Associate Director for Academic Communications

This Associate Director for Academic Communications position will lead the School of Film and Television’s (SFTV) strategic academic communications efforts. This position is fully integrated within LMU’s Marketing, Communications, and External Relations team and, as an embedded professional, is responsible for creating, developing, and implementing all phases and elements of a robust communications strategy, in line with the university brand, which supports a culture of community awareness, transparency, and constituent engagement. Reporting to the senior director of Communications, this position plays a pivotal role in producing and disseminating key college-level messages and narratives.
The Associate Director creates and manages an effective communications plan that utilizes social media and media relations to positively raise the visibility of the School of Film and Television among target audiences. The Associate Director creates, edits, and publishes college-level publications (traditional and digital), manages editorial schedules and projects, and interacts with all levels of the college to ensure effective communications. The Associate Director also collaborates with the Marketing and Brand Management team on all college-level marketing initiatives. Experience in the entertainment industry, especially with entertainment industry publications, is strongly preferred.

Position Specific Responsibilities/Accountabilities

Communications Strategy, Management, and Planning

Serve as the primary liaison between the embedded area and the larger MarComm organization, facilitating cross-departmental collaboration to accomplish shared goals. Coordinate with MarComm colleagues to ensure alignment of college communications efforts and goals with the university’s overall communications strategy. Create and manage an effective communications plan utilizing social media appropriate for various target audiences and constituencies of SFTV. Coordinate with MarComm colleagues to design and implement external communications strategies that cultivate relationships with media, increase favorable news coverage, decrease unfavorable news coverage, and boost awareness Cultivate relationships with faculty and senior administrators, develop expert resources for the press, and coordinate and manage spokesperson resources

Writing, Editing, and Producing

Research, design, produce, write and/or edit copy for college publications, including, but not limited to: college websites, college newsletters, publicity materials for the college events and centers (e.g. postcards, advertisements, brochures, etc.) articles that may appear in university publications, letters and other general communications. Gather information and stay abreast of research and scholarly activities within the college, as well as events and activities of SFTV’s student organizations and alumni groups affiliated with the college. Interview college faculty, staff, and students in order to generate timely content for online and print publications. Proofread and edit departmental communications projects as assigned. Collect and maintain information on college events, lectures, and activities for inclusion in the college’s online calendar of events. Research and assist in the preparation, writing, and submission of grant proposals and related requests.

Collaboration, Coordination, and Training

Collaborate with Marketing and Brand Management’s Digital Strategy and Solutions team to develop an online content maintenance plan that ensures the timely updates of news, events and general content of the college website. Provide photographic coverage (for various online and print publications) and/or coordinate with MarComm colleagues to provide an LMU photographer for events sponsored by the college, including the various SFTV centers, and student organizations.

Quality Assurance, Reporting

Research and analyze current and emerging issues in higher education, focusing topics of interest for the dean. In collaboration with the Dean and MarComm, provide relevant background information and “talking points” for LMU speakers for special events and meetings. Record proceedings and prepare executive summaries as assigned. Assist SFTV Dean with the preparation of other materials for publication and projects as assigned. Complete other duties and projects as assigned.

Loyola Marymount University Expectations

Exhibit behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the university. Communicate and employ interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable and ethical conduct. Demonstrate a commitment to outstanding customer service.

The incumbent must have the ability to supervise creative, communications, and technical personnel and manage complex projects with dependencies, deadlines, budgets, and outside resources. The incumbent must possess the ability to implement marketing and communication principles and strategies in the execution of video projects. The incumbent must have the ability to initiate ideas, develop concepts and review the effectiveness of processes to ensure professional standards and high quality. The incumbent has the ability to assess the needs of internal clients and suggest appropriate measures to meet those needs. The incumbent is able to work effectively and independently with internal and external constituencies. The incumbent has the ability to operate in an environment in which skilled relationship management and consensus-building is required to deliver successful outcomes.

Requisite Qualifications

• Typically, a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. Incumbent will be expected to continue upgrading knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to keep abreast of discipline-related trends and regulation/policy changes.

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in marketing and communications responsibilities including but not limited to web design support and coordination, researching and preparing speeches, correspondence, grants, writing, proofing, and editing communications and special projects; ability to work effectively and independently with internal and external constituencies and with professionals of varied disciplines to accomplish goals.

• Experience in the entertainment industry, especially with entertainment industry publications, is strongly preferred.

• Possesses exceptional verbal and written communications skills and compelling and impactful presentation abilities. Has the ability to motivate and inspire teams as well as colleagues, constituents, leaders, and governance boards.

• Demonstrated experience managing and executing across multiple communications and marketing channels and media; highly developed skills in communications writing and editing.

• Highly collaborative style with experience developing and implementing communications strategies successfully; background that demonstrates relationship-building, consensus-building, flexibility, and managing through influencing.

• Demonstrated computer competency with common production software suites.

• Ability to produce high quality deliverables with meticulous attention to detail. Must be metrics-driven and results-oriented with demonstrated analytical skills.

• Ability to provide quick turnaround and updates for multiple requests while maintaining strong reputation of high quality work.

• Self-starter with the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a cross-functional team.

• Must be able to perform successfully in a fast-paced, intellectually intense, and service-oriented environment, while also managing multiple projects with varying deadlines. Experience working successfully within a complex organization. Willing and able to adjust to changing demands and shifting priorities.

Budgeted Salary Range

$85,000.00 - $90,000.00 Salary commensurate with education and experience.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this position.

#HERC# #HEJ#

Staff Regular

Salary range

Please note that this position may not be eligible for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Loyola Marymount University, a Carnegie classified R2 institution in the mainstream of American Catholic higher education, seeks outstanding applicants who value its mission and share its commitment to inclusive excellence, the education of the whole person, and the building of a just society. LMU is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment as defined by federal, state and local law. We invite all persons in the full diversity of their being, life experience, and beliefs to apply. (Visit www.lmu.edu for more information.)