Hiring Department
Executive Communication & Marketing
Job Description
The University of Missouri’s Joint Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing has an exciting opportunity for a dynamic leader to oversee the reimagining of a centralized content team. This position is responsible for driving innovative and impactful communications efforts that promote the university’s strategic priorities. This position reports to the Assistant Vice Chancellor in the Joint Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing and serves as part of the leadership team.
This collaborative leader will oversee, plan and package compelling and effective communications to internal and external stakeholders, and local, regional, statewide and national media outlets. This position will work in close coordination with the Issues Management team, Mizzou Social Media, Mizzou Visual Productions, Mizzou Marketing and other university partners.
The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the university’s mission, goals, and strategic initiatives; experience in supporting communications for a large, complex organization; exceptional interpersonal skills; and the leadership qualities needed to motivate and mentor a dynamic and talented team of professionals.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Lead the communication of the university’s initiatives and differentiators to ensure they are presented consistently and clearly through external and internal messaging.
- Oversee public relations activities at the university, including press conferences and other events where media are present, in partnership with the Issues Management team.
- Serve as liaison between media and selected areas of the university.
- Foster proactive opportunities for media coverage and advance the public perception of the university.
- Supervise all operations of the News and Information team.
- Serve as brand champion for the University of Missouri and ensure consistency in tone and message.
- Maintain positive interpersonal relationships and exhibit effective written and oral communications skills.
- Serve as a member of JOSCM’s leadership team.
- Engage and collaborate with other units at the university to provide cohesive messages.
- Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external resources.
- Cultivate and maintain a team-oriented and customer-focused culture that retains and attracts excellent talent.
As a leader of the institution, this individual must conduct all activities in accordance with the Civil Rights Acts, Title IX, Rehabilitation, Americans with Disabilities Act and local, state and region affirmative action plans. Other duties and responsibilities will be expected to support the mission and purpose of MU Extension.
Salary
Salary Range: $76,279 – $120,000/ year, commensurate with education and experience
Grade: GGS-013
University Title: DIRECTOR I STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
Internal applicants can determine their University title by access the Talent Profile in myHR
Shift
40 hours/week, evening and weekend responsibilities as required.
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 6 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary
Preferred Qualifications
- A minimum of 10 years of leading and managing communications and public relations initiatives, preferably in the higher education sector.
- A bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field, or its equivalent.
- Demonstrated success in developing media relations and building effective relationships with key stakeholders.
- Ability to use public relations skills to respond to challenging situations quickly and professionally.
- Experience writing communications that represent organizations or organizational leaders.
- Experience supervising a team of employees to accomplish strategic objectives.
- Experience collaborating in a large organization.
- Excellent organization and planning skills.
- A working knowledge of social media best practices and various social media platforms.
- An understanding of visual storytelling and experience collaborating with photo and video teams.
Application Materials
MU application, resume, and cover letter
Columbia Missouri Information
Columbia, Mo., is known as an ideal college town, combining small-town comforts, community spirit and low cost of living with big-city culture, activities and resources. Home to nationally renowned public schools and other colleges and educational centers, Columbia is packed with restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen annual cultural festivals.
Benefit Eligibility
This position is eligible for University benefits. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, and educational fee discounts. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at http://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits
Values Commitment
We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.
In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research and engagement.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America. For more information, call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-7976.
To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.
Know Your Rights
To read more about Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) please use the following links:
- Know Your Rights English Version
- Know Your Rights Spanish Version