This position is responsible for planning and creating digital content that targets key University audiences, including student-focused retention initiatives; recruitment of prospective students; and alumni and friends’ engagement. This position assists the Associate Director of Digital Communications in managing an overall university web content strategy and coordinates with colleagues in the Office of University Communications on various projects that have a digital component. The Job Duties and Responsibilities of this Position can be performed at either the Hattiesburg or Gulf Park location.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
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Develops detailed content plans for usm.edu. Produces written, audio and video content for usm.edu. Assists units with websites and web pages through project-specific content creation, periodic content updates, and by providing guidance on web page best practices. Ensures content and web pages follow accessibility standards and best practices, and search engine optimization standards and best practices.
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Manages and facilitates regularly recurring CMS training, including training content, training communications, RSVPs, and follow up messages. Ensures that CMS content editors have access to training materials as needed and ensures that training materials best reflect institutional digital guidelines and best practices.
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Administers the University’s online events calendar to ensure important events and dates are included; facilitates calendar liaison training on an as-needed basis; maintains an active and updated list of calendar liaisons; and provides direction and guidance on calendar best practices and relevant updates to unit calendar liaisons, who are primarily responsible for maintaining events.
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Manages the receipt, editing and distribution of approved electronic announcements to the University community, to include the weekly USM Mailout message and other relevant email messages and announcements, as needed. Facilities USM Mailout liaison training on an as-needed basis; maintains an active and updated list of USM Mailout liaisons; and provides direction and guidance on USM Mailout best practices to USM Mailout liaisons.
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In consultation with the Director, facilitates the posting of emergency messages to emergency.usm.edu, and supports the emergency communications team with emergency message review and distribution through various electronic channels, as needed.
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Manages timely responses to general email inquiries and website general contact form. Maintains active knowledge of developments in field, seeks out learning opportunities and performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations, communications, journalism, advertising, English or a related field from an accredited college or university, and one year of experience that emphasizes digital communications.
Valid driver’s license.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
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Efficient computer skills, particularly in the use of email, navigating the internet, and word processing software
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Excellent writing and editing skills
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Knowledge and application of digital communication best practices
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Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal and customer service skills; ability to work individually with minimal supervision and as part of a team in a collaborative work environment; aptitude to develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
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Excellent organizational, project management and time-management skills; ability to work productively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, results-oriented work environment and to work calmly under pressure
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Ability to pay close attention to details
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Experience with a variety of print and digital media
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Experience working with diverse teams to accomplish goals
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Ability to travel between USM locations as needed
Preferred Qualifications
Two years of experience communicating through a variety of digital platforms. Knowledge of The University of Southern Mississippi.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 131 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education's "R1: Doctoral Universities - Very high research activity" designation, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and large event venue safety and security, among others. USM is also one of only 37 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of more than 14,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 37 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 27 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.
