Director of Digital Communications

Company: Inside Higher Ed
Location: Gainesville
Posted on: February 23, 2021

Job Description:

Job no: 515814Work type: Staff Full-TimeLocation: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)Categories: Communications/Public Relations/Marketing, Executive/Director/ManagementDepartment:50010000 - AD-VP ADVANCEMENTClassification Title:DIR, CommunicationsJob Description:The Director of Digital Communications is responsible for oversight, creation and execution of content for the University of Florida Advancement's (UFA) Web communications, email marketing and digital assets. Reporting to the Senior Director of Digital Marketing & Engagement, this position will collaborate with other members of UFA's communications, development and alumni departments to ensure seamless, creative and impactful messaging across platforms.The director will guide e-communications developed by decentralized units to ensure they are in compliance with UFA's editorial guidelines, messaging and visual identity standards. In addition, the incumbent will play a key role in executing UFA's digital strategy, which will require an understanding of best practices in content development, information technology and architecture, site design, search-engine optimization and web analytics, along with strong consensus-building skills.Roles and Responsibilities:Digital Communications & Marketing Leadership and Execution

• Manage the day-to-day operation, including planning and execution, of UFA's email marketing enterprise, responsible for over 18 million sends annually.
• Manage and provide strategic recommendations for all UFA Web properties, in collaboration with communications and development colleagues. Duties will include content management, development, writing, editing and execution.
• Serve as administrator for all WordPress sites. Create and manage code to enhance and create new functionality.
• Advise the Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Senior Director of Digital Marketing & Engagement and other UFA leaders in matters of Web communications.
• Ensure that UF's and UFA's visual identity, style and brand are consistently and strategically applied in all Web and email communications, digital asset management and email marketing.
• Manage the UFA communications calendar. Consult with the Senior Director of Digital Marketing & Engagement and the Senior Web Administrator to ensure strategic timing of email communications and prevent audience fatigue.
• Advise the Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Senior Director of Digital Marketing & Engagement on staffing structure and existing and potential partnerships to support a robust and fully realized digital communications strategy.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Senior Director of Digital Marketing & Engagement for annual digital budget projections.Project Management & Client Service
  • Provide primary project management for all digital efforts.
  • In consultation with the Senior Director of Digital Marketing & Engagement, evaluate new project and work requests and assign approved requests to the appropriate staff.
  • Provide regular reporting to the Senior Director of Digital Marketing & Engagement on project progress and staff workload and bandwidth.
  • Manage and provide leadership for the Web Designer using talent management best practices in alignment with UFA's vision and values of Service, Excellence and Team. Provide backup support for the Web Designer's responsibilities. Support Digital Fundraising Efforts
    • Create landing pages and forms in support of fundraising efforts, appeals and affinity giving campaigns.
    • Develop distinctive digital communication and marketing strategies for individual development initiatives, including those targeting giving and event participation.
    • In cooperation with Annual Giving, manage the vanity URL program.
    • Perform daily management of online funds.
    • Provide supplemental support for other digital communications, marketing, engagement and communities work. Analytics & Reporting
      • Manage the day-to-day operation of UFA's Web analytics, current Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager.
      • In collaboration with the Senior Director of Digital Marketing & Engagement, ensure robust tagging and data return for all Web properties.
      • Provide regular Web analytics reports to the Senior Director of Digital Marketing & Engagement.
      • Create email send reports and ensure reports are logged in project management and copies provided to appropriate collaborators.
      • Collaborate with the Senior Web Administrator to provide reporting on the email enterprise to the Senior Director of Digital Marketing & Engagement.Expected Salary:Salary commensurate with education and experience.Minimum Requirements:Master's degree in an appropriate area and six years of relevant experience; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and eight years of relevant experience.Valid driver licensePreferred Qualifications:The ideal candidate will possess:
      • Degree in communications, public relations, marketing or related field with writing abilities.
      • Five years of experience producing and directing digital communications; supervisory experience.
      • Knowledge of content development, information technology and architecture, site design, search-engine optimization and Web analytics.
      • Prior experience in communications in development, fundraising, higher education or related areas, and knowledge of advancement philosophy and practices.
      • Effective time management and organizational skills.
      • Must be an outstanding communicator and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills; interpersonal skills; and the ability to work collegially and interact effectively with a diverse constituency.
      • Appreciation for and support of diversity in the workplace in all its forms; proven success working with stakeholders; excellent strategic planning and project management skills; experience in a data-driven environment; organizational skills; and the ability to lead, influence and motivate others are required.
      • Excellent planning and digital project management skills.
      • The ability to problem-solve, using investigative research and analytical skills to develop and implement creative solutions.
      • The ability to take initiative, accurately establish priorities, complete complex assignments with urgency and accuracy, and adapt quickly to changing needs and conflicting challenges.
      • Ability to work both individually and collaboratively.
      • Competency in problem solving; ability to inspire and motivate collaborators.
      • Strong knowledge of various digital communications and social media software and platforms, including content management systems and digital publishing tools.
      • A sophisticated understanding of digital audiences and fluency in best practice tools and techniques for digital communications.Special Instructions to Applicants:In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter, resume, and three references.Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.Health Assessment Required:No Advertised: 17 Feb 2021 Eastern Standard TimeApplications close: 17 Mar 2021 Eastern Daylight Time

Keywords: Inside Higher Ed, Gainesville , Director of Digital Communications, Executive , Gainesville, Florida