Job Description:The Senior Director, Strategic Communications and Community Relations serves as the primary internal and external communications expert for the University. This role shapes, leads and executes both traditional and digital communications efforts that align with the overarching strategic priorities of the University. The Senior Director acts as the principal liaison between the University and a wide array of community and government partners. Emphasizing a focus on cultivating and nurturing strategic relationships, particularly with elected officials at the town and state levels, the successful candidate will be adept at collaboration and the development of effective, mutually beneficial partnerships. Key responsibilities include the oversight of public relations, media and community relations, partner relations, government relations, social media and retail marketing/merchandising.Working closely with the VP of Marketing and Communications, the senior director articulates and enhances Fairfield University’s knowledge, reputation and impact across diverse audiences and stakeholders. These include: prospective/current students and parents; alumni; business and industry affiliates; prospective/current donors; municipal, state and federal government; local neighbors and the broader community, both on and off-campus.The Senior Director will manage a dynamic and creative team of professionals, identifying opportunities to promote the strong academic reputation of the Fairfield University brand nationally and to communicate its value and impact to all University constituents.Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in marketing, communications, public relations or related field.
A minimum of seven years progressively responsible experience in internal and external communications, and/or public and community relations.
Preferred Qualifications:
Communications experience in higher education, government, or non-profit areas.
Established working relationships with local press and larger media outlets.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to create and implement strategic communication strategies, tailored to a variety of audiences.
Strong interest in local, national and/or global news and the key issues and policies impacting higher education.
Strong understanding of local, state, federal political landscape and the policy-making process at those levels.
Sound understanding of government relations and strong political instincts.
Knowledge of traditional and emerging communication technologies including: online, web, and social media.
Proven ability to interpret analytics and data to create/adapt communications strategies around those findings.
Demonstrated success managing teams, multiple projects and competing priorities within a complex organization.
Excellent project-management skills, leveraging project management platforms to deliver key results.
Ability to manage, develop and motivate staff.
Essential Functions:
Acts as Department Head for all University Constituent Relations and Communications.
Directly manages the following teams: Public Relations, Community Relations, Social Media, Internal Communications, Retail Marketing & Merchandise.
Identifies challenges and emerging issues faced by the University, working with leadership to recognize opportunities and devise communications solutions.
Communicates the strategic priorities, initiatives, and accomplishments of Fairfield University to drive awareness and affinity with target audiences.
Creates communications strategies that engage constituencies in meaningful and productive relationships with the University.
Oversees a collaborative and impactful effort with academic partners to develop positioning and communications strategies that increase research support, drive awareness, and promote impact.
Works closely with Academic, Advancement and Enrollment Management, providing guidance on positioning and developing communications strategies to increase the enrollment of diverse, high-achieving student populations and engaging alumni.
Develop processes, systems, and resources required to implement the vision and goals of the marketing and communications division.
Performs other related duties as directed or dictated by responsibilities.
Duties may be changed and/or be added at any time.Category:Marketing - AdminPerforms such other duties, responsibilities, and activities as required by supervisor and as departmental/University needs indicate.DisclaimerThe above information indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, activities, and/or qualifications required or expected of employees assigned to this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.Fairfield University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.Load a resume or CV first, then upload supporting documents including a cover letter at the bottom of the third page under the "My Experience" section where it says to upload a Resume/CV . You will be able to upload up to 5 other documents in this section. You will be unable to edit your application, so please have all documents available before applying.Faculty Positions : If you need to upload more than 5 documents, please either combine them to upload or email the additional documents to the applicable contact in the job description.Staff positions : If you need to upload more than 5 documents, please either combine them to upload or email them to [email protected]