Communications Manager, MSU Alumni Office / Communications Manager I

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Work type:Support Staff
Pay Grade: 12
Major Administrative Unit / College: University Advancement
Department: Msu Alumni Office 10069589
Sub Area: AP- Professionals
Salary: Salary Commensurate with Experience
Location:East Lansing
Categories:Administrative/Business/Professional, PR/Media/Graphics/Comm/Fund Raising, Administrative Professionals- AP, Full Time (90-100%), Union, Remote-Friendly

Communications Manager, MSU Alumni Office

Position Summary  

Michigan State University is seeking a communications manager. The manager will oversee communications strategies, timelines, content creation, design materials, graphics and other collateral material supporting MSU Alumni Office marketing strategies and alumni relations.  

Reporting to the MSU Alumni Office director of marketing, the communications manager will be responsible for organizing and overseeing the creation of materials and content through the development, design, creation, and production of various campaigns. The communications manager will participate as a member of the alumni marketing and communications team to manage projects, timelines, and priorities accordingly.   

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities: 

The communications manager is responsible for campaign development, project management, email marketing, web content management, shaping digital assets for a variety of online and social channels, and reporting on content marketing efforts using web, email, and Google and social analytics tools.   

As a member of the MSU Alumni Office communications team, the communications manager will strategize with other team members to create and distribute content to help in the success of MSU Alumni’s goals.  

Responsibilities will include: 

Project management:

• Create short- and long-term timelines for ongoing initiatives. 
• Maintain and communicate timelines with key partners and stakeholders.   
• Manage and facilitate the production of multiple projects at the same time. 
• Maintain a team editorial calendar to aid in the coordination of alumni communications. 

Visual production/coordination:

• Produce designs for digital and print purposes.  
• Find and coordinate visual assets including photo and video. 
• Manage creation, production, and dissemination of printed and digital publications such as brochures and publications, logos, promotional displays, newsletters, event invitations, postcards, program guides, advertising, etc.

Email communications: 

• Work with alumni clubs and campus partners as needed for email campaigns.  
• Develop special email publications.
• Research and incorporate email best practices.

Web content production/coordination:

• Produce and publish marketing content on UA websites. 
• Maintain and update website pages. 
• Strategize with web services team on internal and external user experience enhancements. 
• Ensure websites meet accessibility standards. 

Social media content procurement:

• Write and design compelling social media content to inform and engage.
• Strategize on best use/delivery of content on each of MSU Alumni’s social media platforms. 
• Execute paid social campaigns. 

Analysis and reporting:

• Create regular reports on success of content marketing efforts. 
• Manage and develop analytics tools, including link tracking. 
• Make recommendations based on content analysis. 

Content strategy:

• Collaborate with team members to identify project goals and strategies. 
• Write project scope and strategy plans. 

System/process management:

• Manage and support digital marketing tools. 
• Uphold and improve current content management collection, storage and processes. 

The job requires:

• Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in journalism, telecommunications, public relations, or related field. 
• One to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in public and media relations, composing, editing and publication production, news, broadcasting and print media, and/or marketing, advertising, and creative services; graphic design. 
• Experience with word processing; desktop publishing; web design; presentation software; spreadsheet and/or database software; public presentation; or radio production; or computer programming/technology. 
• Experience managing content for social media channels; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license. 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in communications, public relations, marketing, or digital content design. 
• Two – four years of demonstrated success in managing and producing digital marketing campaigns. 
• Experience leveraging a content management system that hosts a wide variety of assets. 
• Experience with web analytics tools and turning numbers into insights. 
• Knowledge of the latest Adobe Creative Suite along with basic understanding of HTML and CSS. 
• Experience generating content, proofing, and implementation of large email campaigns. 
• Experience with implementing accessibility standards for people with disabilities. 
• Experience working with international alumni groups and audiences.
• Knowledge of web analytics tools to accurately assess campaign effectiveness and turning numbers into valuable insights. 
• Experience developing digital assets for a wide variety of platforms. 
• A track record for driving more engagement with content. 
• Experience creating and building emails.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organizational skills, and drive to continue to learn. 
• Ability to work well independently and effectively as a team member. 
• Outstanding customer service skills. 
• An eye for creating graphically pleasing content. 
• Attention to detail but able to see the big picture. 
• Familiar with CRM systems e.g. Salesforce, Ellucian Advance, Blackbaud. 

If you review this job description and, have done many of the responsibilities or have transferable skills, we want to hear from you and, welcome your application!   

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Resume and cover letter

HOW TO APPLY

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Patricia Karam, Director of Recruitment, at [email protected] . 

Screening of applicants will continue until the position is filled.

8 am - 5 pm with evenings and weekends possible

Advancement.msu.edu

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Advertised:Mar 27, 2024 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:Apr 2, 2024 Eastern Daylight Time