Communications Manager

Job Description Summary

The communications manager is a strategic thinker and strong writer who builds relationships with the university’s constituents through the power of storytelling. Under the general direction of the director of external communications and social media, the communications manager supports the business needs of the university by writing compelling content that resonates with constituents and amplifies the university’s brand message across owned, earned, and paid communication channels. As part of the University Brand Marketing & Communications team, the communications manager will consult and collaborate with internal clients, fellow team members, and vendors in the planning and development of content.

Job Description

Duties and Tasks:

• Works collaboratively with internal clients to identify communication needs and provide support through the development and execution of communication plans and associated tactics
• Writes content for internal and external communication channels, which include website stories, social media posts, intranet stories, emails, press releases, marketing materials, and digital and print advertising
• Distributes content across a variety of communication channels, helping to amplify the university’s reach and connect with constituents
• Provides day-to-day management support for the university’s social media channels, cultivating real-time content and providing timely responses to constituents
• Assists with traditional media relations by distributing university news stories and coordinating interviews with media outlets
• Reviews data analytics to determine the success of content on various channels
• Ensures the university’s brand and editorial standards are applied to all created content

• Proofreads the work of other writers

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, media relations, journalism, or another related field from a regionally accredited college or university.
• More than five years of experience working in public relations is required.

• Experience in higher education and/or nonprofit organizations preferred.

Skills:

• Excellent writing and editing skills required
• Expertise in digital and social media content writing required
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Understanding of Associated Press style
• Strong content marketing skills

Abilities:

• Highly collaborative and capable of working with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and external audiences
• Strong research skills
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal and self-management skills
• Capable of working independently and proactively on projects as assigned
• Interest in evolving technologies and innovative communication methods

Special instructions

Required documents

In addition to a resume, the following documents are required for consideration. Please upload documents in the second step of the application packet process: 

• Cover Letter
• Values Statement - (500 words or less), should highlight how your philosophy and practices fit the Mission, Vision, and Core Values of Saint Leo University. The Mission Statement, Vision Statement, and Core Values are available on the Saint Leo website at https://www.saintleo.edu/about/mission-values.

ENVIRONMENT: 

The work environment characteristics described here are a representation of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The term “qualified individual with a disability” means an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of this position.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate professionally in person, over the telephone, through email and other electronic means, move about the office and University, handle various type of media and equipment, and visually or otherwise identify, observe and assess. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 10 pounds unless otherwise specified in the job description.

NOTICE:

The intent of this job description is to provide a representation of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. Saint Leo University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity as a critical step in ensuring employee, student and graduate success. 

Why Work at Saint Leo?

What it’s Like to Work Here: Ask our employees and the one word they’d use to describe working at Saint Leo University is “Community.” Our team members all share the Saint Leo core values, positive attitudes, and problem-solving abilities, enabling them to provide excellent student centered service. Our mission is educating and preparing students for life and leadership in a challenging world. Thank you for your interest in joining the Saint Leo PRIDE!

We are committed to providing our employees with the support they need. At Saint Leo, we offer an array of medical, dental, and vision packages as well as several add-on perks to make your benefits package truly customizable to you and your family needs. Available benefits based on employment status (Full Time vs Part Time).

• FREE Tuition - Employee, Spouse, and Dependents*
• Tuition Exchange Opportunity - Dependent of Employees*
• Generous Paid Leave - Sick, Vacation, and Holidays
• Comprehensive Group Health Plan (Medical, Dental, and Vision)
• Group Medical Plan includes Teledoc, Surgery Plus, Wellness Incentive Program and more!
• 100% Employer-Funded Health Reimbursement Account
• 100% Employer-Paid Short Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Employer-Funded Employee Assistance Program (healthcare and dependent options)
• Employer-provided life insurance
• Discounted On-Campus Dining Meal Plans
• Nationwide Pet Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 403b Retirement Plan
• Wellness Center

*Eligibility based on meeting required service period