POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Strategic Communications and Content Specialist
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1724
GRADE 42
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Vice President, University Advancement
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Strategic Communications and Content Specialist helps lead the communication strategy of University Advancement and works closely with staff to develop stories, organize social media initiatives, and assist with print and electronic publications. The Strategic Communications and Content Specialist oversees the organization, design, and functionality of multiple websites within the units of University Advancement and the Missouri State University Foundation and assures accessibility of the websites for all users including consideration of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Strategic Communications and Content Specialist ensures the coordinated development, communication, implementation, and maintenance of web projects, social media content, branding, marketing messages, policies, and procedures within University Advancement, collaborates with all departments under University Advancement and web users to understand and meet the information needs of alumni and friends of the University and other users.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related area is required.
Experience: At least one year of experience in a professional position in a public relations environment is required. Writing and/or editing experience with print or electronic media are required. Work experience in higher education or non-profit is preferred.
Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. Knowledge of basic content management software is required. Organizational planning and project management skills are required. Knowledge of databases and spreadsheets, word processing, and social media applications are required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required. An understanding of HTML, Java scripting, and streaming technologies is preferred. An understanding of accessibility issues related to disabled users is preferred.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Assumes responsibility for University Advancement’s websites (including the Missouri State University Foundation) by planning, organizing, evaluating, and developing resources, making recommendations for the overall site regarding design, security, upgrades, and technical issues, monitoring the sites and gathering information from the University Advancement units to make refinements based on changing technology, user expectations, and web trends, and assisting with the promotion of the University Advancement websites in key search engines, journals, books, and directories.
2. Helps to promote a positive image of the MSU Foundation to key internal and external audiences by preparing and disseminating information that features donors and the impact of the Foundation on the University, including students, faculty, and staff.
3. Coordinates and implements assigned websites, social media platforms, email marketing, online giving, and other online marketing strategies for University Advancement and assists by writing and editing content for these online strategies.
4. Helps to assure an informative, accurate, and interesting presence on the web by adhering to University web policies and protocols when necessary, designing and adding new web pages, modifying and updating existing web pages, maintaining current links, and performing other duties related to web development and maintenance.
5. Ensures coordinated implementation of web projects by communicating clearly with departments, attending meetings and representing the interests of University Advancement’s websites, and responding to inquiries.
6. Manages social media and online marketing campaigns as well as day-to-day online and social media activity, including advertising, writing editorials, community outreach efforts, and promotions.
7. Assures the accessibility of all University Advancement websites to all interested persons regardless of disability and assures compliance with state and federal laws regarding accessibility.
8. Ensures the optimal look, feel, and usability of the sites as well as the consistency and timely availability of pages released to the site by planning and reviewing the navigational user interface design and information site architecture, working collaboratively with programming areas, and understanding the target audience and their information needs.
9. Establishes policies and procedures for University Advancement on web-related issues and processes and ensures compliance with University web policies when necessary.
10. Works with University Advancement departments to establish the architecture and design strategy of University Advancement websites.
11. Promotes a positive and professional image of the department by being knowledgeable about various departmental procedures and policies, appropriately answering questions asked by alumni, donors, faculty, staff, or others doing business with the department, and referring questions or issues beyond the scope of one’s expertise to the appropriate administrator.
12. Cooperates as a member of University Advancement staff by working well with other staff members within the department relating to departmental web pages and working closely with Web Strategy and Development and Creative Services.
12. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
13. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses required by the Vice President, University Advancement.
14. Contributes to the overall success of University Advancement by performing all other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Strategic Communications and Content Specialist is supervised by the Vice President, University Advancement and may supervise graduate assistants and/or student workers.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED JANUARY 2021
