UConn Careers

JOB SUMMARY

The Marketing and Communications Director leads the strategic development, execution, and evaluation of a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy that advances the mission and strategic priorities of the University of Connecticut School of Law. They will work closely with the Dean, administrators, faculty, and staff to enhance the law school’s visibility, build reputational awareness for its programs, attract talented prospective students, and promote the Law School’s excellence to various constituencies. They will develop and implement marketing and communications strategies across a variety of channels, enhance digital communications, and provide visionary leadership to a team that oversees the website, media relations, social media, advertising, editorial content, visual identity, and internal and external communications. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, innovative, and possesses a high attention to detail and accuracy. They can work independently, prioritize, and effectively balance competing priorities to complete tasks in a timely manner and under time constraints. The Director is also expected to work closely and collaboratively with Admissions; Events; Student Affairs; Office of Diversity, Belonging, and Community Engagement; University Communications; UConn Foundation; and other departments to support the Law School community comprised of faculty, staff, students, and alumni. This position reports to the Dean of the Law School. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Communications Team Supervision  

• Manages overall operation of the Marketing and Communications department including assigning and reviewing work, providing guidance, and conducting performance evaluations for departmental personnel.
• Makes budget recommendations and manages approved budget for the department within broad guidelines.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.  

2. Marketing and Communications

• Oversees the planning and implementation of marketing and promotional outreach strategies designed to promote the Law School’s research, programs, faculty, students, and services to target audiences and to develop new audiences. 
• Maintains awareness of the Law School’s research, programs, faculty, and student accomplishments, and services and builds the reputation and community of the Law School among its internal and external constituents through the strategic production and promotion of stories, images/videos, marketing and promotional materials, e-communications, and other creative strategies.  
• Works closely with the Dean’s Office in determining publication goals, policies, and other editorial matters. Collaborates with University Communications on brand management, policies, procedures, and guidelines. 
• Manages internal and external production of publications and serves as a project manager for a variety of special projects.
• Serves as a resource for faculty and staff regarding the most effective communication and promotion techniques to reach target audience and achieve desired goals. 
• Develops relationships with the media, including television, radio, and journalists.
• Maintains ADA compliance and accessibility best practices in all communications.

3. Writing and Editorial

• Serves as managing editor of and is responsible for all print and digital publications. Plans, writes, manages, and edits content, layout, and quality of publications in accordance with broad guidelines and policies established in collaboration with the Dean that ensures a consistent and clear editorial voice in furtherance of publication goals and objectives.  
• Prepares and writes timely and interesting articles for regular publication and distribution to targeted markets and media outlets, exercising sound judgment in developing proper focus to generate desired responses. 
• Approves form, layout, graphics, illustrative and/or photographic work used to accompany written copy.  
• May serve as the speech writer for the Office of the Dean and others as requested.   

4. Website and Social/Digital Media Management

• In collaboration with designated content head, subject matter experts, and various internal stakeholders, coordinates content development, edits, and updates for the Law School website and portals to ensure the best user experience for various audiences including prospective and current students, faculty, and staff, peer institutions/researchers, and the public.
• Provides advanced technical and/or design solutions for web content creation and collection. Assists departments with establishing and maintaining websites using University provided web publishing systems. 
• Develops and publishes content on social media outlets.  Works closely with internal units including student organizations to ensure University and Law School social media policies, guidelines, and branding standards are followed.  

    5. Media Relations

• Serves as a strategic partner to the Dean, faculty, administration, and staff in developing and implementing communication plans and engaging in external and internal messaging.
• Conceives, coordinates, and implements media relations and strategies that advance the Law School’s mission. Proactively develops media opportunities for Law School faculty and administrators and provides necessary training for such opportunities. Handles media inquiries in a manner consistent with best practices.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with print, broadcast, and web‐based media to achieve positive coverage of the Law School’s students, faculty, staff, and programs.
• In collaboration with University Communications, writes, edits, and distributes press releases, media advisories, newsletters, email campaigns, and other public written communications.
• May serve as a Law School spokesperson for media relations in consultation with University Communications.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public and media relations, or related field.
2. 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, public and media relations, or relevant experience.
3. 3+ years of supervisory experience.
4. Strong understanding and awareness of industry trends, including social media, online web strategies, print, and design mediums.
5. Demonstrated ability to produce compelling marketing and communications content for print, digital, and social media platforms in a timely manner and under time constraints.
6. Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.   
7. Proficiency in copywriting, editing, graphic design, and desktop publishing.
8. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Canva (or other image creating/editing software), and related software applications.
9. Familiarity with web design and management.
10. Willingness to work irregular and flexible hours. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Master’s degree in marketing, communications, public and media relations, or related field.
2. Marketing and communications experience in higher education.
3. Proficiency with MailChimp or similar email marketing platform.
4. Proficiency with HTML, CSS, Google Analytics, Adobe's Creative Suite, Aurora WordPress, or other related programs.
5. Demonstrated ability to effectively build positive, collaborative, and inclusive relationships with a diverse group of students, faculty, and staff.
6. Ability to balance competing priorities effectively and to meet and enforce deadlines. 
7. Strong project management and technology skills.

APPOINTMENT TERMS 

This is a full-time, permanent position. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/.

Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #498693 to upload a resume, cover letter, 2 samples of work product, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on October 28, 2024. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.