POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Manager, Communications and Operations
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 2438
GRADE 43
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Director of Citizenship and Service-Learning (CASL)
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Manager, Communications and Operations develops and oversees communication channels for Citizenship and Service Learning (CASL) and the Center for Community Engagement (CCE), processes financial documents and transactions, and monitors the budgets of CASL and CCE. The Manager, Communications and Operations serves as CASL advisor, makes service-learning placements, manages service-learning orientation, manages the service-learning Blackboard sites, and coordinates registration of service-learning students with the Office of the Registrar. The Manager, Communications and Operations manages data and produces reports, produces video projects, builds and updates websites, assists with client intake and supply provisioning for Bear Pantry, and supervises interns.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Master’s degree is required; a Master’s degree in Organizational Administration, Administration Studies, Media, Communications, or a related field is preferred.
Experience: Two years of experience in a professional (paid or volunteer) position in communications, media, and/or media relations is required. Work experience in higher education is preferred. Experience with web page development, video production, and/or writing for the web are preferred. Experience or volunteer service in business, not-for-profit, and/or legal or governmental agencies is preferred. Experience with teaching or academic advising is preferred. Experience in technical writing, new media production, digital design, grant writing, annual report development, research, academic assessment, and/or copywriting is preferred. Experience with administrative business information systems such as Banner, query and report writing tools such as Argos, Microsoft Office applications such as PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel, as well as Adobe Creative Suite is preferred.
Skills: Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills are required. The ability to independently manage the details associated with multiple projects and budgets, track activities, and meet deadlines is required. Strong decision making skills, the ability to prioritize tasks, and bring a variety of tasks to completion by deadlines is required. The ability to quickly learn the administrative structure of the University and the procedures necessary to accomplish the job is required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to communicate with individuals with varying backgrounds are required. A strong knowledge of various computer software applications such as Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and various digital editing platforms is preferred. Grant-writing and research skills are preferred. Technical writing skills and familiarity with various formats required for article submission to scholarly journals and publications is preferred. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
Other: Must be available to work evenings and/or weekends as needed for various CASL programs.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Coordinates the development, planning, implementation, and assessment of all aspects of communications, media, and marketing projects that are coordinated by CASL and CCE.
2. Supports outreach to the University and Springfield communities by creating visual representations promoting CASL and CCE programs and events, including video, web, and print material.
3. Creates content and manages the Center for Community Engagement website hub and all relevant websites or blogs that fall under the main hub.
4. Promotes a positive and professional image of the department by being knowledgeable about various departmental procedures and policies and answering questions asked by alumni, donors, faculty, staff, or others doing business with the department.
5. Creates marketing pieces and strategies to create and maintain name recognition of CASL and CCE by coordinating the design, layout, printing, and distribution of brochures, press releases, and newspaper articles, assuring that all publications and news releases are handled in accord with University guidelines and procedures.
6. Utilizes and manages social media interaction on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to enhance communication with the public as well as specific target groups.
7. Coordinates service-learning advisement, placement, and registration of service-learning students.
8. Develops management reports and communication platforms, manages the CASL research stipend and Faculty Fellows grants, performs research, supports submissions to scholarly journals, and performs assessment and evaluation of service-learning programs.
9. Maintains and monitors CASL and CCE budgets and purchases needed supplies and equipment.
10. Develops management reports, performs analysis of data, writes grants to support initiatives and programs, and is responsible for assessing and evaluating the impact of programs related to student success and community needs.
11. Participates as a member of the University community by serving on committees as assigned.
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 supervisor.
14. Contributes to the overall success of CASL and CCE by performing all other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Project Coordinator, Media and Communications is supervised by the Director of Citizenship and Service-Learning and may supervise student workers, graduate assistants, and others as assigned.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED JANUARY 2021
