Strategic Communications Manager, CESS

Strategic Communications Manager, CESS

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Position Details

Advertising/Posting Title - Strategic Communications Manager, CESS

Posting Summary - Oversees the external relations and communications program for the College of Education and Social Services (CESS). Provides leadership in the development, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of communications that advance the College's mission and strategic priorities, in consultation with the Dean, Associate Deans, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and field partners, as well as internal University partners and external vendors. Collaborates closely with the Division of Strategic Communications to ensure alignment and synergy between the College and the University's overarching external relations strategy. Communicates stories, events, accomplishments, and issues of strategic importance from the College in ways that support and reinforce College and University strategic goals. This position reports to the CESS Associate Dean for Graduate, Non-Degree, and Research Programming.

Minimum Qualifications (or equivalent combination of education and experience) - Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and five years' experience on the skills and essential functions required. Adept at using software applications including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher and Powerpoint). Proficient in using Web content management systems. ex. Drupal. Excellent written and communication skills. Understanding of contemporary website best practices. Understanding of social media best practices, and content writing for search engine optimization. Accessibility optimization practices.

Desirable Qualifications - Master's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, Higher Education Administration or a related field. Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, or administrative management within a higher education or non-profit environment. Advanced proficiency with digital content tools, including Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) or Adobe Express. Experience developing and executing strategic communication plans for diverse internal and external audiences. Demonstrated expertise in brand stewardship, visual identity application, and messaging consistency across platforms. Experience with analytics and performance tools, such as Google Analytics, social media insights dashboards, or SEO measurement tools. Familiarity with CRM or email marketing platforms, such as Slate, Salesforce or Emma. Strong project management skills, including coordination of multiple concurrent deadlines, use of digital workflow tools (e.g., Wrike, Asana, Trello, Microsoft Planner), and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Demonstrated commitment to accessibility and inclusive communications. Experience with media relations, including drafting press releases, coordinating interviews, and maintaining relationships with local or regional media outlets.

Anticipated Pay Range - $70,000-$78,000

Other Information - For visionary changemakers who are ready to transform educational and social systems, the College of Education and Social Services provides experiential and supportive learning environments inspiring students to create a more humane and just society—for people and planet. For more detailed information about us, visit the College of Education and Social Services' website,

Special Conditions - A probationary period may be required, Occasional evening and/or weekends required (if non-exempt position, may result in overtime), Background Check required for this position

FLSA - Exempt

Union Position - Yes, UVMSU

Posting Details

Position will be posted for a minimum of one week, after which it is subject to removal without notice.

Job Location - Burlington, Vermont, United States

Job Open Date - 03/03/2026

Job Close Date (Jobs close at 11:59 PM EST.)

Open Until Filled - No

Our Common Ground Statement

The University of Vermont is a welcoming, educationally purposeful community committed to creating an inclusive environment that embraces intellectual diversity and global perspectives. We seek to prepare students to be accountable leaders who will bring to their work a grasp of complexity, effective problem-solving and communication skills, and an enduring commitment to learning and ethical conduct. Members of the University of Vermont community embrace and advance the values of Our Common Ground: Respect, Integrity, Innovation, Openness, Justice, and Responsibility. Staff play a critical role in this effort and the successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to UVM's mission and advancing Our Common Ground values through the execution of their job duties.

Position Information

Position Title - Communications Generalist PC3 X

Posting Number - S5978PO

Department - CESS Dean's Office/53000

Position Number - 00027822

Percent of Full-Time - 1.00

Standard Hours at 1.0 FTE - 37.5

Term (months per year) - 12

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
   • Chronicle of Higher Education
   • HigherEdJobs
   • Inside Higher Ed
   • LinkedIn
   • Seven Days
   • UVM Employee (Please specify below)
   • UVM Employment Web Site
   • Vermont JobLink (Department of Labor)
   • Other (Please specify below)

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter/Letter of Application

Optional Documents

1. Other Document (1)