Associate Vice President, Communications

##Associate Vice President (AVP) The AVP reports to the Vice President of Communications and is an integral member of the senior management team responsible for developing and implementing the University of the District of Columbia’s communication strategy. The AVP ensures that all communication materials produced in the Office of Marketing and Communications effectively achieve strategic goals and meet the highest quality and communication standards. The AVP manages staff and develops processes to streamline the editorial and quality control processes.

The AVP is a highly organized project manager, an effective communicator, and a skilled editor for internal and external audiences. The AVP is a champion of quality and continuous improvement. The AVP of Communications will directly manage a team of communication professionals in executing timely and relevant communications activities that promote, enhance, and protect UDC’s brand and identity. Responsibilities include developing, integrating, and implementing a broad range of communication activities relative to the strategic direction and positioning of the organization and its leadership. The varied and integrated communications, including newsletters and other print publications (e.g., web, e-news, and other online communications; media and public relations; presentations and social media).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Promotes a culture of high-quality deliverables and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to excellence.
• Writes, edits, and approves all OMC communications; apply and adhere to AP style guidelines.
• Develops and maintains the University’s editorial standards and style guide.
• Develops and implements an integrated strategic communications plan to advance UDC’s brand identity, broaden awareness of its programs and priorities, and increase the visibility of its programs with key audiences.
• Oversees the development and timely service delivery of all online and print communications.
• Manages communication projects in a timely, organized, and effective manner; assign communications activities to writers and staff; ensure all projects meet deadlines and budgets.
• Develops and manages the editorial calendar in a transparent, organized, and accessible manner for all staff members.
• Recognizes internal and external communications opportunities and solutions and define and execute appropriate strategies.
• Tracks and analyzes the performance of communication activities across all channels and develop reports for leadership.
• Provides communication guidance, direction, and training to communication liaisons across the institution.
• Manage and implement communication workflows in the project management software.
• Supports and manages crisis communications alongside University leadership.
• Manages relationships with associated vendors and consultants.
• Exercises judgment to prioritize communication/media opportunities; assign editorial/communication activities to staff and provide messaging feedback.
• Prepares talking points, speeches, presentations, and other supporting material as needed.
• Oversees the day-to-day activities of the communications function, including budgeting, planning, and staff development.
• Recruits, manages, and coaches a communications team to support the development and execution of the communications strategy.
• Supervises office staff. Establishes and monitors staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, and conduct annual performance appraisals.
• Organizes and maintains communication and visual libraries.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field of study is required. Master’s degree is preferred.
• Seven (7) years of related experience. Relevant experience must include at least 3-5 years in senior leadership/executive level managing a comprehensive strategic communications program and a diverse team of professionals in a complex and decentralized organization that advanced its mission and goals. Direct experience working in higher education preferred.
• Experience directly managing a communications staff, mentoring, and coaching.
• Experience with social media marketing, reporting, and analysis.
• Strong demonstrated achievements in developing and executing multichannel strategic marketing and communication plans to achieve recruitment/sales goals.
• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management and staff.
• Excellent and persuasive communications skills with at least seven years’ experience in extensive planning, writing, editing, and production with a portfolio of deliverables across mass emails, newsletters, press releases, annual reports, marketing literature, web, and other print publications.
• Excellent project manager with proven experience establishing processes and workflows using technology for project management and improvements.
• Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills with the ability to make decisions in a changing environment and anticipate future needs.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize and follow through effectively, a track record of achievement in meeting deadlines.
• Confident and innovative thinker with a track record for transforming strategic plans into tactical activities.
• This position may require work during non-business hours and weekends.

Information to Applicant

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is not part of the collective bargaining unit.

Employment Benefits: Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the University of the District of Columbia’s retirement plan (TIAA).

Equal Opportunity Employer: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.

Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the University of the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business, or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.

Veterans Preference: Applicants claiming veterans preference must submit official proof at the time of application.

Visa Sponsorship: At this time, the University of the District of Columbia does not provide sponsorship for visas (e.g. H-1B). This position is also ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Residency Preference: A person applying for a position who is a bona fide District resident at the time of application for the position may be awarded a 10-point residency preference over non-District applicants unless the person declines the preference points. If selected, the person shall be required to present no less than 8 proofs of bona fide District residency on or before the effective date of the appointment and maintain such residency for 7 consecutive years from the effective date of the appointment. Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the 7-year period will result in forfeiture of employment.

Drug-Free Workplace: Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.

Background Investigation: Employment with the University of the District of Columbia is contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation. The determination of a “satisfactory background investigation” is made at the sole discretion of the University of the District of Columbia. The University may refuse to hire a finalist, rescind an offer of employment to a finalist or review and may terminate the employment of a current employee based on the results of a background investigation.

Disposition of Resume: Resumes received outside the area of consideration and/or after the closing date will not be given consideration. You must resubmit your resume to receive consideration for any subsequent advertised position vacancies. For the purpose of employment, resumes are not considered job applications. Therefore, if selected for employment, a UDC application will be required.

Job Offers: Official Job Offers are made by the University of the District of Columbia, Office of Human Resources only.

Contact Information: All inquiries related to employment and job applications should be directed to UDC Office of Human Resources at (202) 274-5380.

The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University’s EO Policy Statement, please visit: link to the policy.

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