Director of University Communications/Chief Communication Officer

University of Southern Mississippi, United States

Updated: about 2 months ago
Location: Hattiesburg, MISSISSIPPI
Job Type: FullTime

Director of University Communications/Chief Communication Officer

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Director of University Communications/Chief Communication Officer.


Position Details
Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States
Division Office of the President
Position Type Staff
Employment Status Full Time
Grant Funded No
Salary Range 103,272.00 - 139,722.00
Pay Grade

E18

Posting Close Date 10 days after posted

Job Summary:
The Office of University Communications leads institutional communications and public relations efforts and collaborates with University units to align and integrate marketing content. The Director of University Communications/Chief Communication Officer (CCO) provides strategic leadership, develops and directs a comprehensive communication plan to advance the University’s priorities, and anticipates and responds to public relations inquiries. The CCO reports to the University President and works directly with the University’s leadership and staff in the Office of the President.
Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Serves as the University’s official spokesperson, advises University leadership on issues impacting stakeholders, and directs senior-level communications.
  •   Develops and oversees a comprehensive communication plan designed to advance institutional priorities and raise the profile of the University.
  •   Collaborates with the leadership of admissions, academic affairs, external affairs and other units to align and integrate all marketing content with University messages.
  •   Leads a team of strategists and practitioners in the Office of University Communications who execute marketing and public relations functions through brand strategy and management, web strategy and development, advertising, social media, design and video production, digital and multimedia communications, news and media relations, and crisis communication.
  •   Directs institutional crisis communication, including emergency matters and reputational issues, in collaboration with the crisis response team.
  •   Oversees the deployment of related human and fiscal resources across all University campuses.
  •   Carries out responsibilities related to the management of public records requests, on-campus filming requests, internal communications, and other duties as assigned.
  • Manages the University’s communication efforts within and alongside the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL System).
  •   Maintains active knowledge of developments in the field, as well as the statewide and national higher education landscape as it pertains to the University.

    • Minimum Qualifications:
    Master’s degree in public relations, marketing or related field from an accredited college or university and eight years of directly related experience, including responsibility for communications strategy, content production, integrated message deployment, or public relations; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

    • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with ability to present information and communicate effectively with a wide variety of people.
    •   Ability to manage multiple projects, which are often time sensitive in nature.
    •   Ability to exercise exceptional discretion, confidentiality, and judgement in dealing with sensitive issues.
    •   Adept at collaborative decision making.
    •   Ability to effectively manage a team.
    •   Ability to develop and implement a proactive communications vision and plan.
    • Strong service orientation.
    • Ability to travel between campuses and teaching sites as needed.


    Preferred Qualifications: 
    Experience in an academic or public sector setting in public relations, marketing, or related field.



    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.


    Similar Positions