The senior director of strategic communications oversees the planning, development, and execution of communications that advance the College among key audiences. A crucial member of the Muhlenberg Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM) leadership team, the senior director helps define and advance Muhlenberg’s reputation by leading earned media strategy — liaising with regional and national publications and generating interest in the stories of faculty, students, alumni, visitors, and signature programs, such as the College’s nationally ranked public opinion institute.  The senior director also partners with colleagues to design and execute communications plans that advance College priorities, playing a critical role in supporting responses to crisis situations, supporting executive communications for College leadership, and helping assure appropriate communications planning for partners and unified workflow. A member of the office’s leadership team and reporting to the vice president, this role assists in advancing communications processes and resources, and in applying best practices, ensuring consistency, and integrating approved themes, priorities, and standards across all work.

 

Schedule & Benefits: This is a full-time, year-round position located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, with partial remote work available. Muhlenberg offers a highly competitive benefits package, including but not limited to, generous holidays (including three days off for Thanksgiving and an extended winter break between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day), vacation (22 days per year), sick leave, eight weeks paid parental leave, Life Sports Center membership, tuition opportunities at the undergraduate and graduate level, medical, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending plans, College-provided short-and long-term disability, life insurance, and retirement. Waiting periods may apply. Relocation assistance is available for this position.  In addition, as a 501(c)(3) non-profit institution, Muhlenberg is a qualifying employer under the federal government’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

 

The College and Surrounding Area: Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg College is a private, residential, liberal arts college offering baccalaureate and graduate programs. At Muhlenberg, we are committed to a campus community that ensures students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome, respected, valued and included. Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, as affirmed in the College’s mission statement, are  fundamental Muhlenberg values. The College provides an intensely challenging, supportive environment centered around a rigorous academic curriculum designed to prepare students for lives of leadership and meaning in a dynamic, global society. The academic program is amplified by a range of innovative programming: comprehensive and intentional residence-life programming, expansive experiential learning requirements, and an innovative coaching program designed to maximize every student’s performance and potential.

Part of eastern Pennsylvania’s scenic Lehigh Valley, Allentown, Pennsylvania’s third-largest city, is a diverse community of 125,000 residents, located just 60 miles north of Philadelphia and 90 miles west of New York City. The Lehigh Valley, which also includes neighboring cities Bethlehem and Easton, is one of the fastest-growing regions in the state and the Northeast, leading Pennsylvania in population growth for people aged 18–34. Home to a vibrant arts scene, extensive parks and recreational opportunities, a rich blend of diverse cuisine, and much more, visit Life in the Lehigh Valley | Muhlenberg College and check out Allentown here.

 

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:

• Drive media relations, actively seeking earned media placements, assuring it advances the College’s strategic priorities, and tracking and reporting appropriate metrics.
• Lead development and execution of marketing and communications plans that  promote key College events and accomplishments with the goal of expanding audience and elevating the College’s reputation.
• Write high-quality content for use across Muhlenberg College media and platforms.
• Collaborate with the vice president for communications and marketing and other College leadership on executive communications and media presence.
• Collaborate on campus- and local-community outreach and communications.
• Develop audience-specific strategies for external outreach and promotion.
  In collaboration with College leadership, proactively anticipate and manage internal and external crisis communications.
• Manage a team of strategists and collaborate with communicators in other departments who plan, create content and execute on deliverables for specific audiences.
• In collaboration with the VP for communications and marketing, apply the College’s strategic messaging framework to OCM work promoting Muhlenberg College.
• Help assure uniform process and documentation for all ongoing work with partners.

 

While no one person may possess all the qualifications listed below, the ideal candidate will have many of the following professional experiences and characteristics:

 

Qualifications:

• BA in English, communications, marketing, or similar field required. Master’s degree in English, communications, marketing, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of ten years’ experience in strategic communications and media relations, with experience in higher education communications/marketing preferred.
• Experience creating and managing the development of high-end marketing content.
• Outstanding writing and editing skills with demonstrated skill and experience crafting and refining compelling copy in Chicago/AP styles.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
• Working knowledge of and some experience in the following: video production; visual identity systems; copyright law; print production; and web, email, and social media marketing and metrics.
• Successful experience creating and executing integrated, multi-channel marketing campaigns.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging.
• The desire to work in a collaborative, team environment.
• The ability to communicate efficiently with a variety of partners to identify important themes and messages.
• Proven ability to work on varying timelines and to maintain flexibility in a fast-paced work environment.
• A collaborative mindset and willingness to partner with colleagues both within the Office of Communications and Marketing and the College at large.
• Accessible and collegial leadership style and the creativity and energy to convince and persuade varying constituencies of new ideas and directions.
• Successful completion of satisfactory background checks required.

 

To apply, upload your complete application package as a single PDF document. A complete application package includes: 1) cover letter; 2) resume; 3) separate diversity statement summarizing professional experiences and capacities that prepare you to contribute to our diversity, equity, and inclusion goals; and 4) names/contact information for three professional references. Application review will continue until the position is filled. To initiate your application, use the APPLY button.

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An equal opportunity employer, Muhlenberg College is committed to recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty and staff from racial and ethnic groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in higher education. Please visit our Diversity & Inclusion page for additional information about Muhlenberg’s commitment to supporting a diverse and inclusive community.

 

Legal Notice

Muhlenberg College Annual Crime Reporting- As provided by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998, prospective employees of Muhlenberg College are entitled to request and receive a copy of the College Annual Security Report (ASR). The ASR can be accessed at http://www.muhlenberg.edu/annualsecurityreport . This report includes crime statistics on certain reportable crimes, as well as Muhlenberg College Safety Policies. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus safety and police, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault and other matters. Anyone wishing a paper copy of the ASR may contact the Campus Safety Office at 484-664-3112.