Responsibilities

• supervision of several front-line strategic communications writers;
• issues management strategy and execution;
• leadership of the strategic communications team when the director is not available;
• executive writing for campus leadership;
• a primary editor of social media copy;
• editing and writing content to tell UMKC’s story through a variety of earned and owned media for internal and external audiences;
• planning and creating content for the university’s website, digital newsletters and social media channels;
• The assistant director will play an important role in issues management/crisis response situations at a 24/7/365 campus.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 4 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred

• Ten years minimum experience in journalism and/or public relations and digital communications.
• Strong news judgment.
• Sound knowledge of editorial and journalistic principles and respect for deadlines.
• Knowledge of digital content strategy.
• Excellent storytelling, organizational, interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in producing digital newsletter communications on platforms such as Emma, Anthology (formerly iModules), MailChimp or Constant Contact.
• Technical knowledge of all major existing social media platforms.
• Familiarity with using Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn in a professional setting.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni, benefactors, media and other key constituents.
• Ability to exercise reasonable judgment, often under intense deadline pressure.

Benefits

• generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line
• comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.