Communications Manager

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff "for fit" makes significant contributions to Howard University's overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Communications Manager, reporting directly to the Director of Media Relations, under the guidance of the Assistant Vice President for the division of Strategic Communications, Media and Editorial Services, supports the day-to-day management of the Office of University Communications media relations and strategic communications activity. The Communications Manager manages the Office of University Communications editorial calendar, ensuring that designated announcements follow the necessary protocol for publication and works collaboratively across teams to effectively align distribution of announcements across the University's channels. The Manager will also be responsible for planning and managing implementation of media relations and strategic communications to enhance the University's reputation locally, nationally and internationally.

The Communications Manager will routinely create media and strategic communications plans, write and edit internal and external communications content for internal and public distribution. The Manager will be expected to routinely write press releases, media advisories, feature stories, op-eds, web site content, social media copy, internal communications and other content in support of the University's communications efforts as needed with a specific focus on university-wide and administrative updates.

The Manager will also serve as a point of contact between the Office of University Communications and Howard University's schools and colleges, frequently interfacing with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and corporate partners to implement communications strategies as identified. This position will be responsible for the coordination of media plans using project management software and will oversee tracking and reporting on media coverage using media monitoring software. The Manager will also develop and coordinate media outreach strategies, support staffing plans for events where media is in attendance, and regularly pitch story ideas to media.

The ideal candidate is detail oriented, has experience managing media relations in an education or higher education, content calendars and communications projects from ideation to evaluation and possesses strong leadership skills and qualities.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY:

Involves supervisory responsibility or authority for the direction of communications specialists.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

The incumbent will work across the enterprise to advance storytelling and brand awareness efforts. This includes, but is not limited to students, faculty, staff, administration, and senior level executives across the University.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Manage day-to-day communications activities and a team of Communications specialists.
  
• Manage the OUC's editorial calendar, review and edit materials, and convene regular staff meetings to coordinate project actions/ timelines.
  
• Provide media relations and communications consulting and ongoing support to assigned academic and programmatic areas campus-wide, including but not limited to communications strategy, planning, media outreach, social media and special events planning. Mine stories on an ongoing basis, leveraging profiles, events and angles to support broader university messages.
  
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key national, regional, local and trade news media. Execute all aspects of media relations, including story development, media targeting, pitching, and relationship management. Secure media opportunities for University spokespeople. Develop interview briefings, conduct interview preparation, and routinely track media coverage.
  
• Stay attuned to external news events and trends related to HBCUs, higher education, research, and innovation/entrepreneurship, leveraging information for media outreach and other visibility opportunities.
  
• Inform campus-wide constituents of PR procedures and best practices to encourage communications consistency across the enterprise.
  
• Provide public relations counsel and ongoing support to assigned beat areas, including but not limited to communications strategy and planning, messaging support, media outreach, social media and special events planning. Successfully manage relationships with assigned schools and colleges to optimize collaboration opportunities. Mine beats for stories, profiles, events and angles to support broader university messages.
  
• Draft, edit and disseminate communications materials such as press releases, op-eds, blogs, feature stories, media advisories, scripts, calendar listings, public service announcements, e-newsletter content, web site content, and other promotional materials as required. Contribute to University publications and video productions as needed.
  
• Provide communications support for the University's milestone events including the annual commencement ceremony, convocations, and homecoming celebration.
  

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Knowledge and understanding of media relations and communications strategies to drive brand awareness and positive reputation.
  
• Knowledge of and experience managing issues that impact minority serving institutions.
  
• Results oriented, enthusiastic, resourceful, and creative with a can-do positive attitude.
  
• Strong writing and editing skills; must be proficient in many writing styles, including promotional writing.
  
• Proficient in AP Style Guide.
  
• Strong, creative problem-solving skills.
  
• Writing must demonstrate attention to audience, tone, nuance and detail.
  
• Collaborative, team-player with great networking skills.
  
• Ability to work under pressure and set priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  
• Ability to meet deadlines consistently, particularly those requiring very quick turnaround.
  
• Ability to think critically and analytically.
  
• Adaptable; ability to work independently and across teams.
  
• Track record of using good judgment and making sound decisions that demonstrate problem solving ability, adaptability, and responsiveness to change.
  
• Demonstrated attention to detail to ensure accuracy of information.
  
• Organized and self-disciplined.
  
• Ability to work outside of regular University Office hours.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious work relations with faculty, staff, students and the public, and work effectively with people from a variety of culturally diverse backgrounds.
  

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or related field; 5-7 years of relevant experience.
  

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Pay Range: $81,818 - $90,000