Director, Marketing & Communications - SUNY College of Optometry : Job Details

Posting Details Position Information Position Title Director, Marketing & Communications Position Description Leading the Marketing & Communications area, the Director for Marketing & Communications ensures the formulation and execution of SUNY College of Optometry's external public relations and marketing programs. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement (VPIA) and working closely with other senior leadership to devise and execute a communications strategy that increases the SUNY College of Optometry's visibility and advances the College's mission, the successful individual will initiate, create, collect, and oversee materials and resources that serve as the basis for successful public relations and community awareness programs. This role writes and disseminates media releases, edits and creates copy, coordinates press events, oversees the website, and produces exceptional collateral materials including key publications, brochures, advertisements and flyers. This person is expected to ensure a consistent look and voice for the institution across all communication channels, efficiently execute the responsibilities of the position, connect with internal and external stakeholders, remain aware of and sensitive to college developments, programs, and initiatives as well as stay current with industry trends. Specific duties & responsibilities: Manage and assess day-to-day programs and projects that promote the visibility of the College including its key centers and departments; generate content for media and marketing initiatives across multiple communications platforms; oversee the design and production of marketing and educational materials such as flyers, brochures, advertisements, publications, etc., edit and organize content for various channels; advance the College's strategic and communications plan; and positively position the College to wide array of external audiences. The Director for Marketing and Communications supervises 1-2 manager or specialist-level positions. They manage and use the services of students or staff for graphics and video support as well as vendors for more complex design needs and broad campaign support. This position is designated Management/Confidential. Management Confidential appointments serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and are not represented by a union.Key Duties:

• Manage the day-to-day operations and execution of complex, multifaceted communications program and supplemental project plans promoting the visibility and positive positioning of the College.
• Advance and execute a media relations plan, including securing media and reporter contacts that are industry specific or public interest focused.
• Generate policies, processes, and resources to ensure all College communications and materials carry the appropriate brand and messaging, present a consistent voice and visual identity, and adhere to the highest quality standards.
• Supervise the delivery of institutional communications and marketing collateral from inception to publication serving as the lead project manager for these initiatives and ensuring highest quality.
• Develop remarks, speeches, outlines, and select internal communications as needed including providing key talking points for leadership.
• Create, edit, research, and source content for news releases, catalogues, brochures, website, and other materials in coordination with appropriate departments.
• Conduct interviews to create press releases, profiles, and biographies as needed.
• Coordinate content updates and design for the website including landing pages and other digital needs.
• Oversee and coordinate with vendors for printing, production, videography, and publication ensuring timelines and quality for each project.
• Produce weekly, monthly, and/or quarterly reports on related metrics as needed.
• Supervise communications staff, student workers, and vendors.
• Serve as the College's spokesperson in the absence of the VPIA or as appropriate.
• Support overall Institutional Advancement and leadership team on events and projects as needed.

Key Skills:

• Highly effective organizational and/or project management skills handling multiple priority projects
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with attention to detail
• Experience placing local, regional, and national print and broadcast stories across diverse press outlets
• Persuasive writing skills with the ability to adapt voice and style to meet needs
• Self-starter who requires little oversight and works well across multiple levels of stakeholders
• Initiator who values relationships and encourages others to participate; engages in creative process
• Keen problem-solver who looks for solutions and scenarios that advances the agenda
• Knowledge of software and cloud-based tools such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, KeyNote, Adobe, Google Analytics, WordPress, MeltWater, EurekAlert, and social media channels
• Experience in public relations, external relations, marketing, or other similar activities
• Ability to use Photoshop, Canva, or similar tools a plus

Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field and minimum of seven (7) years of experience preferably in an academic healthcare or higher education setting. The salary range is $120k-145K (commensurate with experience and qualifications). A generous benefit package with twenty-two days of annual leave to start and thirteen paid holidays per year. We are a qualifying employer in the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. View our Benefits at a Glance The State University of New York College of Optometry is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction, or retaliation. To view the College's Annual Security Report, visit Posting Detail Information Posting Number 2912017 Apply by DateOpen Until FilledSpecial Instructions to Applicants We are no longer accepting applications for this position, we encourage you to explore other exciting opportunities that align with your interests.