Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing - Houston, United States - Rice University

Description

Job Description

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Provide a cover letter and resume. Will also be asked to provide a writing sample.

Scenario:

You are the Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing for Housing and Dining at Rice University. A student has sent an email expressing dissatisfaction due to a maintenance work order not being resolved for some time and is threatening to bring this issue to the student newspaper.

Task:

Draft a response to the students email and next steps to resolve this issue. Please email your writing sample as a PDF to

Position Summary

The Assistant Director, Communications and Marketing, plays a pivotal role within the Housing and Dining department at Rice University. This position is responsible for spearheading communication and marketing initiatives, ensuring effective dissemination of information, and enhancing the visibility and reputation of the department. The Assistant Director will serve as a key leader, overseeing various communication channels, producing marketing materials, and engaging with internal and external stakeholders to promote departmental programs and services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement comprehensive communication and marketing strategies aligned with departmental goals and university objectives.
• Manage various communication channels, including digital platforms, newsletters, and social media, to effectively convey departmental updates and announcement.
• Design and produce high-quality marketing materials, such as brochures, flyers, and posters, to promote housing options, dining services, and related programs.
• Collaborate with departmental staff to identify key messages and target audiences, ensuring that communication efforts are tailored to meet specific needs.
• Serve as a liaison between the Housing and Dining department and other campus entities, fostering collaboration and partnership opportunities.
• Monitor and analyze communication metrics and engagement data to assess the effectiveness of communication strategies and make recommendations for improvement.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in communication and marketing, incorporating innovative approaches to enhance departmental outreach efforts.
• Provide leadership and guidance to staff members involved in communication and marketing activities, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Ideal Candidate Statement:
The ideal candidate for the Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing for Housing and Dining at Rice University is a strategic communicator with a strong track record in traditional and digital marketing. They excel in developing innovative campaigns that showcase university offerings to diverse audiences and working with cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals. With exceptional project management skills and a collaborative mindset, they tailor communications to meet community needs while championing diversity and inclusion.

Annual Hiring Range: $60,000 to $68,000, contingent upon qualifications and experience.

Workplace Requirements:

Physical Demands:

• Must lift and carry up to 20 pounds several times daily.
• Requires walking or standing up to eight hours per day.
• Other physical requirements include bending/crouching/kneeling, lifting, seeing, reaching, climbing, and balancing.
• Must be able to move throughout assigned areas, as work is performed indoors and outdoors.

Work Environment:

• Primarily an indoor work environment in a variety of university settings which may include offices, food serveries, and residential facilities. May be exposed to temperature extremes in facilities that are not climate controlled
• Some work may occur at heightened elevations on ladders or scaffolding, or in wet areas. Possible exposure to toxic and caustic chemicals.
• Work Hours, On Call Schedule and Travel:
  • On-call duty involves being available outside regular working hours to address emergencies or critical issues promptly. This responsibility requires quick responsiveness via phone or other communication channels to ensure timely problem resolution.
  • After-hours work may be required or other work outside the regular schedule may be needed
  • Available on a continuous "on-call" basis for response to problems and emergencies that affect campus operations

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree.
  • Experience may not be substituted for the education requirement.
• Two years of related experience in communications, public relations, or another related field, with some experience managing and/or coordinating projects and marketing campaigns.

Skills

• Strategic Communication: Ability to develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies aligned with departmental goals and university objectives.
• Marketing Expertise: Proficiency in designing and producing marketing materials to promote housing options, dining services, and related programs.
• Digital Communication: Strong understanding of digital communication tools and platforms, including social media management, email marketing, and content management systems.
• Writing and Editing: Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages tailored to diverse audiences and edit materials for clarity and accuracy.
• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues at all levels of the organization and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to monitor and analyze communication metrics and engagement data to assess the effectiveness of communication strategies and make data-driven recommendations for improvement.
• Creative Thinking: Creative thinker with a strategic mindset, capable of generating innovative ideas and approaches to enhance departmental outreach efforts.
• Leadership Abilities: Leadership qualities to provide guidance and support to staff members involved in communication and marketing activities, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Adaptability: Flexibility and adaptability to navigate changing priorities and respond effectively to emerging opportunities and challenges in a dynamic higher education environment.
• Attention to Detail: Extreme attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of quality in all communication and marketing materials.
• Customer Focus: Strong customer service orientation, with a focus on understanding and meeting the needs and preferences of diverse audiences, including college students and other stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Strong problem-solving skills to identify challenges, develop solutions, and overcome obstacles encountered in communication and marketing initiatives.
• Brand Management: Understanding of brand management principles and the ability to uphold and promote the department's brand identity and messaging across various communication channels.
• Knowledge of Higher Education: Familiarity with the unique needs and preferences of college students and an understanding of housing and dining operations in a university setting is desirable.

Preferences:

• Master's degree in communication, journalism, or English.
• Five years of experience in higher-ed related to events planning, communication and strategic planning.
• Three years of related experience managing and/or coordinating projects or events.

Essential Functions

• Develop and Implement Communication Strategies: Create and execute comprehensive communication strategies that align with the goals and objectives of the Housing and Dining department and contribute to the overall mission of Rice University.
• Manage Communication Channels: Oversee various communication channels, including digital platforms, newsletters, social media, and websites, ensuring timely and effective dissemination of information to internal and external stakeholders.
• Produce Marketing Materials: Design and produce marketing materials, such as brochures, flyers, posters, and digital content, to promote housing options, dining services, and related programs in alignment with branding guidelines.
• Engage Stakeholders: Serve as a primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, fostering positive relationships and facilitating communication to support departmental initiatives and collaborations.
• Monitor and Analyze Metrics: Track and analyze communication metrics, engagement data, and feedback to assess the effectiveness of communication strategies and make data-driven recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Lead Special Projects: Take ownership of special communication projects or initiatives, such as campaigns, events, or initiatives aimed at enhancing awareness and engagement with Housing and Dining programs and services.
• Provide Leadership and Guidance: Lead a team of communication and marketing professionals, providing direction, mentorship, and support to ensure the successful execution of departmental communication efforts.
• Collaborate Across Departments: Collaborate with colleagues within the Housing and Dining department and across other divisions, such as Campus Services and Sustainability, to support shared goals and initiatives and facilitate cross-departmental communication and collaboration.
• Support Larger Division Initiatives: Dedicate 25% of work time to providing communication and marketing support to the larger divisions of Campus Services and Sustainability, contributing to their strategic objectives and initiatives as needed.
• Stay Informed of Trends: Stay abreast of industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in communication and marketing, and incorporate relevant innovations into departmental strategies and activities.
• Maintain Brand Consistency: Ensure consistency in messaging, branding, and visual identity across all communication materials and platforms, upholding and promoting the department's brand identity and reputation.
• Adhere to Policies and Guidelines: Adhere to university policies, procedures, and guidelines related to communication, marketing, and brand management, ensuring compliance and ethical conduct in all communication activities.
• Provide Event Support: Provide communication and marketing support for departmental events, including promotion, coverage, and post-event communication to stakeholders.
• Contribute to Strategic Planning: Participate in strategic planning activities, providing input and recommendations for communication and marketing priorities, objectives, and initiatives aligned with departmental and university goals.
• Perform Other Duties as Assigned: Undertake additional responsibilities and tasks as assigned by departmental leadership to support the overall mission and objectives of the Housing and Dining department and Rice University.

Rice University HR | Benefits:

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

About Us

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.