As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. All of which has allowed the UW to be nationally recognized as a “Great College to Work For” for five consecutive years.

College of the Built Environments, Advancement has an outstanding opportunity for an Director of Marketing & Communications.

The Director for Marketing and Communications leads all internal and external communications for the University of Washington, College of Built Environments (CBE), including branding, marketing, media relations, advertising, and social media. This position works closely with University Marketing & Communications to align the College’s communications and marketing with those of the UW as a whole, and with the Assistant Dean for Advancement, CBE Administration, academic leaders, advancement staff, and volunteers to develop, implement and evaluate a strategic and comprehensive plan for marketing and communications for the CBE. The Director assumes a key leadership role in initiating and implementing marketing and communications projects and media/public relations efforts that keep the College’s internal and external constituencies informed, and enhance the overall image, awareness, and fundraising activities of the college to audiences well beyond current stakeholders.

Position Complexities
The Director for Marketing and Communications will be responsible for defining key strategies and messages that need to be conveyed both internally to CBE faculty, staff, and students, and externally to alumni, donors, friends and prospective friends including information about faculty and students that has broad general appeal. This position must remain current about the College’s disciplines, internal culture, and the activities of its local and national professional communities. The Director also must remain knowledgeable about the College’s key donors and supporters and stay sensitive to their needs as well as keep abreast of new trends in marketing, communications, and public relations and actively cultivate prospective audiences.

The Director for Marketing and Communications will ensure cross-functional messaging that enhances the brand reputation of not only the individual programs and Centers within the College, but of the CBE as a whole, in alignment with the UW’s overall brand. To facilitate coordination with the UW’s overall communications efforts, this position has a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Assistant Vice President of Strategic Communications in University Marketing & Communications.

This position will be responsible for setting strategy/vision and leading its team in conceptualizing, planning and executing programs for marketing and communications initiatives including brand messaging development, media relations, collateral, websites and e-Communications, direct mail and advertising. This will be done with a keen eye toward the College’s priorities, an understanding of its voice and audiences, and a strong attention to detail. The Director will have an aptitude to understand how to work collaboratively within a complex organization. Additionally, the Director will be responsible for developing metrics and reports to track progress toward college goals (media impressions, recruiting numbers, equity/diversity/inclusion, etc) and identify areas for improvement

Position Dimensions and Impact to the University
These marketing initiatives are vital to the CBE as they are a key conduit of information that supports the generation of revenue from advancement activities with alumni and donors, reputation building and rankings, and recruitment/admissions tuition dollars for our wide range of programs. This position will enhance the reputation of the CBE through marketing and communications and thereby help the CBE achieve its strategic goals and mission.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES
Strategy, Planning, and Production of Communications/Marketing and Advancement Materials (60%)
o Supervise and work collaboratively with the Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications to develop priorities and define scope for all marketing and communication efforts; contribute to the professional development of the Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications.
o Oversee and work collaboratively with colleagues across CBE to design and produce marketing materials, including web and brand design, promotional/campaign deliverables and information graphics that meet UW integrated brand marketing and communications strategy objectives.
o Work closely with the Dean, the Assistant Dean for Advancement, the Associate Dean for Research, and other key faculty members to manage the development and priority of key, targeted messages for fundraising, recruiting and brand building.
o Work collaboratively with the Assistant Vice President of Strategic Communications and other representatives of University Marketing & Communications to coordinate CBE’s communications with UW communications, and vice versa, and to align CBE branding with the UW’s brand.
o Create a comprehensive annual communications and media relations strategic plan for the CBE. Develop, organize, and/or direct long-range objectives and other public relations activities that support the College’s advancement goals, and internal and external communications needs.
o Oversee the creation, production and editing of communication materials (print, online, video, PowerPoint, etc.) for audiences including known audiences (such as College faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, UW partners, corporate partners, foundations), prospective audiences (prospective students and potential partners), as well as the media, and the general public. Work with College leadership (including the Dean, Assistant Deans, Associate Deans, Department Chairs, among others) to ensure that the College’s key messages are reflected in all CBE publications and events. Track metrics to ensure the target audiences are engaged.
o Work with the Assistant Dean of Advancement to create, implement, and evaluate key fundraising messages and themes for the CBE Advancement program. Oversee the creation, design, and writing of compelling case statements/concept papers for specific CBE priorities and/or capital campaigns.
o Work with other CBE Advancement staff to edit campaign, direct mail, and fundraising materials sent to alumni, donors, and the general public.
o Serve as editor and supervise the creation and production of all CBE communications.
o In coordination with the CBE IT team, help advise and provide marketing and communications-related insight and guidance on internal projects.
o Manage, grow and measure CBE’s social media efforts on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and potential other sites as user trends evolve.
o Manage, develop and oversee the content on the CBE website. Establish and track metrics for effectiveness.
o Develop, create, and produce other innovative brochures and materials as necessary to meet CBE communications, marketing, and public relations objectives, including event invitations, programs and announcements. Create inventive vehicles that will engage the interest of alumni, donors, prospective students, and the general public and effectively provide them with information about the activities taking place in the College. Especially audiences we are not currently reaching frequently or effectively.
o In cooperation with the Advancement team, work to ensure that special events, promotional events, fundraisers, and academic programs are designed to support the vision and direction of the overall communication strategy.
o Select, hire, and manage vendors and contractors across multiple disciplines including graphic design firms, public relations, advertising and marketing firms, freelance writers, photographers, event design, production vendors, and more.

