Communications Marketing

Description:

The Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students has responsibility for all student wellbeing and support functions at SMU, including the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center (Medical Services and Counseling Services), the Department of Campus Recreation, the Office of Student Advocacy and Support; the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, and the newly-created Office of Wellbeing, which includes health education and the University’s student recovery community. Additionally, the AVP and Dean of Students works with staff who oversee the Mustang Band and Spirit Groups (Cheer and Pom) and SMU’s live mascot Peruna as well as the Rotunda, SMU’s yearbook.

Staff within the AVP and Dean of Students’ portfolio support the broader mission of the Division of Student Affairs and work collaboratively to help create a healthy and safe environment for all students at SMU.

About the Position:

The position will oversee the marketing communications and strategies for the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students portfolio to include all wellbeing functions; the Office of Student Advocacy and Support; and the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards so that there is a coordinated and unified approach to any communication pieces originating from the unit. Additionally, this individual will serve as the advisor to the Rotunda, SMU's yearbook, overseeing all aspects of the publication, including hiring and training students in Associated Press style writing, photojournalism and layout/graphic design to produce the yearbook annually and ensuring its financial sustainability.

Essential Functions:

• Develops strategy and creative briefs and project-manages creative development and production of marketing materials, as well as writing PR communications for the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students' office; Work collaboratively with department heads to identify opportunities and challenges for promoting the Student Affairs brand.

• Hire and train students to produce SMU's Rotunda yearbook annually; Oversee the production timeline and deadlines; serving as the editorial advisor; and attending industry-related conferences.

• Oversee and manage finances for the Rotunda yearbook, including annual sales and expenditures.

• Develop and maintain relationships with third-party vendors (Mustang Sports Properties, portrait studio, yearbook publisher, etc.) to ensure the ongoing viability and success of the Rotunda yearbook.

• Serve on University, Division, and unit-wide task forces and committees, as requested.

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor’s degree is required. A Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism or Public Relations is preferred.

One year of professional work experience is required. Experience working with publishing software is 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. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.

Candidate must be able to work independently as well as collaboratively with others.

Candidate must have experience with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Adobe Suite Programs (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and Lightroom) and website maintenance.

Candidate must have proficiency in AP Writing Style.

Knowledge of photography composition and editing is preferred.

Familiarity with financial management is preferred.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Bend
• Reach above shoulders
• Carry/lift 25 lbs
• Squat
• Kneel
• Stand
• Push/pull