OR&I Director of Communications / Senior Communications Manager/S-Michigan State University

Job Description

Job Title: OR&I Director of Communications / Senior Communications Manager/S

Company: Michigan State University

Location: East Lansing, MI

Pay:

AI Pay Analysis: To accurately analyze the hourly rate for the role of “OR&I Director of Communications / Senior Communications Manager/S” in East Lansing, MI, it is essential to consider factors such as the specific responsibilities, required experience, and industry standards. Generally, for senior-level communications positions, salaries can vary widely based on the organization and region. In East Lansing, hourly rates for similar roles typically range from $40 to $70, with a higher concentration toward the middle or upper end of that spectrum for positions requiring extensive experience and leadership skills. If the offered rate falls within this range or is competitive compared to similar roles in Michigan and the broader communications industry, it can be deemed competitive. Additionally, considering regional cost of living and demand for communications professionals can further influence wage competitiveness. For a definitive analysis, it would be helpful to have the specific hourly rate and job details.

Job description:
The Office of Research and Innovation (OR&I) is dedicated to enhancing Michigan State University’s (MSU) research capabilities by managing research funding, ensuring integrity in research practices for faculty and students, offering grant support services, promoting collaborative efforts, licensing university innovations, and overseeing compliance with regulatory standards.

OR&I is currently seeking a senior-level Director of Communications to spearhead the strategic communication initiatives for this significant administrative unit (MAU). The selected candidate will be responsible for the development, coordination, and execution of comprehensive communication plans, initiatives, and strategies that bolster the research enterprise and elevate the university’s research reputation. This role involves advising leadership team members on communication matters, crafting key messages, speeches, and various materials that align with the unit’s broader objectives.

As the leader of the communications unit, this individual will manage a diverse team of communication professionals focused on strategic communication, event planning, and various initiatives related to the Office of Research and Innovation and its associated units. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Research and Innovation, the Director will also serve as a member of the leadership team.

The Director will advocate for the office by engaging in strategic communication planning, aligning internal communication strategies with institutional goals, providing executive communication support, and representing the office in university-wide meetings. Successful candidates will exhibit strong leadership, proactive decision-making, project management, and delegation skills. The communication team under this leadership is highly regarded by all office subunits and across campus, known for delivering added value and fostering collaboration to achieve exemplary results.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
– Develop, guide, and implement strategic executive communications for the Vice President and the research and innovation leadership team.
– Assist the Vice President and executive team with executing both the unit and university strategic plans.
– Collaborate with unit leaders to assess objectives and prioritize communication solutions, addressing compliance or training needs, promoting events, or disseminating announcements critical to the research community.
– Promote MSU’s central communications initiatives through coordinated efforts with University Communications and other central entities.
– Design, implement, and assess communication and marketing strategies aimed at informing, educating, engaging, and motivating MSU’s research faculty, staff, and students.
– Work with University Communications to identify and create communication opportunities for executive leadership and subject matter experts pertaining to unit and university initiatives.
– Collaborate with college communicators to gather and amplify research narratives, while also producing written content for press releases, websites, and more.
– Oversee multi-channel communication plans, managing vendor relationships, production logistics, and asset placement.
– Supervise the development and implementation of high-quality communication products, including websites, annual reports, promotional emails, digital advertisements, social media content, podcasts, videos, and a variety of digital materials for the unit and university channels.
– Organize events that align with the MAU’s goals, which may encompass conferences, research lectures, or training workshops, alongside promotional activities, and supervising event planning staff.
– Serve as a public information officer, addressing public requests and directing media inquiries to the appropriate subject matter experts within the unit.
– Supervise team operations and performance, fostering an inclusive workplace culture that ensures team success and meets organizational objectives.
– Stay informed of university developments, shifts in dynamics, and other factors impacting Research and Innovation and its supporting units.

The role holds significant implications for MSU’s programs, services, and operations, as faculty, staff, and students engage in activities that, when effectively communicated, can significantly enhance the university’s public image and reputation. The implementation of a strategic communications plan focused on promoting narratives that improve MSU’s image and brand is essential in fulfilling these objectives.

The work environment for this position is primarily office-based, with the possibility of a hybrid work model that includes both remote and on-site responsibilities.

Minimum Requirements:
– A four-year degree in English, professional writing, journalism, science or climate journalism, public relations, marketing, telecommunications, communications, business administration, or a related field; five to eight years of progressively responsible experience in a comparable role, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications:
– A master’s degree in strategic communications, business administration, or a related field. Preference for candidates with experience in higher education and a firm understanding of academic structure and governance, or a strong background in organizational or executive communications. Proven ability to identify audience needs, enhance engagement with internal stakeholders, and effectively implement and evaluate communications and marketing strategies in a decentralized environment. Exceptional writing skills are essential.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

Application Materials:
Applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references, along with three professional writing samples.

Work Hours:
Standard hours are 8 AM to 5 PM.

Website:
research.msu.edu

Remote Work Statement:
Michigan State University is committed to maintaining a flexible work environment; this role has been designated as remote-friendly, allowing for some duties to be performed remotely, as mutually agreed.

Bidding eligibility ends November 19, 2024, at 11:55 PM.
Advertised: November 13, 2024, Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: December 3, 2024, Eastern Standard Time.

Job Posting Date: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 23:58:12 GMT

Apply now!