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Job Description Summary

The Assistant Director, Strategic Communications, IS, crafts awareness and communications strategy for the Information Systems department, and leads a team of web, media and writing professionals to effectively and meaningfully connect our Wake Forest community to our technology tools, services and solutions. Outputs of the team satisfy all immediate and long-term communication needs in IS web, digital, social and print media as well as community engagement events throughout the year.

The Assistant Director works closely with the VP for Information Systems and CIO, the Director of Client Services and Engagement, our campus communication partners, as well as colleagues and leaders within IS to direct and deliver effective communication strategy for the Department and in support of the University’s strategic mission. The role is also an important conduit of collaboration and communication with our university communications partners in Communications and External Relations (CER).

Job Description

Essential Functions:

• Work with our VP/CIO, Director and the strategic communications team to build an effective communications strategy, with recommendations on short- and long-term vision for web, social, email, print and in-person channels.

• Refine and model in all channels an IS “voice” which is warm, useful and insightful.

• Lead a team of writing, design, and web professionals to support IS communications strategy and vision.

• Evaluate and manage IS communications priorities and work with the team to produce and deliver content, adhering to timelines and deadlines.

• Lead, coordinate and assist with campus engagement events, representing IS with the team in outreach to our students, faculty and staff, throughout the year.

• Work with the team and consult with IS colleagues to identify and implement ways to standardize and/or streamline outputs which may be of a recurring or similar variety.

• Review and approve communication drafts and plans as needed, sometimes for messages of a sensitive, urgent, or nuanced nature, for an academic audience of diverse needs and perspectives.

• Use data- and experience-informed insights to continuously improve our messaging strategy.

• Support, coach and mentor communications team members, seeking and nurturing ideas to fruition.

• Work with teams across IS to consult on communication needs or strategy, and maintain awareness of progress in our various small- and large-scale efforts, identifying opportunities for community engagement and awareness.

• Assist with IS advisory committee planning, coordinating various conversations and dependencies to ensure meetings are enriching and productive for our university partners and stakeholders.

• Partner with other university communications partners, especially those in Communications and External Relations, to align with a central university brand and vision and as needed, seek guidance for any large-scale or sensitive event communication efforts.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree with five to eight years of experience in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience in integrated marketing and communication strategies for organizations of significant complexity and size.

• Leadership and supervisory experience.

• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.

• Ability to make decisions informed by experience, data, and analytical skills, seeking collaboration with department and university leaders as needed.

• Commitment to inclusive excellence.

• Confidence and ability to build consensus and achieve progress amid varying priorities and perspectives.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Experience in marketing and communications in a higher education environment.

• Project and change management experience.

• Experience in the area of technology support and service delivery or other technical field.

• Understanding of and sensitivity to digital accessibility standards and guidelines, skilled in accessibility strategy in its various forms.

• Experience with various platforms in the management of digital media, communications, design and web content and development.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• Manages and supervises activities of high-level professionals.

Additional Job Description

Time Type Requirement

Full timeNote to Applicant:This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

Wake Forest seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce while promoting an inclusive work environment committed to excellence in the spirit of Pro Humanitate. In adherence with applicable laws and as provided by University policies, the University prohibits discrimination in its employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and veteran status and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply.