Communications Manager

Job Description - Communications Manager (2403960) Communications Manager Required Qualifications (as evidenced by an attached resume): Bachelor's degree (or foreign equivalent or higher). Four [4] years of full-time experience working in communications or public relations. Superior verbal and written communication skills with an ability to convey complex information clearly and in engaging ways that align with the strategic objectives of an organization. Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Understanding of effective graphic design, branding principles, and marketing. Proficiency in digital marketing, including social media platforms, content management systems (CMS), and email marketing tools. Familiarity with SEO, Google Analytics, and social media insights for tracking and measuring communication effectiveness. Preferred Qualifications: Advanced education (foreign equivalent or higher) in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field. Four or more years of full-time experience working in communications or public relations. Experience with event planning. Experience working in higher education. Experience with crisis communication. Brief Description of Duties: The Communications Manager plays a key role in enhancing the visibility and reputation of the School of Communication and Journalism (SoCJ) at Stony Brook University. The incumbent will work with the Dean’s office leadership team to develop, manage, and execute comprehensive strategic communication that supports external and internal communications, reinforcing the educational, research, and philanthropic goals as the SoCJ expands in size and scope. The Communications Manager will work with the leadership of academic programs and the dean’s office to develop, implement, and manage unified and cohesive student-recruitment programs, including events, that are aligned with Stony Brook efforts, in support of numerous new degree programs and will develop and support communications and marketing projects and initiatives. This individual will collaborate with the leadership of the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, which is closely partnered with the School, to support marketing and communications initiatives. The Communications Manager will work in partnership with the Dean’s office to build, promote and maintain a communications working environment that is collaborative, transparent, creative, efficient, and inclusive. This position requires a creative, strategic thinker with exceptional writing, marketing, and digital communication skills. The ideal candidate will have experience working in higher education or with academic institutions and be comfortable managing diverse communication channels, including digital platforms, media relations, and internal communication efforts. Essential for this role is the adeptness to work as a flexible member of a team in a dynamic environment, while supporting the university's educational, research, and healthcare objectives along with outstanding oral and written communication and presentation skills with a service-oriented attitude. Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and students in a diverse workplace environment is vital to this position. High energy and passion for the mission and activities of the School of Communication and Journalism would be valuable to the success of this position. Duties: Strategic Communications: Develop, implement, and assess the effectiveness of comprehensive strategic communications that align with the SoCJ's mission, vision, and objectives. Advise leadership on opportunities related to image, marketing and branding, student recruitment, and high-level decision-making on communication policy issues. Serve on the SoCJ leadership team to implement the strategic plans and ensure that communications efforts within and across the two units are aligned. Ensure consistent application of the SBU’s and the school’s brand and visual identity across all communication materials. Content Creation and Assessment: Craft engaging, high-quality strategically aligned content for various communication platforms, including websites, social media, newsletters, press releases, brochures, and promotional materials to help support the growth and expansion of the school’s reputation among peer institutions. Manage the college/school’s online presence, including website content management, SEO strategies, and social media engagement. Develop and execute communication strategies to promote academic and extracurricular events, including lectures, conferences, and other public-facing initiatives. Analyze digital metrics to enhance visibility and reach. Analyze the effectiveness of communication strategies. Media Relations and Event Promotion: Build and maintain relationships with campus, local, regional, and national media outlets. Proactively pitch stories and respond to media inquiries to promote faculty research, student achievements, and institutional milestones in partnership with SBU media relations. Oversee the design, research, writing, editing, publishing, and distribution of publications and other materials. Work closely with faculty and staff to promote news coverage of major research, student achievements, and educational accomplishments; organize and coordinate media opportunities with University Communications. Help individuals in the above tasks as appropriate. Collaborate with leadership and faculty to create clear, consistent internal communication across departments. Promote key messages and initiatives to internal stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and students. Collaborate with faculty, staff, event planners, students and others to resolve problems and provide support in creating, editing and formatting content. Provide guidance on effective communications policies, practices, and dissemination channels. Monitor the overall perception of the School and foster a positive public perception of both units through effective public relations that influence opinion and promote ideas. Collaborate to find synergies and serve as chief liaison with the University Communications office. Participate on University-wide committees and task forces to enhance visibility and reputation throughout the university and beyond. Assist with the development of crisis communication plans and respond to urgent issues impacting the reputation of the School. Other duties or projects as assigned as appropriate to rank and department mission. Special Notes: This is a full-time appointment. FLSA Exempt position, not eligible for the overtime provisions of the FLSA. Minimum salary threshold must be met to maintain FLSA exemption. In addition to the employee's base salary, this position is eligible for $3,400 UUP annual location pay, paid biweekly. For this position, we are unable to sponsor candidates for work visas. Resume/CV and cover letter should be included with the online application. Stony Brook University is committed to excellence in diversity and the creation of an inclusive learning, and working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status and all other protected classes under federal or state laws. If you need a disability-related accommodation, please call the university Office of Equity and Access (OEA) at (631) 632-6280 or visit OEA. In accordance with the Title II Crime Awareness and Security Act , a copy of our crime statistics can be viewed here . Visit our WHY WORK HERE page to learn about the total rewards we offer. Job Number: 2403960 Official Job Title: Associate Director of Community Relations Job Field: Administrative & Professional (non-Clinical) Primary Location: Department/Hiring Area: School of Communication and Journalism #J-18808-Ljbffr