Director of Strategic Communications

Responsibilities

• Leads the School’s communications efforts, which include developing communication plans; design and production of integrated communication campaigns; administration of communication budgets; management of external vendor relationships; and collaboration with university offices including University Communications and Marketing.
• The position guides the brand and reputation of the school with an eye on positioning, message impact, alignment with other university communications, and adherence to brand standards.
• The position works collaboratively with internal and external partners, vendors and agencies and directs the communications of KSB including presentations and reports on behalf of the Dean.
• The position will hold primary responsibility for Kogod website content.
• This position is responsible for managing direct reports as well as student workers.
• Supervises the following position(s): Senior Designer, Communications Manager, Social Media Coordinator, Senior Digital Designer, and Senior Videographer.
• Branding: Establish, advance, and execute messaging and identity for the Kogod School of Business, in coordination with university identity standards. Develops the School’s visual identity and designs and produces integrated marketing collateral materials that promote academic programs, services, and faculty.
• Content: Direct a refined content strategy for business school. Ensure competitive positioning, search optimization, efficient use of resources, and communication workflow among program offices, faculty departments, and other key stakeholders. Works closely with the assistant dean and senior staff to identify communication priorities. Collaborates in the production of all publications; including video, print publications (collateral materials), email newsletters, and others.
• Web: Includes oversight for kogod.american.edu, social media channels, email campaigns/communications, multimedia, externally hosted websites, and apps. Monitoring of Kogod’s reputation online, including inclusion or exclusion from other digital portals and forums.
• Communication: Manage KSB communications to internal and external constituencies including reports, presentations and messages by the Dean. Review and vet KSB messaging for signature/special events (Orientation, Commencement, Lecture Series) in conjunction with KSB Senior Leadership and Events team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• 8 - 10 years of relevant experience.
• Deep understanding of online marketing and communications, specifically writing for the web, social media and project management experience.
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate and build long term relationships with on campus and off campus partners, vendors and agencies and coordinate with on campus resources.
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines while paying close attention to detail.
• Proficient computer skills including the Microsoft office suite, Adobe Suite, web graphics, video editing, database development, and the tools required to fulfill the position’s responsibilities as technology evolves.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks with particular attention to detail.
• Knowledge of guerrilla marketing tactics and social media strategies.
• Experience managing direct reports.
• Expertise in strategic planning, professional marketing and brand leadership, and audience insight.

Preferred

• Master's degree.

Benefits

• AU offers a competitive benefits package.