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| Employer | University of Southern Mississippi |
| Location | Hattiesburg, MS USA |
| Posted | February 23, 2024 |
Job Details
Director of Strategic Communications for Advancement
Director of Strategic Communications for Advancement
The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Director of Strategic Communications for Advancement.
Position Details
Location Hattiesburg
118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States
Division VP External Affairs
Position Type Staff
Employment Status Full Time
Grant Funded No
Pay Grade
E15
Posting Close Date Open until filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
When applying for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references.
Job Summary
Directs and oversees the development and execution of a strategic, comprehensive and effective communication plan, specifically tailored to engage, enhance perception and strengthen connections with alumni, donors and friends of the University. Ensures effective coordination between the USM Foundation and Southern Miss Alumni Association and its audiences, while driving these efforts toward the University's overall communications goals. Builds and manages a team of professionals to support Advancement Communications.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
+ Collaborates with leadership of the USM Foundation and Southern Miss Alumni Association to understand the vision, mission and key priorities of each organization. Examines the constituent landscape to create a comprehensive communications strategy for University Advancement. Oversees the development of effective messaging to accomplish communication objectives for both internal and external stakeholders for alumni communications, fundraising activities and opportunities and event promotion. Measures and reports on effectiveness and adapts strategy as needed.
+ Leads, motivates and manages the Advancement Strategic Communications team to design and deploy strategies and tactics focused on achieving the goals and objectives of the Advancement organizations. Responsible for hiring, orientation, on-going training and professional development, performance planning and evaluation of the staff. Provides leadership regarding project workflow to ensure each initiative is completed within the agreed upon timeframe and budget to achieve maximum effectiveness.
+ Cultivates relationships with communications professionals and leaders from other areas of campus and the community to assist in the development of alumni and donor stories that highlight the work of University units, as appropriate. Works with University Communications, the Alumni Association, the USM Foundation and Southern Miss Athletics to ensure a collaborative approach to overall University communications.
+ Oversees the production and dissemination of all Advancement communication materials. This includes (but is not limited to)The Talon, the Alumni Association's quarterly alumni magazine, as well as materials related to Association membership campaigns, program marketing and event promotion, the USM Foundation's annual Impact Report, materials for Foundation activities and proposals and other materials for University partners. Writes and disseminates news releases and plans press announcements for items of interest. Drafts remarks, creates presentation materials and/or correspondence for Executive Directors, Board chairman, University President, etc. as needed.
+ Oversees the creation and implementation of a digital strategy for each of the Advancement organizations' digital channels. Coordinates, maintains and monitors the USM Foundation and Southern Miss Alumni Association digital presence, including websites and various social media outlets. This includes the identification of the target audience for each group, content, posting frequency and measurement of the success of each channel.
+ Adheres to University, Foundation and Association policies, procedures and regulations. Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree in Communication, or related field, and a minimum of five years of experience leading in a complex communication environment. Must have a valid driver's license. Supervisory experience.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
+ Employees of this position are prohibited from disclosing confidential and proprietary information of donors and prospects, the Foundation, the University and its employees or students. This confidentiality obligation is effective while employed in this position and continues after termination of employment.
+ Comprehensive understanding of key communication practices within a complex setting.
+ Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate and interact effectively with a diverse group of people
+ Ability to clearly and persuasively communicate concepts and ideas and garner the confidence of stakeholders
+ Track record of setting high performance standards and building high performance teams
+ Demonstrated understanding of using data to drive decision-making
+ Strong grasp of digital technology
+ Ability to remain agile in a dynamic workflow
+ Demonstrated ability to create new and unique content
+ Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business communications, financial reports, governmental regulations and legal documents
+ Ability to write speeches, press releases, articles for publication and other communication materials that conform to prescribed style and format
+ Ability to respond to inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies or members of the business community
+ Ability to work before and after normal business hours, including weekends
+ Ability to travel or complete overnight stays
+ Self-motivated and accountable for results
+ Seeks opportunities for development for both self and team
+ Creates opportunities to apply new learnings and best practices into innovative solutions that positively impact results
+ Sets clear expectations for performance, provides meaningful feedback, holds employees accountable and recognizes successes
+ Effectively engages and interacts with others to collaborate and provide value-added support that enhances results and team effectiveness
+ Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines
+ Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion
+ Understands higher education and non-profits and can use industry terminology fluently
+ Thinks strategically and asks critical questions to delve to root cause to identify solutions
+ Understands the interconnection of decisions, actions, outcomes and measures
Preferred Qualifications
Masters degree preferred. Experience in a higher education environment and/or non-profits.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 146 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education's "R1: Doctoral Universities - Very high research activity" designation, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and large event venue safety and security, among others. USM is also one of only 37 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of more than 14,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 37 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 27 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.
