Responsibilities

• Provides leadership and vision for the University’s strategic and integrated marketing and communications functions.
• Leads and directs the marketing, communications and public relations staff and coordinates at the strategic and tactical levels with all University departments.
• Develops and executes a comprehensive, long-term and proactive University-wide communications, marketing and branding strategy consistent with the strategic goals, plans, and aspirations of the University.
• Creates a collegial, team-building work environment, motivating staff and cultivating productive, collaborative relationships with all constituent groups.
• Utilizes a research-based approach to identify key messages and audiences, works consistently to tell the University’s stories by weaving them together to create a consistent, unified message in support of the Missouri State University brand, and articulates the University’s image and brand in the delivery of the University’s message to all constituents.
• Serves as the University’s brand manager, with the responsibility of positioning the University in the market, determining target audiences and maintaining the desired reputation.
• Plans and oversees the design and production of all marketing, public relations and advertising products.
• Ensures effective and efficient operation of the major units in University Relations (Strategic Communication, Creative Services, Web Strategy and Development, Video Marketing and Athletics Communications) by coordinating unit plans, goals and objectives, designing systems of effective controls to guide work toward expected outcomes, and evaluating progress towards their accomplishment.
• Develops, executes, and oversees programs necessary to communicate the University’s mission and performance to the public.
• Communicates the University’s position and policies on a variety of issues to specific media and to various University constituencies which includes serving as the University spokesperson with the media as appropriate.

Requirements

• Education: A bachelor’s degree with a major in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, business administration, or a related field is required. A master’s degree and/or a professional certification in marketing or public relations is preferred.
• Experience: At least five years of experience in marketing and/or communications in one or more of the following settings: education, not-for-profit, government, business and/or industry, is required. A record of success in progressively responsible positions is required. At least three years of management experience is required, relevant experience in one or more of these areas: marketing, public relations, media relations, news and information, video production, photography, publications, or athletics communications. Experience in crisis communication management.
• Skills: Demonstrated leadership and management abilities in staff development, budgeting, research, and customer service is required. Exceptional skills in communications, marketing, and interpersonal relations are required. The ability to develop and implement strategic communications and research-based marketing plans is required. Expertise in making presentations and negotiating with the media is required.
• Other: The scope of the job frequently requires attendance at evening and/or weekend activities, meetings, and seminars. Occasional travel is required. Additional Qualifications Link to Job Description
• Additional Qualifications Link to Job Description https://www.missouristate.edu/Human/JobDescriptions/0018.htm

Preferred

• A master’s degree and/or a professional certification in marketing or public relations is preferred.