Southern Methodist University
Manager, Marketing Communications
Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, United States, 75215
Salary Range:
Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
About SMU
SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.
SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences , Cox School of Business , Lyle School of Engineering , Meadows School of the Arts , Simmons School of Education and Human Development , Dedman School of Law , Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies .
SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.
Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.
SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.
About the Department:
Development and External Affairs (DEA) supports SMU by securing funding for University priorities; by promoting meaningful involvement in the life and work of the University; by heightening international, national, state and local awareness of SMU; and by supporting the enrollment of a diverse and able student body.
DEA comprises the offices of Office of the Senior Vice President, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, Development Services, Program Services and Donor Relations, Marketing and Communications, Principal and Major Gifts, and School and Project Development.
SMU continues to leverage the benefits from the largest fundraising campaign in its history to achieve dramatic increases in academic quality and impact.
About the Position:
This role is an on-campus, in-person position.
This role reports to the Director of Strategic Communications and leads a small team in developing content and supporting executive-level communications and events.
The role works collaboratively with a number of stakeholders across campus and specifically supports the President and administrative leaders with messaging, presentations, correspondence and more.
The role also oversees one position that produces visuals for executive-level messaging, supports A/V at meetings and the live streaming of events.
Essential Functions:Research, write and prepare communications for executive level administrators and university programs, including speeches, introductions, reports, presentations, videos, statements, articles, correspondence and other materials.Manage deadlines and project flow of communications including setting internal deadlines as necessary and working with colleagues in Marketing and Communications, DEA, and SMU schools and units to see projects through to completion.Share and access communication materials with the broader MarCom team to ensure consistent messaging across platforms. Ensure the accuracy of all communications content in speeches, statements and quotes by researching topics, rigorously fact checking, writing, editing and consulting with the extended team and others.As appropriate, watch videos, read past content and attend events to learn the voice of executive leaders and to establish relationships and good communications with the university's many diverse constituencies. Work with appropriate staff to ensure all the audio-visual and technical aspects of a presentation are covered.Support Director of Strategic Communications with preparation of annual reports required to comply with various state and federal mandates, such as the Clery Act Annual Security and Fire Safety Report; Sexual Misconduct Policies, Prevention and Resources resources, and Public Information and Warning/Notification Emergency Support annexes.Provide support on issue management and crisis communications, such as assisting with drafting messages and correspondence for internal and external audiences, updating designated websites and social media platforms (SMU Aware.) When communications issues or crises arise, work with Director, AVP, VP of DEA, the Office of the President, Legal Affairs and others to develop and execute a communications plan for students, faculty, staff, alumni, media and others to execute the crisis plan for SMU.Occasionally support Director of Internal Communications on internal strategies/tactics that effectively communicate the vision and goals of SMU in alignment with the strategic plan. Use innovative internal communications channels, including but not limited to websites, newsletters, videos, and surveys to engage and inspire faculty and staff about SMU priorities and brand. Other duties as assigned.Manage the digital marketing specialist position who prepares all the visuals and A/V for executive-level meetings and presentations, as well as supports livestreaming across campus.Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree is required. Degree in Communications, English, Journalism or similar degree is preferred.
A minimum of five years of professional work experience in journalism, professional speech writing and/or communications. Some supervisory/management experience is also required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. A strong customer service orientation is essential.
Candidate must possess strong writing, editing and proofreading skills. The ability to translate complicated concepts into clear, compelling language for audiences ranging from key stakeholders to media to consumers is also required. Demonstrated ability to develop content for effective executive communications requiring minimal rewriting and editing is essential.
Candidate must possess strong organizational, planning and time-management skills with the ability to proactively manage multiple priorities and work under pressure. Must also have ability to be resourceful and proactive while working independently and collaboratively. The ability to be flexible and able to manage changing priorities is essential.
Must also possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. A strong attention to detail, as this role prepares executive level communications, is essential.
General knowledge of the Clery Act and previous experience managing or supporting emergency or crisis communications is strongly preferred.
Candidate must have a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, particularly PowerPoint. Knowledge of and/or experience with Slack, Box and/or Asana, preferred.
Knowledge of and/or experience with Adobe Creative Suite, RAVE, Veoci, social media, and/or Wordpress, desired. Previous experience working with content management systems such as SiteCore is a plus.
Physical and Environmental Demands:Sit for long periods of timeBend, stand, crawlWalk for distances
Deadline to Apply:
September 6, 2024
Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by August 28, 2024
EEO Statement:
SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu .
Benefits:
SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefit s. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.
SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities , including tuition benefits .
Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
About SMU
SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.
SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences , Cox School of Business , Lyle School of Engineering , Meadows School of the Arts , Simmons School of Education and Human Development , Dedman School of Law , Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies .
SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.
Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.
SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.
About the Department:
Development and External Affairs (DEA) supports SMU by securing funding for University priorities; by promoting meaningful involvement in the life and work of the University; by heightening international, national, state and local awareness of SMU; and by supporting the enrollment of a diverse and able student body.
DEA comprises the offices of Office of the Senior Vice President, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, Development Services, Program Services and Donor Relations, Marketing and Communications, Principal and Major Gifts, and School and Project Development.
SMU continues to leverage the benefits from the largest fundraising campaign in its history to achieve dramatic increases in academic quality and impact.
About the Position:
This role is an on-campus, in-person position.
This role reports to the Director of Strategic Communications and leads a small team in developing content and supporting executive-level communications and events.
The role works collaboratively with a number of stakeholders across campus and specifically supports the President and administrative leaders with messaging, presentations, correspondence and more.
The role also oversees one position that produces visuals for executive-level messaging, supports A/V at meetings and the live streaming of events.
Essential Functions:Research, write and prepare communications for executive level administrators and university programs, including speeches, introductions, reports, presentations, videos, statements, articles, correspondence and other materials.Manage deadlines and project flow of communications including setting internal deadlines as necessary and working with colleagues in Marketing and Communications, DEA, and SMU schools and units to see projects through to completion.Share and access communication materials with the broader MarCom team to ensure consistent messaging across platforms. Ensure the accuracy of all communications content in speeches, statements and quotes by researching topics, rigorously fact checking, writing, editing and consulting with the extended team and others.As appropriate, watch videos, read past content and attend events to learn the voice of executive leaders and to establish relationships and good communications with the university's many diverse constituencies. Work with appropriate staff to ensure all the audio-visual and technical aspects of a presentation are covered.Support Director of Strategic Communications with preparation of annual reports required to comply with various state and federal mandates, such as the Clery Act Annual Security and Fire Safety Report; Sexual Misconduct Policies, Prevention and Resources resources, and Public Information and Warning/Notification Emergency Support annexes.Provide support on issue management and crisis communications, such as assisting with drafting messages and correspondence for internal and external audiences, updating designated websites and social media platforms (SMU Aware.) When communications issues or crises arise, work with Director, AVP, VP of DEA, the Office of the President, Legal Affairs and others to develop and execute a communications plan for students, faculty, staff, alumni, media and others to execute the crisis plan for SMU.Occasionally support Director of Internal Communications on internal strategies/tactics that effectively communicate the vision and goals of SMU in alignment with the strategic plan. Use innovative internal communications channels, including but not limited to websites, newsletters, videos, and surveys to engage and inspire faculty and staff about SMU priorities and brand. Other duties as assigned.Manage the digital marketing specialist position who prepares all the visuals and A/V for executive-level meetings and presentations, as well as supports livestreaming across campus.Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree is required. Degree in Communications, English, Journalism or similar degree is preferred.
A minimum of five years of professional work experience in journalism, professional speech writing and/or communications. Some supervisory/management experience is also required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. A strong customer service orientation is essential.
Candidate must possess strong writing, editing and proofreading skills. The ability to translate complicated concepts into clear, compelling language for audiences ranging from key stakeholders to media to consumers is also required. Demonstrated ability to develop content for effective executive communications requiring minimal rewriting and editing is essential.
Candidate must possess strong organizational, planning and time-management skills with the ability to proactively manage multiple priorities and work under pressure. Must also have ability to be resourceful and proactive while working independently and collaboratively. The ability to be flexible and able to manage changing priorities is essential.
Must also possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. A strong attention to detail, as this role prepares executive level communications, is essential.
General knowledge of the Clery Act and previous experience managing or supporting emergency or crisis communications is strongly preferred.
Candidate must have a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, particularly PowerPoint. Knowledge of and/or experience with Slack, Box and/or Asana, preferred.
Knowledge of and/or experience with Adobe Creative Suite, RAVE, Veoci, social media, and/or Wordpress, desired. Previous experience working with content management systems such as SiteCore is a plus.
Physical and Environmental Demands:Sit for long periods of timeBend, stand, crawlWalk for distances
Deadline to Apply:
September 6, 2024
Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by August 28, 2024
EEO Statement:
SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu .
Benefits:
SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefit s. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.
SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities , including tuition benefits .