COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

JOB DESCRIPTION

DEPARTMENT: COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT

CLASSIFICATION: EXEMPT

REPORTS TO: PRESIDENT

SUPERVISES: SOCIAL MEDIA AND CONTENT SPECIALIST

LAST UPDATED: AUGUST 2021

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting directly to the IAIA President, the incumbent will be responsible for the strategic and tactical creation and implementation of communications and marketing programs designed to promote IAIA’s mission, goals, activities, and events. The incumbent will be responsible for marketing and communications plans, guidelines, procedures, policies, programs, and media relations. The Communications Director also oversees IAIA’s social media, as well as the maintenance of the website. Incumbent will support IAIA’s, mission, vision and core values.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS

Develop, implement a public relations and marketing plan for IAIA which includes but is not limited to the following key responsibilities:

• Collate closely with the President and the President’s Cabinet, establish annual public relations and marketing goals for IAIA.
• Provide internal IAIA constituents with advice and consultation on the development and implementation of a marketing and branding program.
• Enforce, update and implement IAIA’s ad-buying procedures and processes to optimize IAIA’s negotiating effectiveness with vendors and secure efficiencies in preparing and placing ads.
• Coordinate design and placement of display advertising in local, regional and national media for all IAIA divisions and departments.
• Develop metrics to measure effectiveness of marketing initiatives, including advertising and other media placements, social media, publications, and other marketing/communications strategies.
• Create promotional and publicity opportunities for special IAIA events and services.
• Establish annual social media, website, and web presence goals and provide analytics to measure outcomes.
• Oversee and coordinate all social media and web presence programs.
• May supervise other marketing/communications staff.

Implement the public information effort of IAIA, which includes, but is not limited to the following key responsibilities:

• Serve as liaison between IAIA and the media (i.e., newspapers, radio, television, etc.).
• Oversee the IAIA website, including functionality, content, design, and maintenance.
• Prepare and distribute press releases and feature articles to local and national media on IAIA students, staff and faculty and their accomplishments, activities and events.
• Assist newspapers, broadcasters, and magazine writers in their contacts with IAIA by arranging interviews and providing requested information.
• Develop and strengthen positive name recognition and community awareness and support for IAIA.
• Assist individuals in obtaining information about IAIA.
• Provide advice to academic and administrative units of IAIA in the handling of public information matters.
• Coordinate concept, design, development, and publication (print and/or digital) of internal and external publications, including an institutional newsletter and special reports, as needed.
• Manage the Institute’s activities or their public relations impact in consultation with the President’s Office and department directors as needed to develop responses when problems may occur.

Responsible for the oversight of the IAIA brand, which includes but is not limited to the following key responsibilities:

• Maintain consistency and effectiveness of the IAIA image.
• Oversee development of, and compliance with the IAIA Style Guide.
• Develop and oversee a group of contractors and vendors (designers, printers, etc.) approved for the design and implementation of materials consistent with the IAIA Style Guide.
• Educate all IAIA constituents about IAIA’s brand guidelines.

Other duties, which include but are not limited to the following key responsibilities:

• Oversee ongoing relationships with key contractors such as writers, photographers, etc.
• Oversee maintenance of photo and design archives.
• Prepare annual budget including monitoring and reconcilement of expenditures.
• Ensure all key and essential functions are completed effectively and in a timely manner.
• Execute other duties and responsibilities deemed appropriate by the Office of the President.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Must have BA in Communications field or direct commensurate experience in public relations/communications. Must have demonstrated writing, publication and promotion experience. Must have a working knowledge of Constant Contact and related marketing applications, as well as experience with social media, and developing and maintaining websites. Must also have demonstrated project management, meeting deadlines in a collaborative, engaging process. Preferred: Familiarity with Native American issues and perspectives, as well as with educational and arts organizations is desired.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Background in the development and execution of local, regional and national media campaigns.
• Proven background to interact positively and professionally with a wide range of audiences, including local, regional, national and tribal agencies and organizations.
• Demonstrated expertise in communicating clearly and effectively with diverse peoples and groups, to fulfill the IAIA’s communications objectives.
• Proven ability in working successfully with faculty, students, staff and volunteers as related to job responsibilities.
• Ability to ensure end-users’ compliance with IAIA style guide and communications procedures/processes.
• Must possess excellent writing, editing, and public speaking skills.
• Must possess proven aesthetic judgment to produce or oversee production of graphic materials that promote IAIA’s image consistently and effectively.
• Proven skill and ability to present a pleasant, courteous, and professional demeanor and presence.
• Ability to identify, assess and resolve conflicts/concerns/issues in a constructive, persuasive, diplomatic and respectful manner.
• Adherence to appropriate standards of conduct and ethics, including confidentiality, integrity and honesty.
• Must have excellent performance-related skills related to:
• Leading an effective team
• Following and/or complying with senior management directives
• Exhibiting the ability to adapt effectively to changing work environments
• Cooperating and collaborating respectfully with others
• participating in proactive problem solving
• participating in meetings as required.
• Proven ability to work with minimum supervision, to begin projects independently (or as assigned), conclude projects or assignments on a timely basis, and produce written materials on deadline.
• Experience with graphic design, printing and publication processes and technologies.
• Knowledge of social media platforms, website development and maintenance, Wordpress, Constant Contact (or other web communications services).
• Knowledge of word processing, layout, and graphic design on both PC and Macintosh platforms.
• Demonstrate compliance with all applicable and essential IAIA policies, processes and/or procedures.
• Ability to perform other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in an office environment and as a desk job.
• Ability to use a wide range of marketing and communication computer applications with proficiency.
• Ability to sit at a desk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to reach for, grasp and extend hand or arm in any direction as part of completing essential administrative/support tasks.
• Ability to effectively use a keyboard/computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift and/or maneuver items weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Communication skills using the oral and written word.
• Ability to view and/or review a wide range of Advancement-related information effectively/efficiently.
• Ability to receive, interpret and respond to information communicated in various forms (verbal, written, etc.).
• Requires attendance at planned and off-campus Advancement activities to include fundraising events, special events, photo session and other job-related venues.
• Out-of-town travel for meetings and conferences may be required using a personal vehicle or company vehicle.
• Performance evaluation will include assessment of performance results as described herein.
• Management has the right to revise this job description with or without notice.
• This description is a general statement of required major duties (essential functions) and responsibilities performed on a regular or continuous basis.
• The job description is not a contract for employment.