Communications Manager - Administration and Finance

Are you ready to join a community leading in innovative teaching and learning? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With our growing enrollment and global reach, we are enjoying increased prominence among Georgia's colleges. We offer more than 150 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to over 43,000 students. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics also draw students from throughout the region and from 92 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, mission and values and rich benefits make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia .  Kennesaw State will exemplify the power and promise of a student-centered, research-driven university. Our institutional values are student-inspired, promise-fulfilling, true to ourselves, elevational, open and impact-generating. In addition, we support the University System of Georgia core values of accountability, excellence, integrity and respect.  We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University. Come to KSU and find your passion.   

Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144. 

DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Works independently as the liaison to the assigned Administration & Finance department(s), which include but are not limited to the senior leadership team, Planning, Design and Construction, Campus Operations, Campus Services, Fiscal Services, etc. 
2. Develops and maintains strong partnerships within the assigned department(s), understanding key business strategies, objectives, and project expectations to support communication efforts and goals 
3. Develops and manages comprehensive communication strategies for assigned department(s), including communication timelines, graphics, email, web copy and more to help department(s) meet their objectives. 
4. Works with department leadership to plan, create, and evaluate strategic communications initiatives to drive understanding and engagement 
5. Serves as manager of internal and external media requests from news sources including The Sentinel student newspaper, Marietta Daily journal, student projects, etc. by gathering answers to questions, writing responses, and receiving approvals before returning information
6. Supervises communications team which creates copy for print, email, social, etc. for various target audiences with various goals for the assigned department(s) 
7. Works with digital marketing team to utilize email, web, and social media to drive users to the assigned department, enhance the brand and promote events and programs 
8. Regularly audits assigned department(s) websites and intranet pages for accuracy and provides suggestions for content and web copy that better suits the needs of assigned department(s)
9. Coordinates and runs regular meetings with assigned departmental leadership to review communications, updates and goals of departments, and provides analytical data analysis of communications performance to determine the effectiveness of implemented strategies 
10.  Oversees monthly division and departmental newsletters by gathering and writing content and overseeing proofing and feedback gathering process  

Provides and oversees communication for the assigned department(s) and/or college(s). Plans, creates and implements internal and external communication campaigns. Creates, edits and disseminates written communications and marketing content. Responsible for designing and developing print and digital materials via email, social media, campus webpages, digital signs, video, flyers and/or posters. Engages in university-wide communications and social media groups to track evolving trends and adopt best practices.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Develops, posts and monitors content and analytics for social media channels
2. Serves as communications contact and liaison for the assigned department(s) and/or college(s)
3. Updates content on websites
4. Writes, edits, and/or proofreads communications content (relevant stories, press releases, web content, print materials)
5. Plans and develops story ideas in support of the assigned department(s) and/or college(s)
6. Writes and edits content for magazine(s) and newsletter(s) per established guidelines
7. Coordinates and collaborates on news with other institutional level communications professionals
8. Designs marketing and informational materials (brochures, event invitations, etc.) and graphics for social media postings and digital signage
9. Cultivates and maintains relationships with KSU faculty, staff and/or students and supports KSU units in promoting college, unit and/or department events and programs
10. Plans and creates written and visual content for special projects, including general communications and/or specialized correspondence as assigned
11. May supervise assigned staff and/or student assistants

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in related field
Required Experience
Three (3) years of related marketing and/or communications experience

Preferred Educational Qualifications
Degree in Marketing, Public Relations or Communications
Preferred Experience
Event Management Experience

ABILITIES
Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines 
SKILLS
Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e. Microsoft Office suite)
Strong attention to detail and follow up skills
Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette
 

Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community.
For additional information or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 225, [email protected].

This is not a supervisory position.
This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is not considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position will not travel
This position does not require security clearance.

• Standard Enhanced
• Education

Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening
results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility.

All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials.

https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap_manual/HRAP_Background_Investigation_Employment.pdf