Associate Director, Communications

Apply now Job no:496965
Work type:Staff Full-Time
Location:Denver, CO
Categories:Admission / Financial Aid, Marketing / Communications / Media, Business Operations / Services, Admin / Executive / Office Support
Division: Admission

The Enrollment Division at the University of Denver (DU), which consists of Undergraduate Admission, International Student Admission and Financial Aid, works to attract, enroll, and cultivate an optimal mix of vibrant and intellectually motivated students who will enrich the composition of our learning community and go on to lead lives of meaning and purpose. Recognizing education as a means of individual and societal transformation, our vision is to inspire, guide, and support prospective and current students as leaders and scholars who will positively impact their communities.

In our daily work, the enrollment team is guided by these values: intentional and informed decisions; integrity; diversity, equity, and inclusion; collaboration; fiscal responsibility; spirit; clear and thoughtful communication; and exceptional quality service. As an educational and research community, DU values curiosity, intellectual freedom, and open communication. DU respects individual differences and embraces civil discourse. DU promotes caring and close individual attention. DU is a community distinguished by inclusiveness, collaboration, responsiveness, and accountability. As such, we are committed to enhancing the diversity of our faculty and staff. The University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Position Summary

The Associate Director provides leadership over short and long-range communications and manages the daily operational activities of the Office of Financial Aid’s internal and external marketing and communication efforts. This person uses a wide degree of creativity and latitude to design and implement multifaceted communication plans and write effective content for various platforms. Further, they’re responsible for updating the financial aid website and utilizing printed materials, digital resources and other creative means to effectively share information and build engagement with prospective and current students. This person also will assist in assessing how well we effectively deliver on our stated mission, goals and objectives relative to our resources.

The Associate Director of Financial Aid Communications reports directly to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment/Director of Financial Aid. The position works closely with other members of the financial aid team to achieve enrollment division and University goals on recruitment, retention, and compliance. Other close campus colleagues include Undergraduate Admission, the Office of Graduate Education, the Office of the Bursar, the Office of the Registrar, the Division of Marketing and Communications, and Information Technology.

Essential Functions

• Develop and implement timely and effective communication plans for graduate and undergraduate applicants using the Deliver module in Slate; write all queries and content for drip campaigns, one-time email messages, and SMS messages.
• Develop and implement email communication plans for current students using Banner Communications Management and other campus-based software.
• Create and maintain all pages and content for the financial aid website.
• Develop and maintain resources to assist students and families in understanding the financial aid process and financing a DU education, including, but not limited to, aid offer letters, print brochures, PDF guides, and billing worksheets.
• Create and maintain all static and dynamic content within MyDU for current students and application status pages for graduate and undergraduate applicants. This includes messaging for required application forms and documents as well as financial aid checklists in Slate.
• Using DocuSign, create and manage all financial aid forms and assist in backend processes to track and index completed documents.
• Collaborate with Undergraduate Admission to mail financial aid offer letters and materials to admitted applicants.
• Serve as the financial aid representative on the Enrollment Division Communication Team.
• In collaboration with other financial aid staff and IT, lead the implementation of Salesforce CRM for financial aid communications.
• Work in partnership with other campus offices, including Undergraduate Admission, the Office of Graduate Education, the Bursar’s Office, and the Registrar’s Office, to provide clear and concise messages regarding financial aid processes and policies to students.
• Ensure consistency in DU branding and messaging guidelines across all channels.
• Support and commit to the ideals of inclusivity and display cultural competencies in all communications.
• Stay current on all regulations and policies regarding federal, state, and institutional aid.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated excellent writing and editing skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex ideas in an easy-to-understand manner to a wide variety of audiences.
• Strong technological abilities, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, database, and CRM systems.
• Excellent organization and project management skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple assignments concurrently while maintaining professionalism and adherence to deadlines.
• Ability to cultivate strong relationships and collaborate effectively with technical and non-technical colleagues at all levels to successfully execute projects in support of communication goals.
• Ability to take initiative and work well both independently and as part of a team.
• General knowledge of HTML and CSS.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in a field related to or with strong performance in marketing, technology, communications, and writing courses.
• Four years of experience managing a communication or marketing plan or 4 years of financial aid or enrollment management experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree
• CRM experience
• Website maintenance/CMS experience
• Working knowledge of HTML/CSS
• Knowledge of FERPA and Federal financial aid regulations.
• Experience with CSS/Profile and institutional financial aid application and awarding.

Working Environment

Physical Activities

Work Schedule

The University’s administrative offices are open Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Work schedule may vary.

In accordance with the University’s flexible work policy, this position is eligible to be considered for partial remote work. Further details regarding this plan will be determined with the hiring manager and are dependent on the division and team specific needs.

Application Deadline

For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) December 18, 2023.

Special Instructions

Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number:

The salary grade for the position is 11.

Salary Range:

The salary range for this position is $65,000-$80,000.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits:

The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver .

Please include the following documents with your application:

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. The University of Denver prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University's educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; Equal Pay Act; Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Workers' Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement .

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.