Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

The Director of Communications will partner in the creation, development, and execution of an innovative, multi-year communications plan for the Office of the Provost. A significant component of this effort will entail building and implementing a communications framework for the Office of the Provost around the universityâ™s 10 -year strategic plan. Successful implementation of this communication plan will increase the visibility, awareness, and engagement with the efforts and initiatives within the Office of the Provost for a wide range of audiences. This will, in turn, enhance the profile of the research and education mission of WashU.

Using a mix of internal and external resources, the director manages, coordinates, and integrates all aspects of the communications function including internal communications, executive communications, printed and digital communications, social media, marketing collateral development, photography, multimedia, design and other creative service efforts. This role requires the ability to develop strong relationships with university leadership, faculty, staff, alumni, students, and other university communications colleagues.

Job Description

Special Applicant Instructions: Please include a cover letter and resume with you submission.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Communications Planning and Brand Management

• Works collaboratively with the assistant provost to develop a cohesive, strategic, integrated communications plan designed to define, elevate and protect the brand and visibility of the Office overall. Activities may include facilitating brainstorm and ideation sessions with key stakeholders, segmenting audiences, conducting competitive reviews, setting measurable objectives, determining methods of evaluation, and making recommendations regarding human and financial resource allocation.

Communications Strategy Implementation, Management, and Evaluation

• Leads the implementation, management and evaluation of a cohesive, integrated communications plan, including ensuring brand alignment between the Office and the university. This will require the development of new communication channels and significantly increasing the efficacy of existing channels. Coordinates internal and external human and financial resources needed to implement plans in an efficient and cost effective way

Counsel and Relationship Development

• Provides strategic guidance and counsel to support the communications efforts of existing and emerging activities and initiatives and development/fundraising campaigns. Serves as the Officeâ™s liaison to the Office of Public Affairs and the other communications departments within the schools and institutes, ensuring connection and alignment with the university reputation and brand-building efforts.

Team Leadership and Staff Development

• Serves as a team builder and coach. Articulate clear and meaningful purpose and goals for the department and focus the teamâ™s efforts on achieving these goals. Stays on top of latest trends and developments in strategic communications, and share knowledge with team members to help expand the teamâ™s knowledge base and capacity. Recommends professional development and school/university engagement opportunities for team members.

Systems and Process Management

• Recommends and oversees the development of systems and processes to ensure effective resource management and evaluation of the Office of the Provostâ™s overall communications plan. Establishes workflow for requesting, creating, editing, and distributing communications. Develops policies, protocols, resources and ways of working that help build the capacity of the schoolâ™s faculty and staff to engage in effective communications.

Other Duties As Assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree with five to ten years of progressive responsibility in the area of strategic communications, brand strategy, issues management, public relations/media relations, or marketing.
• Tracks record of successful communications, branding and/or thought leadership strategy formulation and implementation for complex organizations with multiple stakeholders.
• Higher education experience is a plus as is consulting/agency experience.
• Superb writing and editorial skills.
• Experience in generating and using data to drive plan development and evaluation is also ideal, as is experience in managing and implementing large scale, highly visible projects and initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire and lead a team of direct reports as well as individuals from different departments who have varied backgrounds and areas of experience. Direct experience in hiring, managing, developing, and evaluating staff performance is also a requirement. 
• A creative self-starter who possesses a confident style, coupled with sensitivity and flexibility. Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative and consensus driven environment.
• Anticipates the impact of decisions, plans, and programs on the culture of the school and will make sound recommendations accordingly.
• A willingness to embrace change and to adapt approaches in a timely way.
• Transformation leadership skills are also ideal.
• Superior writing, planning, presentation, project, and financial management skills.
• Energy, sense of humor, and innovative spirit are a must.
• Excellent judge of content, including understanding of faculty, alumni, and student achievements, research programs, and long range goals that can be of news value to internal constituents and external audiences.
• The individual should also have a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and an ability to manage and navigate in a cross-cultural environment.

Required Qualifications

Bachelorâ™s degree with seven years of progressive management responsibility in the area of strategic communications, brand strategy, issues management, public/media relations, marketing or related field.

Grade

G13

Salary Range

$62,000.00 - $106,000.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to an individualâ™s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability status, protected veteran status, national or ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation. Women, minorities, protected veterans and the disabled are strongly encouraged to apply.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment â“ fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.

Applicant Instructions

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