Communications Manager

Position Summary

The Department of Anthropology is seeking a Communications Manager I to develop, implement, manage, and sustain a comprehensive creative communications strategy that aligns with the department’s strategic goals, increases the visibility of department activities, and enhances the reputation of the department both inside and outside of the university. The position will work closely with faculty, staff, students, and alumni to translate complex information into engaging content for diverse audiences across multiple print and digital platforms and venues.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of an annual departmental communications and content strategy aligned with recruitment, research visibility, and engagement goals.
• Sustain a cohesive communications, media, and marketing identity for the Department of Anthropology.
• In collaboration with faculty, staff, students, and alumni, create written and visual storytelling content for a broad range of audiences, platforms, and channels.
• Envision, design, edit, and produce departmental branding, promotional materials, and digital assets in alignment with college and university standards.
• Develop and manage department social media strategies and campaigns, including content planning, publishing, community engagement, and performance analysis.
• Monitor and analyze social media analytics and audience engagement and provide insights to inform content and strategy.
• Manage and maintain the department website, including content updates, coordination with college web standards, and serving as a liaison for digital accessibility and usability best practices.
• Identify and develop story ideas related to departmental research, teaching, and engagement and coordinate with college and university communications teams to support local, regional, and national media outreach.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Journalism, Telecommunications, or Public Relations; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in public and media relations, composing, editing and publication production, news, broadcasting, and print media, and/or marketing, advertising, and creative services; graphic design; word processing;

desktop publishing; web design; presentation; spreadsheet and/or database software; public presentation; or radio production; or computer programming/technology; experience managing content for social media channels; or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Education:

• Degree in Creative Communications, Graphic Design, Digital Media Production, Digital Storytelling, Marketing, Public Relations, Advertising, or related field.

Experience:

• Experience managing content within a web content management system (e.g., Word Press).
• Demonstrated ability to produce digital and print communications materials, including graphics, photography, video, and written content.
• Experience developing and managing social media content and campaigns, including monitoring performance and audience engagement.
• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills related to marketing and media communications.
• Designing and producing compelling visual storytelling across digital platforms.
• Demonstrated success developing and managing compelling social media content and campaigns across various platforms including Facebook, X/Twitter, Linked In, and Instagram.
• Demonstrated experience with photography and video production in support of storytelling and promotion. Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders in an academic or institutional environment.

Skills:

• Strong visual design sensibility and attention to detail.
• Innovative and creative thinking.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

This is an in-person position with the potential for 1-remote day per week. Any questions can be directed to Andrea Louie at louie.

STANDARD 8-5

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MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.