OR&I Director of Communications / Senior Communications Manager/S

OR&I Director of Communications / Senior Communications Manager/S Job no: 1002750 Work type: Support Staff Pay Grade: 15 Major Administrative Unit / College: Research And Innovation Department: Office Of Research And Innovation 10059722 Sub Area: APSA- Pro Supervisory Salary: Salary commensurate with experience Location: East Lansing Categories: PR/Media/Graphics/Comm/Fund Raising, Professional Supervisory- APSA, Full Time (90-100%), Union, Remote-Friendly Working/Functional Title OR&I Director of Communications Position Summary The Office of Research and Innovation (OR&I) supports MSU’s research enterprise by administering research funding, ensuring research integrity for both faculty and students, providing grant support services, fostering collaboration, licensing university inventions, and overseeing regulatory compliance. OR&I currently seeks a senior level Director of Communications to lead the strategic communications efforts for this major administrative unit (MAU). This individual will develop, coordinate, and execute communication plans, initiatives, and strategies to support the research enterprise and elevate the research reputation of the University. The Director also advises members of the Leadership team on communications, and develops key messages, speeches and other materials that align with broader goals and initiatives. The Director will lead the communications unit, a cross-functional team of communication professionals supporting strategic communication, events, and other initiatives related to the Office of Research and Innovation and its reporting units. The position reports to the Vice President for Research and Innovation and is a member of the leadership team. This individual will represent and support the office by participating in strategic communication planning, aligning internal communication strategies to support goals and objectives of broad institutional initiatives, provide executive communication support, and represent the office in university-level meetings. Leadership, proactive decision-making, project management, and delegation are all skillsets that will be required for this position. The team this candidate will lead is trusted by all subunits of the office and across campus, brings added value to those they work with, and is focused on collaboration and proactive implementation to produce high-quality results for the units they serve. Duties and Responsibilities Provides strategy, guidance, and execution for executive level communications for the Vice President and other Research and Innovation leadership team members. Supports the Vice President and executive team with implementation of the unit and MSU strategic plans. Works with unit leaders and their teams to identify and understand goals and establish priorities to deliver successful communication solutions. Advances MSU’s central communications initiatives; coordinates and collaborates with University Communications and other central units. Develops, coordinates, and executes communications and marketing plans, initiatives, strategies, and activities to inform, educate, engage, and inspire action among MSU research faculty, staff, and students. Works with University Communications to cultivate communication opportunities for executive leadership and subject matter experts related to unit and university initiatives. Collaborates with College communicators to curate research stories for amplification, and write research stories and announcements as needed for press releases, website content, etc. Directs execution of multi-channel communication plans including vendor and freelancer relationships, production management, and coordination of asset placement. Oversees development and implementation of high-quality communication products including websites, annual reports, promotional emails, digital ads, social media content, podcasts, videos, and press releases. Facilitates events that serve the overall goals for the MAU, assists in all promotional activities, and supervises the event planning staff. Serves as a public information officer answering public requests and directing media inquiries to appropriate unit subject matter experts. Oversees team operations and team member productivity, building a highly inclusive culture that ensures team members thrive and organizational outcomes are met. Maintains awareness of university developments and standards, changes in dynamics, and other areas that impact Research and Innovation and the units within it. Impact on Programs/Services/Operations Michigan State University faculty, staff, and students are involved in activities that, if publicized to constituents, can enhance the public image and build the reputation of the University. Implementation of a strategic communications plan regarding stories that enhance the image, reputation, and brand of the University is critical to accomplishing these goals. Work Environment Standard office environment. A hybrid schedule with some work from home and some on-site responsibilities is acceptable. Minimum Requirements Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in English, professional writing, journalism, science or climate journalism, public relations, marketing, telecommunications or communications, business administration, or a related field; five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work, or in a field which corresponds to the particular department of employment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Desired Qualifications Master’s level education in strategic communications, business administration or similar. Higher education experience strongly preferred with an understanding of academic structure and governance, or a strong background in organizational or executive communications. Experience identifying audience needs, increasing engagement with internal stakeholders, and successfully implementing and measuring effectiveness of communications and marketing in a highly decentralized environment. Strong writing skills are a must. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status. Required Application Materials All applicants should apply with a resume, cover letter and three professional references. In addition, please attach three professional writing samples to your application. Work Hours STANDARD 8-5 Website research.msu.edu Remote Work Statement MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon. Bidding eligibility ends November 19, 2024 at 11:55 P.M. Advertised: Nov 13, 2024 Eastern Standard Time Applications close: Dec 3, 2024 Eastern Standard Time J-18808-Ljbffr