DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Req #: | 177738 |
Department: | OFFICE OF MINORITY AFFAIRS & DIVERSITY |
Appointing Department Web Address: | http://uw.edu/omad |
Job Location: | Seattle Campus |
Posting Date: | 04/27/2020 |
Closing Info: | Open Until Filled |
Salary: | Salary is commensurate with experience and education |
Limited Recruitment: |
Other
|
Shift: | First Shift |
Notes: |
As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For detailed information on Benefits for this position, click here.
For priority consideration, please apply by May 10, 2020. |
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. All of which has allowed the UW to be nationally recognized as a “Great College to Work For” for six consecutive years.
For over 50 years, the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (OMA&D) has advanced diversity, equity and inclusion at the University of Washington, a campus that sits on tribal land. Through our programs and partnerships, we create pathways for diverse populations to access post-secondary opportunities, nurture and support their academic success, and cultivate a campus climate that enriches the educational experience for all. This legacy of work continues to drive excellence at the UW and together, we help the university work toward its vision for becoming a more just and equitable campus community. More information about the Office for Equity and Diversity is available at uw.edu/omad.
The Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (OMA&D) is seeking a highly qualified, motivated, and creative leader to serve as the office’s Director of Communications. This professional is responsible for the strategic communications leadership for OMA&D. This position develops and leads the office’s internal and external communication strategies, marketing, and promotion to ensure effective communications within the office, throughout the University of Washington, and with OMA&D’s external constituencies. This position is critical to OMA&D’s access, success, and transformational efforts.
The Director of Communications serves as a member of the OMA&D leadership administrative team and acts as OMA&D’s primary contact for University Marketing & Communications, University News Service, departmental and collegiate communications contacts, and the media. The position is a full-time position reporting to the Vice President for Minority Affairs & Diversity/University Diversity Officer.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Executive Communications Strategy & Planning:
• Serve as a critical member of the Vice President’s central office team and support efforts to accomplish the Office’s mission.
• Help advance the OMA&D strategic plan. This will include co-chairing the strategic plan communication working group and creating and chairing an OMA&D communications team.
Public Relations & Communications Management:
• Act as media relations contact for OMA&D. Work with University Marketing & Communications and University News Service staff on media projects and work with OMA&D staff on media interactions.
• Manage all aspects of the OMA&D and Diversity web sites (content, design, organization, etc.). Work with OMA&D directors/managers to update their websites housed within the OMA&D suite of pages.
• Develop and maintain relationships and collaborations with communicators across the University as well as external stakeholders in support of the institution’s equity and diversity goals.
• Provide consultation and advice regarding inclusive communications on an as-requested basis for central/campus units.
• Supervise Associate Director for Diversity Communications & Outreach (dual report to OMA&D and UW Marketing & Communication) and an undergraduate student intern.
• Represent OMA&D on University committees and task forces as needed.
• Lead opportunities to communicate OMA&D mission and purpose to diverse audiences. Enhance awareness and understanding of OMA&D program offerings and successes to campus, local, regional and national audiences.
Communications Design, Development & Implementation:
• Develop and implement the internal and external strategic communications and marketing plans for OMA&D and its units.
• Lead the development of and manage OMA&D’s portfolio of collateral items, including brochures, fundraising materials, articles, invitations, videos, and other items as needed (including production and distribution).
• Develop a system for review and routing of external communications.
• Provide editorial expertise and support to OMA&D senior staff.
• Write and edit columns, talking points, presentations, policy statements, planning documents, and correspondence on behalf of the Vice President.
• Maintain updated visual and editorial style guides.
REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelor’s degree
• At least five years of professional experience in institutional, non-profit, or corporate strategic communications
• Demonstrated excellent and efficient writing, editing, organizational, and presentation skills.
• Expertise in the following areas: publications management, website creation and maintenance, media relations, project planning, and sophisticated content development related to equity and diversity issues
• Demonstrated experience working effectively with individuals from diverse and marginalized communities, including specific experience with American Indian and Alaska Natives; people of color, including underrepresented groups and new immigrant populations; people with both visible and invisible disabilities; women; people of various gender and sexual identities and expressions.
• Ability to understand and communicate the complex and nuanced issues of diversity and equity
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to the demands of a changing and challenging professional environment; balance competing interests and a complex portfolio effectively; and balance multiple projects under time and resource pressure.
• Knowledge of the latest advances in the effective use of digital and social media for effective communication, including online communities, search engine optimization, and other digital marketing tools.
• Demonstrated commitment to a collaborative team-based approach.
• Excellent organizational skills with the demonstrated ability to effectively plan, coordinate, prioritize, take direction, and execute multiple projects meeting established deadlines with little direct supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with representatives from all levels of staff, faculty, students, and external stakeholders across a large, complex, multi-campus organizational structure in a fast-paced environment.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
DESIRED EXPERIENCE
• Advanced degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Affairs, Library Sciences or related field
• Prior work experience in higher education.
• Direct experience in communications related to equity and diversity.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with communications in complex organizations.
• Expertise or knowledge of content management systems such as Wordpress
• Familiarity with digital marketing services like Marketo or MailChimp.
• Crisis Communication experience.
Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Workforce Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington is a leader in environmental stewardship & sustainability, and committed to becoming climate neutral.
The University of Washington is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 / 206-543-6452 (tty) or dso@uw.edu.