Beyond120 Communications Manager

Classification Title:

Communications Manager

Job Description:

The Beyond120 Program in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is seeking a Communications Manager. This position will have an appreciation of a liberal arts education and support CLAS students as they evaluate career paths and pursue experiential learning and industry-related experiences (non-profit, public, and private sectors) while planning for full-time employment options. The Communications Manager serves on the Beyond120 leadership team to direct a comprehensive, effective, and innovative communication strategy to engage and inspire key audiences. Assists the program to drive communication strategy development, message alignment, and communication implementation. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Strategy

• Define communication strategies for organizational initiatives and direct development and publication of communications, industry and community communication initiatives, and marketing projects.
• Develops the concepts, vision, parameters, and messaging for the Beyond120 program. Determines how, when and who to target for each event, academic initiative, and fundraising activity. Determines the most effective methods and the timing to reach key audiences.
• Understand trends and effective communication for undergraduate students at the University of Florida. Ensure communication on Beyond120 website and social media platforms are consistent with student needs. Work with Beyond120 faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders for feedback while continually enhancing student focused communication.
• Ensure consistent implementation of branding standards and guidelines. Maintain the editorial consistency and the visual coherence of the programs print, web, and multimedia
• communications. Directs social media usage and outlines how the program and its employees should conduct themselves via the web in order to protect the program’s online reputation.
• Demonstrates leadership through professionalism, judgment, critical thinking, and substantive contributions to the program’s strategic mission.
• Provides guidance on teambuilding activities/retreats in order to maintain shared vision among staff. Facilitates participation in state and campus experiential learning initiatives and identifies opportunities for cross-campus and industry/community collaborations.
• Establishes performance goals and measures to evaluate success of assigned area of responsibility. Plans and directs activities designed to maintain a favorable image for the program and raise awareness for its initiatives.
• Direct a comprehensive, effective, and innovative communication strategy to engage and inspire key audiences and determines the most effective methods and the timing to reach key audiences such as faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, agencies and businesses, and community collaborations.

Project Management

• Serves as executive editor and creative director for the program’s fundraising collateral, print publications, student recruitment materials, course promotion, event promotion and digital projects. Works with CLAS Communications and CLAS Advancement on collaborative efforts.
• Direct and develop content, plan and manage workflow, implement updates as needed. Oversee all communication to ensure consistency with UF and College branding guidelines.
• Work closely with the program director, CLAS Advancement, and CLAS Communications to produce high-quality stewardship materials for industry engagement, alumni and donor development, stewardship programs, and fundraising strategies.
• Hire, train, and supervise OPS communication assistants (non-clerical student assistants) such as photographers and videographers as needed. Sets the direction and approves all content produced by external vendors, including videographers, web developers, graphic designers, and printers.
• Serve as the administrator for MentorConnect or other mentorship platform. Work with Beyond120 team for site functionality and feedback.
• Oversees a variety of projects ranging from oversight of the MentorConnect website platform, developing run of show for high profile events (industry panels, fundraising initiatives, etc.)
• Oversees the risk assessment process for data that is collected, stored, transmitted, and processed through MentorConnect and works in coordination with the vendor and UF policies and regulations.
• Serves as primary contact with CLAS Communications, CLAS Advancement, AAC web development, and other departmental communications areas.

Executive Communication & Administration

• This role will have extensive internal and external business contact with stakeholders and constituents. The position will answer inquiries from top-level university personnel, CLAS Advancement staff, donors, faculty, etc. Should have a proven track record of results-driven communications and significant experience managing integrated marketing and communications efforts in a complex, academic environment.
• Prepare proposals, experiential learning reports, annual reports, and other pertinent executive communications. Assist the team with projects related to professional public communication, for example, creating presentation templates and editing letters and other written material for sensitivities, correct grammar, clarity, and proper use of language.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of assigned area of responsibility including work with external vendors.
• Manage and maintain archive of proposals and annual reports. Assist in tracking communications projects (number requested, number completed, and outcomes of requests) to measure performance in this area.
• Establish performance goals and measures to evaluate success of assigned area of responsibility.
• Attend day and evening events and assists with program set-up.
• Serve as a resource for students and student groups.
• Represent program at College and University communications meetings.
• Attends staff and/or other program meetings.
• Responsible for developing and making expenditure recommendations for communications projects including video production, web development, print publications, fundraising. events/collateral and digital signage.

Other duties as assigned.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the heart of the University of Florida and the Gator Nation with over 800 faculty. As the largest college on campus, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is charged with teaching the university’s core curriculum. We are home to the humanities, the social and behavioral sciences, and the physical, natural and mathematical sciences.

UF is the state’s oldest, largest, and most comprehensive land grant university with an enrollment of over 50,000 students and was ranked 6th in the country among public universities (US News and World Report 2023 rankings) and 1st among public institutions in the Wall Street Journal 2023 survey. UF is located in Gainesville, a city of approximately 150,000 residents in North-Central Florida, 50 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, 67 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, and within a 2-hour drive to large metropolitan areas (Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville). The beautiful climate and extensive nearby parks and recreational areas afford year-round outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and nature photography. UF’s large college sports programs, museums, and performing arts center support a range of activities and cultural events for residents to enjoy. Alachua County schools are highly rated and offer a variety of programs, including magnet schools and an international baccalaureate program. Learn more about what Gainesville has to offer at Visit Gainesville .

Advertised Salary:

The salary range is $62,000 - $68,000, competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, and the compensation includes a full benefits package.

Employment Benefits include:

Health Insurance: UF participates in state- and university-sponsored benefits programs for individuals, families, and domestic partners, and offers voluntary insurance that includes vision, dental, long-term disability and more.

Retirement Options: Attractive options include Florida Retirement System Pension Plan, State University System Optional Retirement Program, Florida Retirement System Investment Plan, and Voluntary Retirement Savings Plan.

Leave: UF staff enjoy a generous paid leave plan as well as access to a sick-leave pool, parental leave, and leave payouts.

Minimum Requirements:

Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of appropriate experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to plan content development and distribution plans—managing workflow and implementing updates as needed.
• Versatile team player who is organized, dependable and a self-starter.
• Excellent writing, editing and interpersonal communications skills.
• Must be comfortable working in a deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to maintain high levels of creativity in creating messaging and developing overall communications strategy.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information of at least three professional references.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required:

No