Assistant Director for Digital Communications

Responsibilities

• Lead web content strategy and planning across the university. Lead the development, coordination and execution of web content strategies across the case.edu domain in formal web projects and ongoing site maintenance. Serve as a key university marketing and communications representative and strategic advisor for schools, units and other stakeholders on content strategy, information architecture, audience needs, content organization and appropriate approaches to storytelling to make digital communications more compelling, accessible and understandable. Identify opportunities to improve, consolidate, repurpose or retire content to strengthen the overall university web presence. Ensure web content aligns with university messaging, brand architecture and editorial standards. (35%)
• Develop and oversee high-quality, audience-centered web content. Research, interview, write, edit and fact-check compelling web content, including landing pages, campaign content and other digital communications. Conduct stakeholder interviews and work closely with stakeholders to identify and develop stories and content that advance university priorities and any pertinent sub-brand elements, reflect the university's voice and tone and strengthen Case Western Reserve University¿s reputation. Provide editorial direction and guidance to communications professionals and campus partners to ensure web content is clear, concise, accessible, engaging and appropriate to the intended audience. Ensure content reflects the university's voice and tone and appropriately incorporates university and sub-brand messaging. (30%)
• Drive technical web performance, discoverability and continuous improvement. Use web analytics, audience research and search data to inform strategy and continuous improvement, and will work closely with the web team on search engine optimization efforts and other efforts to improve the discoverability and performance of the university's digital presence. Partner with the university marketing and communications web team to develop and implement search- and generative-engine optimization strategies through strategic content development, including keyword research, metadata, content structure, internal linking and other practices that improve search visibility and how university content is surfaced and represented across artificial intelligence (AI)-powered and traditional search. Use web analytics, audience research, search data and other performance indicators to evaluate content effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement and optimization. Establish and monitor appropriate measures of web content performance and translate findings into actionable recommendations for content development, optimization and prioritization. Stay informed about emerging search, artificial intelligence and digital content practices and recommend approaches that strengthen Case Western Reserve University's visibility, engagement and discoverability. (20%)
• Lead web content operations, partnerships and student support. Serve as a key university marketing and communications representative and strategic partner to faculty, staff and communications professionals across the university on web content needs. Establish and improve processes for developing, reviewing, publishing and maintaining web content, helping stakeholders navigate priorities, timelines and responsibilities. Collaborate closely with the university marketing and communications web team and other communications teams to coordinate web content with broader editorial, marketing and communications efforts. Supervise and provide direction to student employees supporting web content needs, including assigning work, establishing expectations and providing feedback and development opportunities. Offer guidance to other university marketing and communications writers tasked with digital assignments. (15%)
• Nonessential Functions: Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

Requirements

• Experience: 5 to 7 years in communications roles involving extensive writing and editing for digital platforms.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations or related field required.
• - Significant experience in writing for the web and demonstrated knowledge of best practices for digital communications, including search-, answer- and generative-engine optimization.
• - Experience using analytics and audience research to drive strategic communications decision-making.
• - Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• - Ability to convey compelling, interesting content in multiple storytelling formats.
• - Proven capacity to brainstorm, develop and execute creative online content or solutions.
• - Ability to handle multiple tasks, organize priorities, and execute multiple projects simultaneously.
• - Robust analytical and problem-solving skills to assess communications strategies and drive improvements.
• - Demonstrated, measurable success in generating content that engages and influences audiences.

Preferred

• Knowledge of Figma is a plus.
• InDesign knowledge a plus.

Benefits

• Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.