Director of Communications, Gund Institute
University Of Vermont
Position Details
Advertising/Posting Title Director of Communications, Gund Institute
Diversity Statement The University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the institution. Applicants are required to include in their cover letter information about how they will further this goal.
Posting Summary
The Gund Institute for Environment’s mission is research excellence and real-world impact.
The Communications Manager will develop, manage, and implement a communications strategy to increase public understanding of environmental challenges and visibility of the Gund Institute as a world-class center of research and solutions for people and nature.
Reporting to the Director of the Gund Institute and working with the leadership team and community members, duties include:
Develop and implement the Gund Institute’s communications strategy to increase the impact of its work.
· Systematically assess and update Gund’s communication strategy using qualitative and quantitative input, including marketing and engagement data and performance indicators.
· Further Gund’s mission and vision, including its diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging principles, in cooperation with the Institute’s leadership team.
· Use judgment, experience, and creativity to develop and prioritize communications partners, opportunities, stories, and workflows.
· Manage communications budget to effectively implement strategy.
Communicate the Gund Institute’s work to external audiences.
· Plan and produce compelling multimedia products, including press releases, news stories, videos, images, and social media content.
· Build relationships with and land Gund Institute research in local, national, and global media and other influential environmental channels.
· With the Institute team, organize events that further Gund’s mission, including through outreach and partnerships with policy and practitioner communities.
Manage and empower the Gund Institute’s brand and reach.
· Grow the Institute’s reputation as a reliable source for rigorous information and accessible, creative solutions for global-to-local environment, climate, and sustainability issues.
· Curate and create content for the Institute’s website and social media accounts.
· Ensure consistency and quality of branding across Gund products.
Identify and contribute to joint communications initiatives.
· Establish systems to help the Gund community collaborate and work effectively together.
· Contribute to funding reports, proposals, summaries, pitches, and related efforts to document and expand the Institute’s work.
· Parter with UVM communicators across campus to identify and implement opportunities for joint communications initiatives and campaigns, including stories, press releases, and events.
· Represent Institute and UVM at events and with partners.
Train and supervise.
· Build strategic communications capacity of Institute faculty, staff, postdocs, and students.
· Functionally oversee one communications staff and a student employee.
· Recruit and supervise freelance videographers, writers, graphic designers, and student interns as needed.
Minimum Qualifications (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
· Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, or a related field and 2-5 years of experience in communications and outreach; or master’s degree in communications, marketing, or related field and two to four years of related experience.
· Effective communications leadership, project management, market research, and organizational skills.
· Demonstrated experience pitching and placing stories in national media.
· Demonstrated strength in content development, events, writing skills, and communicating effectively in a digital environment.
· Knowledge of marketing principles including branding, publicity, promotions, media, and materials productions
· Knowledge of web design/development, social media platforms and content management systems.
· Demonstrated ability to meet tight deadlines, adapt to changing priorities, and manage multiple projects.
· Knowledge, interest, or experience in science and sustainability.
Desirable Qualifications
Anticipated Pay Range $70,000 - $83,000
Other Information
Submit a document with a list of up to three communications products (written or multi-media) that you led or otherwise authored. Please describe the product, your role, and either provide a URL or include an excerpt no longer that 1000 words.
In your cover letter, please include a statement regarding where you heard about this position.
Special Conditions Bargaining unit position, A probationary period may be required, Occasional evening and/or weekends required (if non-exempt position, may result in overtime), This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule with an option to split time between campus and elsewhere, in accordance with the university telecommuting policy, Background Check required for this position
FLSA Exempt
Union Position Yes, UVMSU ($20 minimum hourly rate)
Posting Details
Position will be posted for a minimum of one week, after which it is subject to removal without notice.
Job Open Date 11/12/2024
Job Close Date (Jobs close at 11:59 PM EST.)
Open Until Filled No
Position Information
Position Title Communications Professional Sr
Posting Number S5380PO
Department Gund Institute for Environment/30030
Position Number 00027355
Employee FTE 1.0
Employee Term 12
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents
+ Resume
+ Cover Letter/Letter of Application
+ Other Document (1)
Optional Documents
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