staff. The University allows exemptions to this requirement for religious, medical and strong personal conviction reasons. All newly hired employees must report their status within the first two weeks of employment.

ABOUT UR:

At the University of Richmond, we’re creative, inclusive, and determined. We’re Spiders, and our mission is to create positive change in the UR community and beyond. Located minutes from downtown Richmond, Virginia, the University of Richmond (www.richmond.edu) blends the intimacy of a small college with exceptional academic, research, and cultural opportunities usually found only at large institutions. There’s only one place like Richmond.

UR is committed to developing a diverse faculty, staff and student body, and to modeling an inclusive campus community which values the expression of differences in ways that promote excellence in teaching, learning, personal development and institutional success. In keeping with this commitment, our academic community welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds and candidates who support diversity. EOE