Communication Specialist II
Southern Methodist University Inc

Job Info

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Description

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Department:

Development and External Affairs (DEA) supports SMU by securing funding for University priorities; by promoting meaningful involvement in the life and work of the University; by heightening international, national, state and local awareness of SMU; and by supporting the enrollment of a diverse and able student body.

DEA comprises the offices of Office of the Vice President, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, Development Services, Program Services and Donor Relations, Marketing and Communications, Principal and Major Gifts, and School and Project Development.

SMU continues to leverage the benefits from the largest fund-raising campaign in its history to achieve dramatic increases in academic quality and impact.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Communication Specialist reports to the Creative Director in SMU's Office of Marketing and Communications and is responsible for copywriting, communications, and producing marketing content across all media types print, digital (e-mail, text), video, social, etc. that deliver SMU's key messages to a wide variety of audiences, including prospective students and their families.

The position will support undergraduate outreach and recruitment efforts as well as other needs and priorities in alignment with the Admission strategic plan as well as MarCom and DEA objectives.

Essential Functions:

• Write and edit content for all media types (print, digital, video, social, etc.) with a digital-first approach for the production of marketing collateral in support of SMU's undergraduate admission recruitment and yield goals, as well as other projects as assigned. Curate, repurpose and update content for use across multiple channels. Negotiate/adjust deadlines to plan for the timely execution of assignments, including digital and print content, and consistently meet deadlines, routinely communicating and reporting project(s) status to manager as well as to other team members.
  
• Collaborate w/ MarCom colleagues, include other writers/editors, designers & proofreaders, as well as with constituents across campus to assist in the ideation, development and execution of original creative concepts and key messages according to SMU brand identity, voice, tone and guidelines. Periodically reassess admission material for potential creative updates.
  
• Maintain a database of alumni, current students, parents and other stakeholders to source as leads for storytelling, testimonials and other opportunities to communicate the SMU story and the value of an SMU education. Schedule and conduct research and interviews to create and edit content for all communication channels.
  
• Utilize fact-checking and research skills to maintain an internal bank of accurate rankings and statistical data concerning SMU and Dallas for use in marketing collateral and publications.
  

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree is required. A degree in Marketing or Communications is preferred.

A minimum of three years of work experience is required.

Experience in a professional writing capacity and/or marketing preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills and the ability to effectively articulate complex ideas both in writing and verbal. Demonstrated ability to write in short-form and long-form narratives - in marketing-oriented formats as well as in informative, plain-language formats - for digital, web, social and print, adapting written voice and style to a variety of audiences/content channels is essential.

Candidate must have strong organizational, planning, and time management skills. Must also have the ability to work and produce deliverables and results in a fast-paced team environment. Demonstrated initiative in managing multiple writing and editing projects simultaneously; tracking projects; consistently and proactively communicating project status to manager; resolving any questions that arise with team members in a timely fashion to advance project completion; and supporting the overall needs of the marketing team is essential.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Demonstrated ability in interviewing, fact-checking, AP style, proofreading and undertaking research is essential.

Candidate must possess a strong working knowledge of the Microsoft Suite, particularly Word. Experience with FilemakerPro, Excel, Box, InDesign, Dreamweaver and project management systems preferred.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:

May 10, 2024

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by May 1, 2024

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

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