Director of Communications

Tracking Code904 - 280Job Description

This position reports to the Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communications, University Marketing. This position serves as the university’s primary internal communications Subject Matter Expert (SME) and leads internal communications planning and implementation, serves as editor of Stetson Today, the university digital newspaper, and is responsible for other communication channels, such as daily announcements to the DeLand campus community.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Direct internal communications strategies and initiatives to further the university’s strategic initiatives and programs and advance university interests using available communication channels
• Provide oversight and day-to-day direct management of Stetson Today, the university digital publication, editing and posting content, preparing the weekly “Your Top Stories from Stetson Today” digital newsletter, assigning stories to freelance writers and working with student writers
• Take lead role in writing and editing internal communications in the form of emails, Stetson Today stories, announcements, digital signs, memos, web updates and other documents
• Assist the Stetson Office of Public Safety in DeLand with communications, including emails and Hatter Alert emergency notifications to the campus community, as needed
• In times of crisis, assist the Vice President of Marketing and Communications and the Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communications with communications to internal/external university communities
• Work with the Editor of Stetson University Magazine to repurpose stories or write stories as assigned
• Work with Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communications to manage agency, contractor, freelance and other vendor support, as necessary
• Supervise up to three part-time student workers who write stories for Stetson Today, take photographs or perform other duties, as assigned
• Select events from the university calendar to highlight as featured events, enhancing their display on the calendar website and on Stetson Today

Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree

Required Skills

• Proven editing and writing skills
• Understanding of higher education and current issues and best practices
• Attention to detail
• Ability to build relationships in academic and administrative environments
• High level of independence, energy and integrity; demonstrates respect for a diversity of opinions and styles, and accepts accountability and responsibility
• Ability to effectively advise, partner and collaborate with university administration team
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize
• Expertise in Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Additional software skills (e.g., Photoshop, WordPress, HTML) a plus, background and experience in CMS, SEO and the digital environment preferred

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism or related field
• 3-5 years of experience in journalism or communications

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record as determined by the University’s auto insurance carrier.

Salary Grade: 8

Completed COVID-19 Vaccine status required

Job LocationDeLand, Florida, United StatesPosition TypeFull-Time/Regular