Director of Strategic Communications

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

The Director of Strategic Communications serves as a leader on the Communications, Marketing, Editorial and Events (CMEE) team, developing and executing omni-channel messaging and content strategies to realize the Columbia College's (CC) highest aim of providing a transformative undergraduate student experience where academic excellence, community stewardship and personal well-being are mutually enriching and integrally connected. Working in a player / coach capacity, the Director's responsibilities will include direct supervision of team members, leadership of matrixed project teams, and front-line execution.

Working in close partnership with senior leaders across the undergraduate community - including integrated communications support for Columbia Engineering (SEAS) undergraduates - the Director is tasked with driving innovation across all central communications campaigns and initiatives; oversight and management of the College's web, email, social media channels; digital and print media asset design and production; and stewardship of the College's brand.

The Director also supports the Executive Director and CC senior leadership in strategic communications initiatives that enhance the Columbia College brand, from media relations and crisis communications, to consultation and support for central or sub-unit priorities, and brand strategy and enhancement - coordinating closely with University partners to ensure strategic alignment.

Responsibilities

Strategy, execution, and infrastructure

• Develop, coordinate and implement a variety of integrated communications and marketing efforts that support and engage students, alumni, families, and staff in alignment with the mission and strategic priorities of the College and its partner schools and units- including : programmatic engagement, resource awareness, events marketing, policy messaging, community-building, and orientation and graduation journeys.
• Lead and develop a formalized process for strategic planning, asset design, and campaign management designed to establish consistency, streamline execution, and meet exacting standards.
• Oversee and manage the College's digital infrastructure (in partnership with Columbia College Information Technology), including : web content management, information architecture, and governance; social media channels and execution tools; email delivery systems and mailing lists; and a variety of other digital platforms.
• Identify and recommend innovative communication strategies and infrastructure improvements to enhance the community experience and sense of engagement and connection.
• Oversees development of communications assets, including graphic design, copywriting, video and other media.
• Creates clear objectives, plans, and processes that drive toward clearly defined measures of success.

Institutional messaging, reputation management, crisis communications

• In partnership with the Executive Director, the Director is a primary point of contact for central Columbia College communication initiatives related to reputation management, crisis communications and centralized messaging strategy.
• Serves as a key member of the CC / EN On-Call and Emergency Response team, providing leadership in the management of student, parent and campus crisis or emergency communications.
• Owns the crisis communications protocols and development of support communications for staff and external media. Acts as point person on campus media relations, building relationships with key contacts, drafting press releases, and preparing public remarks and briefings.

Brand strategy and internal consultation

• Works closely with the Executive Director, leadership in the Office of the Dean, and a variety of other College units to enhance the Columbia College brand strategy, developing visual assets, strategic content, and coordinating strategies to strengthen consistency and overall institutional narrative.
• Supports the Executive Director on special projects related to developing and integrating long term strategy and short-term initiatives into the overall communications framework.
• Oversee quality control of communications throughout the College; benchmark and identify best practices and creative strategies to elevate brand and influence team and partners towards a long-term vision.
• Influence and support key partners to enhance coordinated communications throughout the College.

Reporting, data & integration

• Partners closely with data and IT teams to advance use of technology and data integration to enhance campaign execution and user experience.
• Understand and design efficient workflows that support data-informed decision making and real-time efficacy analysis processes and
• Produce and deliver periodic reports on efficacy and impact of communications activities and campaigns
• Serve on communications-related committees.
• Additional related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and / or its equivalent required
• Five to seven years of relevant experience required.
• Full-stack integrated marketing experience is critical, and successful candidates must be able to demonstrate proficiency in website content management, SEO, social media strategy, email marketing, and data analysis.
• Must be a self-directed strategic thinker skilled at critical, analytical and creative thinking while also comfortable with hands-on production.
• Exemplary written and oral communication skills, and excellent editorial instincts with attention to detail along with a reputation for integrity and discretion.
• Ability to write to diverse audiences and synthesize facts, trends, events into coherent messaging and storytelling.
• Must be detail oriented, calm under pressure, and have the ability to think creatively while working both independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Communication, Journalism or related field preferred, ideally with experience in higher education or similar complex organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and juggle multiple responsibilities in high-volume, fast-paced environments, working collaboratively with people at all levels - including senior executives.
• Strong visual aesthetic with intuitive understanding of a range of multimedia content, excellent design, and adherence to best practices.
• Able to stay abreast of state-of-the-art techniques and technologies.
• Familiarity with higher education constituencies, structure and administration desirable.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.