Department Code
22001-2020
Job Title
Assistant Director of Communications for Content
Commitment to On-Campus Experience
Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
Pay Range
$64,500 - $82,300
Pay Determination
Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Hours
Standard University business hours
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Unionized Position Code
UA
Job Description
The Assistant Director of Communications for Content provides editorial leadership including editorial planning and content development across digital and print platforms, publication management and team/project collaboration. This position participates in overall communications strategy, manages a number of publications including the Maxwell Perspective, the school’s flagship magazine, supervises freelance writers, graphic designers and photographers, as well as students.
This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by the union SEIU, Local 200United.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in English language arts, marketing, communications or related field from an accredited university.
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Five years of experience with increasing levels of responsibility for reporting, writing and editing feature stories and other types of content for distribution in digital and print media.
Skills and Knowledge
- Strong understanding of current industry standards and techniques for digital content creation and management; knowledge of best practices for UX, social media, SEO and online lead development strategies.
- Demonstrated ability to plan, oversee, and measure the execution of successful content marketing strategies across multiple channels.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively to establish new systems and protocols and ensure successful adoption.
- Familiarity with processes and protocols for print production, partnering and collaborating with designers and printers on the execution.
- Excellent project management skills; must be able to work collaboratively to complete projects on deadline and within budget.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills and highly collaborative nature; ability to facilitate work between a wide range of individuals and groups within Maxwell and across campus.
- Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign and Photoshop, for the purpose of helping to create banners, buttons and other elements as needed is desirable, but not required.
Responsibilities
Editorial Leadership
- Leads editorial planning and content development across digital and print platforms.
- Oversees an editorial calendar and coordinates daily communications activities, serving as the primary writer, editor and publisher of 150+ annual school news and feature stories such as research articles, profiles, gift announcements and event coverage in support of student recruitment, alumni engagement, giving, peer rankings and other initiatives.
- Ensures accuracy, clarity, tone alignment and adherence to Syracuse University editorial and brandling guidelines.
- Oversees pre-publication editorial review process with internal and external stakeholders such as deans, department chairs, directors, University partners and major donors.
- Serves as lead editorial contact for campus-based partners in other schools and colleges, university communications, and central marketing, ensuring materials generated within and outside the school are leveraged for maximum exposure and impact and to ensure consistent messaging, brand alignment and high editorial standards.
- Collaborates with University marketing partners including the University’s head of photography to conceptualize and execute cover shoots as needed for high-visibility publications and to make certain Maxwell publications meet branding standards.
- Leads school publications from concept to completion, including the school’s flagship magazine, Maxwell Perspective, which is mailed to over 38,000 parents, alumni, donors and friends annually, as well an annual Impact Report and a monthly newsletter that support the school’s reputation and rankings among peer evaluators.
- Develops themes and content based on strategic goals in a multi-level editorial process that includes school leadership and University partners.
- Coordinates project timelines, ensures adherence to deadlines and oversees external vendor contracts and budgeting.
- Collaborates with dean’s office colleagues, including development staff, to cultivate strategic outreach and mailing lists.
- Ensures accuracy, tone, adherence to University editorial style and branding, as well as alignment with strategic goals.
Team Collaboration and Project Coordination
- Assists the Director of Communications and Media Relations in executing the Maxwell School’s communications strategy.
- Provide editorial and storytelling expertise to translate strategic goals into actionable communication plans and campaigns that support enrollment, reputation-management, giving and stakeholder engagement.
- Work collaboratively within school’s communications leadership team to develop and implement communications that support and enhance Maxwell’s global reputation in public affairs.
- Collaborate with Director and Associate Director to collect data and metrics other metrics to inform strategy and best practices across digital and print channels.
- As part of the broader external affairs team that includes development, alumni relations and graduate recruitment, provides support and editorial expertise for high-profile events and publications.
Vendor Contract and Student Oversight
- Oversees freelance photographers, writers, graphic designers and other external vendors on behalf of the communications and media relations team.
- Manages contracts, collaborates with University purchasing and disbursement offices to collect estimates and ensure timely payment and coordinates with school budget officer and director of communications to ensure adherence to school budget.
- Oversees vendor assignments, workflow, editorial review, revisions and resulting content organization while ensuring adherence to deadlines and strategic alignment.
- Supervises a team of part-time student writers who create content for the school’s digital and print channels.
- Provide assignments and manage workflow and deadlines, edit resulting content and lead internal review and publication process to ensure accuracy and adherence to editorial standards and branding.
- Uphold and strengthen the University’s and the School’s commitment to equity, inclusion and belonging. Identify and participate in workshops and training on best practices for communicating with diverse audiences.
Physical Requirements
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
