Communications Manager

Position Function:

The Communications Manager serves within the Office of Research & Economic Development (ORED) and leads the development, coordination, and execution of communications strategies that advance the priorities of the Division of Research. The position is responsible for increasing awareness and understanding of Mississippi State University's research, innovation, and economic development activities among internal and external audiences.

Working closely with ORED leadership, Division units, and the MSU Office of Public Affairs, the Communications Manager develops and disseminates strategic communications that highlight the impact, capabilities, and achievements of the university's research enterprise. The position also provides consultation, training, and mentorship to communications staff across Division centers and institutes to promote consistent messaging, effective storytelling, and alignment with divisional and university communication standards.

Salary Grade:17

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are \"Unclassified\" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. 1. Lead the Division in a multi-media strategy to disseminate information to external and internal groups to amplify MSU’s research and economic development impacts.
2. 2. Serve as ORED's primary liaison to the MSU Office of Public Affairs and coordinate communications efforts across Division units to ensure consistent messaging and alignment with university branding and strategic priorities.
3. 3. Actively engage clientele (internal and external) and ensure the Division is targeting communications to their needs.
4. 4. Develop and implement a Division-wide external communications strategy that showcases the impact and capabilities of MSU's research enterprise, strengthens stakeholder engagement, and supports efforts to expand research partnerships and external funding opportunities.
5. 5. Develop and execute social media and other media strategies for ORED's communication channels while providing strategic guidance, consultation, and mentorship to communications staff within Division centers and institutes regarding content planning, audience engagement, accessibility, platform best practices, and emerging trends.
6. 6. Write and produce clear, compelling communications and stories for publication on the Division’s website, email campaigns, newsletters, press releases, publications and social media outlets to engage various audiences.
7. 7. Oversee the visual design and creative execution of Division publications, including photography selection, layout development, and graphic presentation.
8. 8. Manage ORED web content and collaborate with Division centers and institutes on website content strategy, accessibility, redesign initiatives, and ongoing content improvements.
9. 9. Coordinate Division photography and videography efforts, including production planning, covering major events, management of digital assets, and implementation of multimedia storytelling initiatives that support divisional priorities.
10. 10. Develop and deliver training, resources, and professional development opportunities for Division communications staff to strengthen storytelling, digital communications, media engagement, accessibility, and content management practices.
11. 11. Respond to media inquiries and provide images, video, and other materials for broadcasting and online media.
12. 12. Assist in the marketing, communication and execution of ORED and Division partner events and showcases on- and off-campus.
13. 13. Assist in the marketing and licensing materials of MSU technologies for prospective stakeholders and clientele.
14. 14. Utilize analytics to report on the impact of implemented communications projects.
15. 15. Recommend and implement adjustments to communications strategies as needed.
16. 16. Other duties as assigned by supervisor

The above essential duties are representative of major duties of positions in this position. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job. Not all of the duties may be assigned to a position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Media, or related field

Experience (yrs.):

Three years directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified

Substitution allowed for Education:

Indicated education is required; no substitutions allowed.

Substitution allowed for Experience:

When a candidate has the required education, but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional appropriate education toward the experience requirement, at a rate of one (1) year relevant education per year of required experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to create an organizational strategy, form teams of collaborators, and execute a comprehensive marketing/communication plan.
• Excellent and engaging written and verbal communication skills that aid in finding original content as well as the ability to be innovative in producing and packaging content, including writing creatively.
• Proven knowledge and experience using appropriate technologies. Advanced computer skills and technical ability are required.
• Ability to consult and gather input from multiple subject matter experts.
• Ability to design media for different audiences.
• Knowledge and implementation of social media and web-based analytics for analysis.
• Understanding of and ability to apply emerging AI tools.
• Knowledge of Adobe Create Suite and Microsoft Office 365

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• Some travel on- and off-campus, regionally and/or nationally, may occasionally be required in the performance of duties.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• No or very limited physical effort required.

Restricted Clause:

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, View phone number on click.appcast.io.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

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If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human ResourcesManagement at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. Upon request, sections of thisjob listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.

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