Communications Manager

Summary

Position Title

Communications Manager

Department

Office of Marketing & Communications 

Status

Full Time/Exempt

Position Summary

The Office of Marketing & Communications at Jacksonville University seeks a Communications Manager. This position will be responsible for assisting the University’s Communications team with planning, creating, editing, and managing content in both print and digital media designed for a variety of audiences. The primary focus of this position will be creating and managing content that resonates with a prospective student audience and is shared through various channels, including email and social campaigns, print, web, online news and feature articles, and more. This position reports to the Senior Director of Communications. 

Essential Job Duties

• Research, write, and/or edit, and proofread content for University print and online publications, including WAVE Magazine (print and online), annual reports, special events collateral, internal and external electronic newsletters, email campaigns, and web copy. 
• Interview and write about students, alumni, faculty and staff, donors and friends of the University in support of print and online content 
• Strategically plan and coordinate short-term and long-term communications/marketing content primarily for a prospective and current student audience 
• Work collaboratively with key departments across campus to organize student communication efforts and build a well-coordinated, efficient, and effective work flow 
• Capture photographs and visuals as needed to support content creation and marketing materials 
• Support public relations and media relations initiatives, such as writing press releases, media advisories and supporting story materials for media, as well as story development and pitching. 
• Assist with copy editing, fact checking and proofreading for a variety of content and communications as needed. 
• Assist with presentations and general campus email communications as needed 
• Uphold best practices and ensure branding consistency across departments and platforms. 
• Post to social media accounts as needed 
• Support other writing and editing needs of the marketing office as requested. 

Prerequisites Required for Position

Minimum Education Requirement

• Bachelor’s degree

Minimum Work Experience

• One year of experience or demonstrated equivalency in Communications, Marketing, Admissions or related fields. Candidates must submit a portfolio of sample work to be considered. 
• Strong writing and editing skills. 
• Strong organizational and time management skills 
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and work flexible hours (including evenings and weekends, as necessary) 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with planning, managing and executing strategic communications and/or marketing campaigns 
• Experience with writing a variety of short- and long-form content in a deadline-driven environment 
• Experience writing/executing email drip campaigns  
• Ability to write concise, clear, and punchy short-form copy 
• Ability to develop creative ideas for targeted campaigns and/or stories  
• Ability to identify fresh angles/perspectives and to organize and write compelling copy that resonates with target audience 
• Ability to discern appropriate tone, language and subject matter to achieve strategic goals  
• Excellent attention to detail and organization skills, with ability to manage multiple priorities/projects under tight deadlines 
• Excellent communication skills and proven ability to work collaboratively within a team 
• Knowledge of AP style a plus 
• Experience with photography is a plus 
• Exhibits a growth mindset and is open to learning, adapting and taking on projects outside their normal work responsibilities 

Important Note

This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required for this position. The University reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs.

All Jacksonville University employees who work on campus must be vaccinated for COVID-19. Documentation will be requested during onboarding. Our full vaccination policy is available online.

To Apply

Qualified and interested candidates should submit Jacksonville University employment application, background check authorization, and two to three writing samples, via electronic email to: Laura Phelps (marketing@ju.edu).