Assistant Director, Academic Communications (HR Title: Senior Writer)
Southern Methodist University Inc

Job Info

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Description

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 90 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. On the most beautiful college campus in the country, SMU Mustangs are energized by unbridled opportunities - from teaching, learning and research to creativity, performance and athletic endeavor.

About the Position:

The Assistant Director of Academic Communications supports the Provost Office's marketing and communication needs in alignment with SMU's academic goals and in coordination with the University's communication team.

The position reports to the Associate Vice President for Strategy and Operations and is responsible for developing and writing internal communications such as e-mail and websites for key constituents such as faculty, academic leadership, academic staff and students as well as executive communications that are externally facing for the administration, including speeches, correspondence, presentations and reports.

Essential Functions:

• Research, write and prepare internal communications for executive-level administrators and university programs, including speeches, introductions, reports, presentations, newsletters website content, video scripts, statements/quotes, articles, correspondence and other materials.
  
• Create internal an overarching internal communications strategy with the ability to determine the most appropriate and effective communication vehicle.
  
• Develop campaign-specific communication plans that translate into an overarching communication plan for the Office of the Provost and work with multiple stakeholders (in both academic affairs and in university communications) to keep them informed of planned academic communications as well as to coordinate optimal timing for distribution.
  
• Manage drafting, reviewing, and meeting approval deadlines for assigned communications including setting internal deadlines as necessary and working with colleagues in the Office of the Provost Marketing and Communications and SMU schools and units to see projects through to completion.
  
• Share and access communication materials with multi-level Provost office team to ensure consistent messaging across platforms. Ensure the accuracy of all content in speeches, statements and quotes by researching topics, rigorously fact checking, writing, editing and consulting with the extended team and others.
  
• As appropriate, watch videos, read prior content and attend events to learn the voice of executive leaders and to establish relationships and good communications with the university's many diverse constituencies.
  
• Support AVP for Strategy and Operations with preparation of the Provost's annual report.
  
• Identify and develop internal strategies and tactics that effectively communicate SMU's academic goals in alignment with the strategic plan. Use innovative internal communications channels, including but not limited to newsletters, videos, webinars, social media, and surveys to engage and inspire faculty and staff about SMU priorities and brand. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communications for continuous improvement.
  
• Provide support on issue management and crisis communications, such as assisting with drafting messages, statements, and other correspondence as needed for internal and external audiences.
  
• Other duties assigned by supervisor.
  

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree is required. Degree in Communications, English, Journalism or similar degree is preferred.

A minimum of five years of professional work experience in journalism, professional speech writing and/or corporate communications. Previous experience with digital communications and campaigns is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University, as well as the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

Candidates must demonstrate strong writing, editing and proofreading skills. The ability to translate complicated concepts into clear, compelling language for audiences ranging from key stakeholders to media to consumers is also required. Demonstrated ability to develop content for effective executive communications requiring minimal rewriting and editing is essential.

Candidate must possess strong organizational, planning and time-management skills to proactively manage multiple concurrent projects and adhere to high-quality standards while meeting deadlines. Must also demonstrate a strong attention to detail, as the candidate in this role will prepare communications for the Provost of the University, the Associate Provost for Student Academic Engagement and Success and the Associate Provost for Faculty Success and, at times, for other executives. The ability to be flexible and have a strong sense of urgency are essential.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to be resourceful, proactive and seek assistance as needed. The ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment is essential.

Candidate must have a strong working knowledge of the Microsoft Suite, especially PowerPoint. Experience working with collaboration tools (such as wiki, SharePoint, Teams) and project management basics is also preferred.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by August 26, 2022.

The position is open until filled.

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

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