IMRP Communications Administrator

JOB SUMMARY

UConn's Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP) is seeking a talented, strategic, and collaborative Communications Administrator (Publicity/Marketing Administrator). The Communications Administrator works collaboratively with project leaders, faculty affiliates, staff, community partners, and University stakeholders to develop and execute integrated communications initiatives that increase awareness of IMRP's research, programs, commissions, and public policy initiatives. The successful candidate will provide strategic communications leadership, oversee branding and messaging efforts, manage media and public relations activities, direct digital communications platforms, and assess the effectiveness of outreach efforts through data-driven evaluation and reporting. The Communications Administrator is expected to exercise a high degree of independence, initiative, and professional judgment while ensuring compliance with University communications policies, brand standards, and best practices. The IMRP is a dynamic non-partisan organization affiliated with UConn's School of Public Policy that works to advance fair, effective, and just public policy through applied research, public engagement, and community partnerships. Reporting directly to the IMRP Associate Director, the Communications Administrator serves as the Institute's lead communications professional and is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive marketing, communications, and public relations strategies that advance the visibility, reputation, and impact of the Institute.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive marketing, communications, and public engagement strategies that advance the mission, priorities, and strategic goals of the IMRP. Lead the development of annual communications and marketing plans, establishing measurable objectives, timelines, and performance metrics. Serve as the Institute's communications strategist and advisor, consulting with leadership and project teams on communications approaches, public messaging, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement. Identify opportunities to increase visibility and strengthen the Institute's brand presence across the University, state, and national audiences. Develop and maintain productive relationships with media organizations, journalists, editors, and communications professionals to promote coverage of Institute programs, research, and events. Coordinate media outreach efforts, including press releases, media advisories, interviews, opinion pieces, feature stories, and public announcements. Direct the creation and dissemination of compelling content and messaging across print, digital, social media, video, web, and emerging communications platforms. Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and project teams to translate complex policy and research findings into accessible and engaging content for diverse audiences. Provide leadership, guidance, and direction to student employees, interns, and staff assigned to communications and marketing initiatives. Coordinate communications-related work across project teams and external vendors as necessary. Perform related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or a related field. Four to five years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, marketing, public relations, media relations, or related fields. Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic communications and marketing plans. Demonstrated written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills. Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects simultaneously and meeting deadlines in a dynamic environment. Experience utilizing digital communications platforms, website content management systems, social media, and marketing analytics tools.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master's degree in communications, marketing, public administration, public policy, journalism, or a related field. Six or more years of professional communications, marketing, public relations, or media experience. Experience working within higher education, government, public policy, nonprofit, or research environments. Experience developing and maintaining relationships with diverse community, governmental, and organizational partners. Experience measuring and evaluating communications effectiveness through analytics and performance metrics. Experience supervising staff, student employees, interns, or project teams. Familiarity with UConn communications policies, brand standards, and digital accessibility requirements.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, end-dated position with the possibility of renewal subject to performance and funding. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits, please visit UConn Health Benefits and explore the sections under the Benefits & Leaves and Engagement & Learning headers. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check. All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics. All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community. The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities, veteran’s status, status as a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and/or trafficking in persons as defined by Connecticut law, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to the reproductive systems, or gender identity or expression The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer including for Disability and Veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Connecticut