The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Director of Strategic Communications for Advancement.
Position Details
Location Hattiesburg
118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States
Division VP External Affairs
Position Type Staff
Employment Status Full Time
Grant Funded No
Pay Grade
E15
Posting Close Date Open until filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
When applying for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references.
Job Summary
Directs and oversees the development and execution of a strategic, comprehensive and effective communication plan, specifically tailored to engage, enhance perception and strengthen connections with alumni, donors and friends of the University. Ensures effective coordination between the USM Foundation and Southern Miss Alumni Association and its audiences, while driving these efforts toward the University's overall communications goals. Builds and manages a team of professionals to support Advancement Communications.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
+ Collaborates with leadership of the USM Foundation and Southern Miss Alumni Association to understand the vision, mission and key priorities of each organization. Examines the constituent landscape to create a comprehensive communications strategy for University Advancement. Oversees the development of effective messaging to accomplish communication objectives for both internal and external stakeholders for alumni communications, fundraising activities and opportunities and event promotion. Measures and reports on effectiveness and adapts strategy as needed.
+ Leads, motivates and manages the Advancement Strategic Communications team to design and deploy strategies and tactics focused on achieving the goals and objectives of the Advancement organizations. Responsible for hiring, orientation, on-going training and professional development, performance planning and evaluation of the staff. Provides leadership regarding project workflow to ensure each initiative is completed within the agreed upon timeframe and budget to achieve maximum effectiveness.
+ Cultivates relationships with communications professionals and leaders from other areas of campus and the community to assist in the development of alumni and donor stories that highlight the work of University units, as appropriate. Works with University Communications, the Alumni Association, the USM Foundation and Southern Miss Athletics to ensure a collaborative approach to overall University communications.
+ Oversees the production and dissemination of all Advancement communication materials. This includes (but is not limited to)The Talon, the Alumni Association's quarterly alumni magazine, as well as materials related to Association membership campaigns, program marketing and event promotion, the USM Foundation's annual Impact Report, materials for Foundation activities and proposals and other materials for University partners. Writes and disseminates news releases and plans press announcements for items of interest. Drafts remarks, creates presentation materials and/or correspondence for Executive Directors, Board chairman, University President, etc. as needed.
+ Oversees the creation and implementation of a digital strategy for each of the Advancement organizations' digital channels. Coordinates, maintains and monitors the USM Foundation and Southern Miss Alumni Association digital presence, including websites and various social media outlets. This includes the identification of the target audience for each group, content, posting frequency and measurement of the success of each channel.
+ Adheres to University, Foundation and Association policies, procedures and regulations. Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree in Communication, or related field, and a minimum of five years of experience leading in a complex communication environment. Must have a valid driver's license. Supervisory experience.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
+ Employees of this position are prohibited from disclosing confidential and proprietary information of donors and prospects, the Foundation, the University and its employees or students. This confidentiality obligation is effective while employed in this position and continues after termination of employment.
+ Comprehensive understanding of key communication practices within a complex setting.
+ Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate and interact effectively with a diverse group of people
+ Ability to clearly and persuasively communicate concepts and ideas and garner the confidence of stakeholders
+ Track record of setting high performance standards and building high performance teams
+ Demonstrated understanding of using data to drive decision-making
+ Strong grasp of digital technology
+ Ability to remain agile in a dynamic workflow
+ Demonstrated ability to create new and unique content
+ Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business communications, financial reports, governmental regulations and legal documents
+ Ability to write speeches, press releases, articles for publication and other communication materials that conform to prescribed style and format
+ Ability to respond to inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies or members of the business community
+ Ability to work before and after normal business hours, including weekends
+ Ability to travel or complete overnight stays
+ Self-motivated and accountable for results
+ Seeks opportunities for development for both self and team
+ Creates opportunities to apply new learnings and best practices into innovative solutions that positively impact results
+ Sets clear expectations for performance, provides meaningful feedback, holds employees accountable and recognizes successes
+ Effectively engages and interacts with others to collaborate and provide value-added support that enhances results and team effectiveness
+ Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines
+ Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion
+ Understands higher education and non-profits and can use industry terminology fluently
+ Thinks strategically and asks critical questions to delve to root cause to identify solutions
+ Understands the interconnection of decisions, actions, outcomes and measures
Preferred Qualifications
Masters degree preferred. Experience in a higher education environment and/or non-profits.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 146 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education's "R1: Doctoral Universities - Very high research activity" designation, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and large event venue safety and security, among others. USM is also one of only 37 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of more than 14,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 37 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 27 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.
Job #NLX255810932