Director of Strategic Communications for Advancement
The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Director of Strategic Communications for Advancement.
Position Details | |
Location |
Hattiesburg 118 College Drive Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001 United States |
Division | VP External Affairs |
Position Type | Staff |
Employment Status | Full Time |
Grant Funded | No |
Pay Grade | E15 |
Posting Close Date | Open until filled |
Special Instructions to Applicants
When applying for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references.
Job Summary
Directs and oversees the development and execution of a strategic, comprehensive and effective communication plan, specifically tailored to engage, enhance perception and strengthen connections with alumni, donors and friends of the University. Ensures effective coordination between the USM Foundation and Southern Miss Alumni Association and its audiences, while driving these efforts toward the University’s overall communications goals. Builds and manages a team of professionals to support Advancement Communications.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree in Communication, or related field, and a minimum of five years of experience leading in a complex communication environment. Must have a valid driver’s license. Supervisory experience.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Employees of this position are prohibited from disclosing confidential and proprietary information of donors and prospects, the Foundation, the University and its employees or students. This confidentiality obligation is effective while employed in this position and continues after termination of employment.
- Comprehensive understanding of key communication practices within a complex setting.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate and interact effectively with a diverse group of people
- Ability to clearly and persuasively communicate concepts and ideas and garner the confidence of stakeholders
- Track record of setting high performance standards and building high performance teams
- Demonstrated understanding of using data to drive decision-making
- Strong grasp of digital technology
- Ability to remain agile in a dynamic workflow
- Demonstrated ability to create new and unique content
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business communications, financial reports, governmental regulations and legal documents
- Ability to write speeches, press releases, articles for publication and other communication materials that conform to prescribed style and format
- Ability to respond to inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies or members of the business community
- Ability to work before and after normal business hours, including weekends
- Ability to travel or complete overnight stays
- Self-motivated and accountable for results
- Seeks opportunities for development for both self and team
- Creates opportunities to apply new learnings and best practices into innovative solutions that positively impact results
- Sets clear expectations for performance, provides meaningful feedback, holds employees accountable and recognizes successes
- Effectively engages and interacts with others to collaborate and provide value-added support that enhances results and team effectiveness
- Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines
- Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion
- Understands higher education and non-profits and can use industry terminology fluently
- Thinks strategically and asks critical questions to delve to root cause to identify solutions
- Understands the interconnection of decisions, actions, outcomes and measures
Preferred Qualifications
Masters degree preferred. Experience in a higher education environment and/or non-profits.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 146 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education's "R1: Doctoral Universities - Very high research activity" designation, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and large event venue safety and security, among others. USM is also one of only 37 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of more than 14,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 37 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 27 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit www.usm.edu .
As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.
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