Director of Communications - Houston, United States - Rice University

Rice University

Verified Company

Houston, United States

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Mark Lane

beBee recruiter

Description

Position Summary

The Director of Communications is a forward-thinking, highly innovative partner with a comprehensive understanding of the international landscape of architecture schools and other cultural and professional organizations.

They oversee sophisticated content production across diverse media assets and platforms, including the World Wide Web, social media, and other digital and print assets; ensure the proper archiving of the school's communications; cultivate university-wide, national, and international audiences; and continually evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies through analytics and market research.

They coordinate the production of publicity and marketing materials—including special projects—ensuring quality, clarity, impact, and consistency with the school's visual identity and branding.

They also support the dean in planning, generating, editing, and refining guidelines, themes, and content, including strategic and executive-level messaging, for various communication channels.

Working collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders, they oversee the planning and execution of public programs, such as lectures, exhibitions, symposia, and civic forums.

This full-time position is on-site, exempt, and benefits-eligible.

Minimum Qualifications
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Bachelor's degree
- _In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted _
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4+ (four) years of professional experience in communications, programming, publishing, editing, public relations, or related field
- _In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted _

Skills required
Excellent management skills and ability to manage multiple projects.
Ability to craft inspiring messages for various platforms and audiences: academic and public; internal and external; alumni and friends, etc.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including editorial and writing skills that have the clarity, quality, and exactitude of expression.
Understanding of narrative and visual modes of communication specific to architectural culture, including schools, firms, and other organizations.
Attention to craft and detail.
Knowledge of architecture, art, design, and other related fields, including their leading institutions (schools, museums, publishers, foundations, firms, etc.).
Ability to work under pressure in a fastpaced environment, managing multiple deadlines and production schedules.
Ability to manage multiple programs and projects, ensuring consistency and accuracy of the various communication channels and events.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in architecture, art, design, art history, communications, journalism, or a related field
Master's degree with a demonstrated track record of success in multiple institutional settings
Experience in architectural or cultural organizations, including academic and nonprofit settings
Experience with social media accounts and digital communication channels
Editorial, curatorial, and/or teaching experience is a plus

Essential Functions

Develops and executes marketing strategies and marketing plans/programs to meet departmental and/or organizational objectives
Leads the execution of communication and brand strategy for multiple programs incorporating appropriate channel
Responsible for staff, including the recruitment, management, development, and retention of staff
Sets budget, goals, and objectives in alignment with organizational goals
Oversees event management as needed to support marketing objectives
Manages vendor relationships
Oversees market research and analysis
Uses the results to inform decisions regarding strategic marketing direction, product segmentation, and customer targeting
Assesses market opportunities and tracks market trends. Implement marketing improvements based on findings
Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Responsibilities

Crafts messaging about the school and its communications programs for various platforms and audiences: disciplinary and academic, general public, internal and external; supporters and alumni
Develops, implements, and manages annual and longterm communication plans
Manages the communications budget
Supports the dean by proposing, editing, and refining guidelines and themes for the curation of communications
Manages the communications team: web and social media, creative content production (printed and digital), exhibitions, public programs, etc.
Coordinates production of materials related to specific projects across these platforms, ensuring quality, clarity, and impact in the field.
Develops a network of contacts and partners to promote messaging and programs and build audiences, including loc