Assistant Director of Communications

Summary

Reports to: Executive Director of Strategic Communications

Department: Communications

Major Activities & Essential Functions

• Collaborates with the Executive Director of Strategic Communications to formulate a comprehensive communication strategy that aligns with the school’s strategic goals.
• Develops and oversees ancillary communication plans to support strategic initiatives, events, and programs.
• Manages a detailed project execution plan for each communication strategy, incorporating a robust project management framework in conjunction with the Coordinator of Communications.
• Provides strategic direction and senior-level input to guide the managers of content management, media relations, digital, and social media.
• Ensures excellence in all strategic communications and marketing initiatives.
• Maintains brand consistency across all communication materials.
• Ensures messaging is bold and effective, enhancing the visibility and impact of the brand.
• Collaborates with the Strategic Engagement team to support university events, programs, and initiatives through effective communication strategies.
• Assists in the planning and execution of promotional campaigns for key events.
• Works closely with key stakeholders and leaders within the academic programs and support departments.
• Engages with key individuals across the institution to ensure a unified approach to communications and marketing efforts.
• Provides guidance and mentorship to team members, managing performance and ensuring they meet the set objectives, while driving accountability for deliverables and fostering professional growth through targeted training and constructive feedback.
• Fosters strong teamwork and cross-functional collaboration to emphasize shared goals and seamless project execution, ensuring high-quality outcomes and unity and synergy across departments, thereby boosting overall productivity and success.
• Manages resource allocation, including staff time and project budgets, to ensure efficiency and alignment with departmental needs. Assist the Executive Director with strategic decision-making by providing data-driven insights and recommendations.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or a related field.
• 8-10 years of experience at a mid-senior level in a communication, marketing public relations role, preferably in a university or education setting.
• Demonstrated experience effectively managing all elements of complex, multi-level and multi-faceted communications projects within tight timeframes and with the highest quality deliverables required ideally in a post-secondary environment.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficiency in effectively utilizing communication tools and software.
• Experience overseeing and developing digital marketing strategies.
• Crisis communication and media relations experience.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and lead when necessary.
• Familiarity with higher education institutions and their unique communication challenges.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCUarts Qatar.

Skills & Experience

• Ability to think creatively and develop innovative communication strategies.
• Proven experience in crafting unique campaigns and content that effectively engage and stand out.
• Capability to adjust strategies in a dynamic higher education environment with evolving priorities.
• Strong focus on detail for writing, editing, and proofreading to ensure accuracy and consistency in branding and messaging.
• Strategic mindset to align communication efforts with the university’s long-term goals and mission.
• Ability to ensure communication activities contribute to the institution’s success.
• Excellent collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively within a team.
• Capability to provide support, guidance, and leadership as needed.
• Strong leadership and project management skills to oversee and guide communication strategies.
• Professional demeanor in all interactions, ensuring the university is represented positively.
• Ability to manage high-pressure situations with composure, including crisis communication and handling negative publicity.
• Commitment to high ethical standards and confidentiality in all communications.
• Avoidance of conflicts of interest.
• Proficiency in using modern communication tools, platforms, social media, and digital marketing techniques.
• Understanding and addressing the diverse needs and perspectives of various stakeholders including students, faculty, and alumni.
• Awareness and respect for cultural diversity, with skills to tailor communication to diverse audiences.
• Genuine passion for the university’s mission and a positive attitude to inspire enthusiasm among team members and stakeholders.

Application Process