Associate Director, Communications

Apply now Job no:501813
Work type:Exempt Staff Full-time
Location:Bethlehem
Categories:Marketing/ Communication

The Associate Director executes various leadership level and departmental content-related projects within the Office of Communications and Public Affairs, reporting to the Director of University Communications. This position works in conjunction with the Director of University Communications to lead communications for university level strategic initiatives, communications, and executive messaging as well as crisis response and communications. In addition, the Associate Director serves as proxy for the Director of communications when needed. The Lehigh community takes seriously our commitment to antiracism and The Principles of our Equitable Community .

1. Lead strategic communications related to University-level projects (30%)
*Create communications strategy messaging on a variety of editorial, communications, marketing and content-related projects for internal and external audiences
*Independently advise and create messaging for affiliated departments related to communications and marketing goals, special projects, emerging initiatives and institutional news
*Provide editorial content for University publications, web and other communications vehicles about major University announcements and initiatives
*Write clearly and concisely, meeting all deadlines
*Produce content and develop planning for high-visibility initiatives, including speakers and major events
*Proof and edit material for language, grammar and consistency in language and style

2. Lead communications messaging strategy for University leadership (30%)
*Create and execute messaging strategies with University senior leadership
*Collaborate closely with University Communications VP and Communications Director on messaging reputational and sensitive issues

3. Provide crisis, emergency preparedness and response support (25%)
*Serve on call to craft and distribute urgent, time-sensitive communications and emergency messages in response to safety and/or crisis situations; this role will routinely be on call and must act swiftly, exercising keen judgment and the ability to work with senior leadership and provide direction on execution and create emergency response messaging
*Develop familiarity with campus crisis communications tools
*Serves as proxy for director on COVID Response Team and other teams that support the University’s crisis and emergency related functions

4. Provide additional editorial content for the wider Communications & Public Affairs Department (15%)
*Serve as a representative to University-wide committees where an expertise in communications or marketing is needed
*Advise and contribute content development for other publications as needed, including supporting the Director, University Communications, with developing content for the quarterly parent newsletter, the Annual Security Report, a safety report that outlines Lehigh resources, efforts and policies and other materials
*Develop content for websites, print, digital and other media as they relate to strategic institutional communications and major university initiatives from a communications standpoint .
*Provide expertise to the Communications team to generate compelling story ideas for video, social media, digital, and other content

Grade: 11 – 40

Position Number: S80320

Special Considerations

The duties of this position may allow the employee to work partially remote as deemed appropriate by the supervisor

Required to be accessible to handle student crisis and emergency situations; on call – evening, weekend and holidays

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Liberal Arts, Communication or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience

Five to eight years related work experience

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and 3-4 writing samples that demonstrate the breadth of your skills (examples might include long- and short-form stories/content, communications and marketing plans, or executive messages)

Experience preferred in providing content for web, print, digital, and social platforms

Excellent communication, interpersonal skills and a high level of customer service required

Ability to build, foster and maintain positive professional relationships 

Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, time management and sound judgment 

Adept use of digital communication preferred

Proven ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and a high degree of initiative for bringing tasks to completion

Excellent computer skills with experience using word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software

Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position

All Lehigh faculty and staff are required to be fully vaccinated and receive a booster shot six months after their second vaccine; unless they receive an approved medical or religious exemption from the requirement.

Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety.  Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.

Advertised:October 14, 2022 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:Open until filled