Strategic Communications Director

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via connectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

Definition of Class

This position manages the development of institutional strategic communications with emphasis on campus communications and support for the Office of the Chancellor. The incumbent develops key messages for a wide range of issues facing the university, develops executive responses for sensitive and complex matters, and creates and directs strategic communications efforts of special initiatives. The Director is a member of the leadership team for the Office of University Marketing & Communications.

Examples of Work Performed

• Manages the development of institutional strategic communications targeting a wide array of stakeholders, including students and their families, faculty, staff, alumni, public officials, and others who have an interest in the activities of the university. 
• Establishes strategic and integrated communications approach for the university. 
• Defines and directs tasks within the strategic communications approach. 
• Researches, develops, compiles, and edits written and verbal communications from the Chancellor designed for delivery to internal and external audiences. 
• Manages processes for monitoring ongoing communication needs of the Chancellor and strategic needs of the members of the Senior Leadership Group.
• Researches ideas and develops executive responses for written publication / communication of sensitive and complex issues. 
• Supervises a team of three full-time professionals and part-time student workers who produce campus communications and manages the channels that deliver them, including the chancellor’s @ The Flagship newsletter, The Red & Blue employee newsletter, The Powder Blue student newsletter, and the Hotty Toddy TV campus digital display network, among others. 
• Oversees and advises staff working with communicators to ensure a unified approach. 
• Ensures that institutional messaging is supported across campus at a unit or departmental level. 
• Creates and coordinates strategic communications projects and campaigns to support strategic initiatives and major campus events. 
• Provides guidance and supervision to subordinate staff. 
• Performs related or similar duties as required or assigned. 

Essential Functions

The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following. Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.

Plans and executes the development of institutional strategic communications.

Manages communications services and support for the Office of the Chancellor.

Oversees the distribution of communications channels serving the university’s primary audiences and constituents.

Directs strategic communications efforts of special initiatives. 

Minimum Education/Experience

Education:
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in a related field.

AND

Experience:
Five (5) years of experience related to the above described duties.

Substitution Statement: Related experience may be substituted for education, on a basis set forth and approved by the Department of Human Resources.

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Salary/Wage Information

To learn more about our pay structure and view our salary ranges,

click here

to visit the Compensation page of our Human Resources website. This link is provided for general pay information. Hourly rate or salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and departmental budget. Note: Unclassified positions (faculty, executives, researchers and coaches) do not have established salary ranges.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.