Internal Communication Manager

The internal communication manager’s primary responsibility is to plan, write for and manage internal communication strategy and tactics, with a focus on engaging and retaining faculty, staff and student-employees at Metropolitan State University of Denver. The manager supports employee success and workplace pride by producing engaging, timely, relevant and accessible communication. The person in this role reports to the senior director of communications in the University’s Office of Communications and Marketing.  

Internal communications manager roles and responsibilities include: 

Internal communications strategy - 40% 

• Develops and continually refines internal communications plans, channels, tools, distribution lists and guidelines. 

• Partners with colleges, schools and branches across the University to integrate communication channels and streamline communication efforts. Develops/maintains resources such as criteria documents, toolkits and materials to assist campus leaders and communicators in effective strategic communication. 

• Oversees a process and policy for disseminating mass communication, including identifying and cultivating the monitoring, aggregation and strategic dissemination of campus news and information. 

• Works closely with University leaders and the Administrative Branch to support the University’s Strategic Plan goal of being a career destination of choice. 

• Strategically counsels campus leaders on effective communication methods, tools and approaches.  

• Collaborates with the associate director of editorial and content operations to ensure that the Early Bird site is strategically publishing employee-focused content that aligns with the University’s overall internal communication strategy.

• Measures the success of internal communications strategies by analyzing website and newsletter metrics, developing readership and engagement surveys and tracking other key performance indicators.
   

Writing and Content Creation – 35% 

• Write 2-4 employee-centric news, features or other stories weekly, collaborating with the associate director of editorial and content operations to ensure strategic alignment with internal communication goals. To be considered for this position, candidates must submit writing samples (see ‘Instructions to Apply’ below).

• Serves as managing editor of the Early Bird employee e-newsletter, overseeing a newsletter calendar and distributing strategically important topics to campus employees. 

• Serves as managing editor of MSU Denver’s Faculty-Staff Hub, updating, developing and executing editorial processes and hub content. 

• Builds stories in WordPress, the University’s content-management system, as well as Marketing Cloud, the University’s email marketing platform.

• Manages mass communication regarding employee events and recognition programs. 
   

Issues Management and Crisis Communication – 15%  

• Serves as a core member of the University’s crisis communication team. 

• Crafts and disseminates mass communication regarding emergencies and urgent University matters. 

Supervisory and other duties – 10%  

• Supervises the student content-management and editorial assistant.  

• Professional development/training and special projects, including serving University committees, and other duties as assigned.

  Required Qualifications:    

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations or a related field.   

• At least three years of professional experience in a communications, public relations or marketing role.  

• Professional experience writing and editing for multiple communication platforms, as demonstrated in a portfolio of published work.  

• Experience using WordPress or similar content management systems.  

• Experience using Marketing Cloud or similar email newsletter tools.  

Preferred Qualifications: 

• At least five years of management experience in a communications, public relations or marketing role.  

• Experience developing and executing internal communications strategies that support organizational priorities and align with broader strategic communications objectives. 

• Experience writing, publishing and distributing employee-focused content, including internal news stories.  

• Expert-level knowledge of AP style, as demonstrated in résumé, cover letter and portfolio examples.  

• Experience managing an editorial calendar. 

• Experience planning, crafting and distributing a regularly scheduled e-newsletter.  

• Experience editing photos using Adobe Photoshop or similar software.  

• Experience using digital storytelling tools, including video, infographics, maps and photo slideshows.  

• Strong knowledge of digital analytics with demonstrated experience monitoring and analyzing metrics to inform content strategy. 

Important Note: Successful applicants will ensure their resumes clearly demonstrate that their work experience describes how they meet ALL required qualifications.

Schedule Information
Full-time, 40 hours per week
Exempt
Days of the Week:  Mon – Fri
Evenings and Weekend Work: As needed
Schedule: Hybrid schedule
Travel: Rarely

Salary for Announcement
Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. 

The salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $57,600.00-$76,900.00. 

This position is paid monthly and is eligible for MSU Denver benefits.

Instructions to Apply
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) 10/3/2024

For full consideration, please submit the following documents:
Resume
Cover letter describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
Writing samples: upload or include links to at least three examples of published work, or a link to a writing portfolio. 
Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.