Manager of Digital Strategy

Overview

University Communications (UC) translates ECU’s message into strategic and compelling communication and campaigns through the university website, news releases, its official social media, East magazine, storytelling, production of promotional videos and video news stories along with infographics, creation and development of promotional brochures, and annual reports.

The purpose is to provide strategic communication and marketing guidance and support to increase the knowledge, understanding, appreciation and support of the University and its work with broad and varied constituencies, from prospective students to identified thought leaders to prospective donors.

Through ECU News Services UC performs media relations, public affairs, internal communication and strategic communication work on behalf of the university and reports and disseminates information about events, activities, research, policies, individuals and alumni of the University, both through the media, videos, ecu.

edu, the university website and through owned publications and other forums. UC, through Creative Services, works with all university departments to conceptualize, design, develop, and produce written, audio-visual, digital and print projects to brand, communicate, and market their messages to appropriate audiences.

Creative Services also provides strategic marketing advice for the university, including performing advertising buys for the university.

Job Duties The primary roles of the Manager of Digital Strategy are to develop, oversee and direct strategies for web-based communication including social media.

The candidate will develop, edit, coordinate, and publish content for the ECU.edu homepage, the ECU News Services website (news.

ecu.edu) and other portions of the website such associalmedia.ecu.edu and the expert’s directory. This position maintains an editorial calendar to keep sites updated regularly with relevant, compelling content.

This position supervises two social media specialists and works closely with them to develop communication strategies for the university’s 12 official social media accounts with a combined audience of K+ and oversee the implementation of those strategies.

This position will serve as editor of ECU.edu, the university home page. This position will also forecast, track and report digital performance, including web and social media data via Google Analytics and Meltwater, and interpret the data and apply insights to enhance news judgment.

This position will, at the direction of the Deputy Director of News Services, develop and coordinate elements needed for digital content that accurately reflect ECU, its mission and vision, and will engage audiences.

The position will work closely with the Chief Communications Officer and Deputy Director of News Services to provide editorial support and direction to university leadership, including coordinating special web and social media projects and strategic communication.

As a senior member of ECU News Services, the Manager of Digital Strategy is required to act in an independent manner with minimal direct supervision and is expected to exercise sound independent professional judgment in decision making.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to : Providing strategic content oversight and support for ECU’s public web presence, including managing, editing, posting and publishing timely, relevant and accurate content for the university website’s home page and the ECU News Services home page.

This includes posting information to web pages when needed including at night and on weekends for emergencies.

Promoting brand messaging throughout the ECU web presence and social media platforms that is consistent with overall university communications strategies and supporting integration of those messages on web pages and social media accounts managed by other departments.

This also includes working with senior university leadership and others.

Managing ECU’s social media presence through multiple platforms (e g., Facebook, YouTube, X, Instagram, TikTok, etc.) and supervising the social media specialist.

Collaborating with photographers, videographers, writers, social media managers, faculty, staff and students across campus to develop and implement digital projects and communication plans.

Using social media listening and measuring services to maintain and monitor the university’s social media presence.

Assisting with communication during an emergency or reputational crisis. This position is a lead level operator for the ECU Alert system when needed, including nights and weekends if there is an ongoing crisis and overseeing social media response in emergencies.

Managing oversight of Localist, the hosted university calendar.

Contingent upon availability of funds. Minimum Education / Experience Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment;

or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation None Preferred Experience, Skills, Training / Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Communications.
• Prior experience with writing content, graphic design and media markets.
• A firm grasp of journalistic principles and techniques for disseminating information to the public.
• Prior experience writing using accepted standards for magazine and press publications, including AP style.
• Experience editing and analyzing informational material prepared by others.
• Experience establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with the general public and persons contacted through the course of work.
• Collaborative work experience identifying, analyzing and posing solutions to interpersonal problems in a shifting environment.
• Exceptional organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Familiarity with marketing and development campaigns, public relations, Adobe Suite and InDesign.
• Proficiency in computer software programs / functions such as graphic design suites, web development and strategy, and Microsoft Office.

Special Instructions to Applicant East Carolina University requires applicants to submit a candidate profile online in order to be considered for the position.

Candidates must also submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references, including contact information, online.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Additional Instructions to Applicant In order to be considered for this position, applicants must complete a candidate profile online via the PeopleAdmin system and submit any requested documents.

Additionally, applicants that possess the preferred education and experience must also possess the minimum education / experience, if applicable.

Job Open Date 08 / 27 / Open Until Filled No Job Close Date - Positions will be posted until 11 : 59 p.m. EST on this date.

If no closing date is indicated, the position may close at any time after the initial screening date. 09 / 10 / Initial Screening Begins Rank Level