Job Description

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR CONSIDERATION: Cover letter, resume, and a sample of edited work, with edits visible using track changes or handwriting, and a brief writing sample that documents your capability to assume this role.

Position Summary: The Manager, Communications and Academic Research, reporting to the Dean, oversees communications for the Jepson School of Leadership, highlighting the school’s programs and initiatives and enhancing its reputation as a national and international resource in leadership studies. Directs communications, including media and public relations, electronic and print publications, web and image content, strategic planning, and social media strategy. The manager is tasked with editing scholarly manuscripts for the faculty and writing stories about Jepson School students, alums, and faculty. This position also edits faculty books, journal articles, grant proposals, and other writing projects. Support faculty research. 

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: 

COMMUNICATIONS (65%)

Strategic Planning:

Work with the Jepson School administration and Dean’s Executive Board of Advisors to plan, develop, and implement strategies to enhance the reputation and visibility of the school. Devise strategies to highlight and market the school’s community programs, such as the Jepson Leadership Forum and the Gary McDowell Institute Lecture Series, and the school’s academic program. Develop the communications and marketing yearly calendar. Research, plan, and develop communication strategies to communicate new initiatives of the Jepson School. Utilize analytics and data to enhance marketing and communication efforts.

Media and PR:

Collaborate with University Communications to support media and public relations efforts for the Jepson School. This includes sharing faculty expertise and research, as well as programs and initiatives that may present opportunities for broader visibility; helping connect University Communications with faculty for media interviews; supporting interview coordination; and contributing to the development and review of news releases and other media materials.

Electronic and Print Publications:

Oversee and manage all electronic and print publications, including the website, electronic newsletter, the Dean’s report, grant reports, ads, posters, banners, and brochures for the school. Work with University Communications for approval of branded content. Work with web and editorial strategy teams to enhance the look and quality of the website. Manage content creation on the website. Create content and write copy for the website and all publications. Write feature stories and news articles for the newsletter and website. Edit and change content on the website as needed. Edit the copy of all electronic and print publications to ensure that they are consistent with the tone and style of the University.  
Social and Digital Media:

Develop and maintain a comprehensive social media and digital strategy. Analyze trends, manage, and create content for the school’s Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other social media accounts.

Graphic and Image Development:

Develop and maintain graphic standards of the Jepson School. Collaborate with University Communications on brochures, logos, and other design items.  Work with vendors to ensure timely printing and publication. Design graphic materials for advertising and to showcase the Jepson School and its programs, including posters, mailers, postcards, digital flyers, banners, and other items as needed. Maintain and update images and photos on the website. Take and edit photos using software such as Photoshop as needed.

Relationship Management: Manage projects with internal and external partners to develop and produce materials. Oversee freelancers as needed. Ensure colleagues’ work on the website adheres to guidelines and style of the University and provide training as necessary.

EDITING AND ACADEMIC RESEARCH (35%)

Edit scholarly publications including faculty books and journal articles as well as grant proposals and other writing projects at the request of the faculty and administration. Provide editorial support to faculty at all stages of the writing and publishing process.

Conduct independent outside research for projects initiated by faculty and the administration.

CONTACTS: 

• Administrators, including the Dean, the Associate Dean for Student and External Affairs, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
• University Communications Leadership Team
• Web Development Leadership Team
• Marketing and communications professionals across campus
• Members of the Dean’s Executive Board of Advisors
• Jepson School faculty and staff
• Alumni
• Students
• Members of the Richmond metropolitan area community
• Faculty and staff in academic communities in the U.S. and abroad
• Outside vendors

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Hires and oversees freelancers as needed. Manages Jepson School student assistant who writes stories and develops web content.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT: Office environment.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Expertise in communications, marketing, and creative processes.

Knowledge of media relations and public relations.

Strong writer and editor with proven experience in managing print and electronic publications.

Knowledge of research techniques and editing processes.

Knowledge of computer software and content management systems such as Cascade, InDesign, and Photoshop.

Proficiency in Word, Acrobat, and Excel.

Knowledge of various style guides, including Chicago, AP, APA, and MLA.
 

Education & experience: 

Bachelor’s degree required

Media communications, research, and social media experience preferred.

Three to five years of experience in copyediting or writing required.

Required DOCUMENTS: Cover letter and resume. A sample of edited work, with edits visible using track changes or handwriting, and a brief writing sample that documents your capability to assume this role.

Scheduled Hours: Full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm; 38.75 hours per week.

Salary Pay Grade 6: $50,461 to $66,851

This is a full-time exempt position, with UR benefits.