The Communications Manager will be an active team participant within the Integrated Marketing & Communications team to implement communication strategies and messages that will directly advance the University's mission. The successful candidate will work with key departments and colleges to write both editorial and promotional content for the VALPO Magazine, websites, publications, media releases, internal communications, and social media. This position will also lead project management for the VALPO Magazine.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Collaborate with IMC colleagues to implement communications strategies. Responsibilities include writing and editing promotional and editorial copy for a variety of print and digital publications, scheduling and conducting interviews, and researching background information and industry best practices.
- Maintain Valpo News website and blog content via WordPress.
- Oversee editorial development schedule, and production process as project manager for VALPO Magazine. Write editorial copy and feature stories and coordinate with other staff within IMC and across campus to develop additional content. Ensure copy, photography, and graphics are completed on schedule and coordinate delivery of final materials to vendors.
- Work with IMC colleagues to implement strategy, develop content, and provide ongoing management of University's social media accounts. Track social media activity using online monitoring platform and prepare regular reports.
- Perform Quality Control duties to uphold highest standards of editorial quality for the University and ensure consistent messaging across platforms in accordance with University style.
- Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
- B.S. or B.A. from an accredited college in a related discipline is required.
- Two to four years of experience in communications, public relations, or marketing. Strong written and verbal skills, with a solid portfolio that demonstrates skill in analysis, creativity, writing, and editing.
- Strong skills creating and sharing content on a variety of social media platforms. Experience monitoring and responding to conversations on social media.
- Ability to work independently, with a propensity to take initiative, bring creative solutions, and deliver on-time and on-budget.
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, as well as proven competence in relationship development and management.
- Ability to work with colleagues with a range of skill and experience, as well as manage and mentor student employees.
- Self-starter with excellent project management abilities who is able to shepherd projects from concept to completion with communication goals, timelines and deliverables, enlisting the support and enthusiasm of others in the process.
- High degree of confidentiality required.
- Familiarity with WordPress is a plus.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL DEMONSTRATE A COMMITMENT TO CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND THE ABILITY TO WORK WITH INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS FROM DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS.
EMPLOYMENT AT VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY WILL REQUIRE A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK.
VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY REQUIRES ALL EMPLOYEES TO BE VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19 OR APPLY FOR AND RECEIVE A QUALIFIED EXEMPTION WITHIN TWO WEEKS OF THE EMPLOYMENT START DATE.
TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION YOU MUST UPLOAD:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- List of 3 professional references
- Answer all the application questions
- Three writing samples
PLEASE ADDRESS COVER LETTER TO:
Kristen Knoerzer, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Required Skills
Required Experience