Additional Writing, Editing, Strategic Advising, and Media/Public Relations Responsibilities (35%)
o Prepare correspondence on behalf of the Dean, including but not limited to: publication messages, responses to local, regional or national situations relevant to CBE priorities, letters, speeches and talking points, lectures, award nominations, volunteer acknowledgements, and condolences.
o Work closely with the Dean, academic department chairs, administrators, and program directors to assess upcoming projects and activities and determine the most suitable forms of communications in accordance with the College’s strategic goals.
o Serve as a resource for other programs and centers within the College, advising them on editorial content and the production of a number of miscellaneous print and web-based or electronic program newsletters, invitations, and announcements.
o Lead and measure media relations efforts for the College and work to build relationships and capture media attention for significant and newsworthy stories from the College. Work in cooperation with the UW Office of News & Information when necessary. Independently develop regular news releases and write articles about specific activities, events, research and accomplishments in the College, disseminate to the media, and act as media contact.
o Help coach faculty members in media preparedness, and accompany them to video/radio interviews and photo shoots as necessary.
o In cooperation with University Marketing & Communications, work to promote campaign/advancement messages through broad communications channels. Serve as the College’s representative to the UW Marketing & Communications Executive Committee, and other communications committees and initiatives as necessary.
o Serve as the College’s main public relations officer, acting as a liaison with other departments, schools, and colleges within the University and with the outside community. Participate on task forces, committees, and forums that address the role of marketing and communications in the CBE and throughout the University of Washington.
o Contribute to special UW marketing initiatives.
o In cooperation with the Advancement team, work to ensure that special events, promotional events, fundraisers, and academic programs are designed to support the vision and direction of the overall communication strategy.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)
This includes but is not limited to photography, editing special projects, video and photo shoot planning, and compiling College news briefs to submit to publications and other outlets.

This position reports to the Assistant Dean for Advancement and has a dotted line report to the Assistant Vice President of Strategic Communications in UMAC, and supervises the CBE’s Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications.

Key Competencies

Core
Effective communication: Expresses oneself clearly and empathetically in interactions with others in all forms of communication, i.e., verbal and written, one-on-one and group, etc.

Interpersonal Awareness: Builds and maintains positive relationships and actively contributes as a member of working teams to achieve results.

Professional Credibility: Takes responsibility for meeting goals, objectives, obligations, and solving problems while representing the mission, vision and values of the organization.

Strong Critical Thinking: Obtains, analyzes and evaluates information effectively in the face of ambiguity.  Makes appropriate decisions based on relevant information and experience. Prioritizes based on strategic goals with a firm grasp of logistical parameters.

Ethics and Credibility: Models and upholds the values of candor, openness, inclusiveness and honesty despite internal and external pressures.  Acts consistently with Washington State ethical guidelines and organizational core values and beliefs.

Diversity & Inclusiveness Values: Respects, values and contributes to the UW’s commitment to equity, inclusiveness and diversity.

Functional Expertise
Organizational Acumen: Able to size up a situation, balance reason and the interest of others, and act in a decisive, timely and appropriate manner that is congruent with the organization’s values, goals and mission to achieve success.

Innovation Management: Able to anticipate market trends and be effective in facilitating and managing creative processes to achieve results in self and others.

Planning & Implementing: Ability to develop strategies, measures for success and feasible timelines for successful project implementation and execution.

Managing Conflict: Recognizes and addresses conflicts and disagreements in a safe and respectful environment, manages conflicts collaboratively, and builds consensus with the best interests.

Management
People Builder: Committed to developing others to become leaders.

Driving Results: Effectively communicates objectives and guides direct reports and team members to make decisions and achieve goals.

Organizational Planning: Develops and manages comprehensive team goals and measures team progress while balancing short-term and long-term priorities that are consistent with the organization’s mission, priorities and goals.

Managing Conflict: Recognizes and addresses conflicts and disagreements in a safe and respectful environment, manages conflicts collaboratively, and builds consensus with the best interests of the organization in mind.

Strategic
Visioning: Anticipates emerging trends and issues and develops a clear sense of purpose and goals that focus and drive the creative energy of the organization in alignment with the organization’s mission, vision, and values.

Organizational Acumen: Analyzes a situation, balances reason and the interest of others, and acts in a decisive, timely and appropriate manner that is congruent with the organization’s values, goals and mission to achieve success.

Selflessness: Demonstrates ambition first and foremost for the organization and concern for its success rather than for one’s own personal gain.

Professional Will/Fearlessness: Displays an inner intensity and dedication to making everything the best that it can be.  Shows resolve and determination to make the organization great.

Focused on Organizational Sustainability: Communicates uncompromising desire to make the organization even more successful in the next generation.

REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications or related field

Four years of experience in communications management.

Demonstrated ability to conceive, implement, and evaluate creative marketing and communication strategies.

Demonstrated experience analyzing and synthesizing large and complex amounts of information.
Outstanding writing, editing, and proofreading skills with high attention to detail.

Extensive experience in positions that require writing and editing of news articles, messaging, briefing papers, web content, and other materials for diverse audiences, including at the executive level.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with other Advancement and alumni relations staff, deans, faculty, staff, corporate representatives and CEOs, donors, and prospective donors.

Demonstrated experience planning, directing, and monitoring budgets.

Understanding of current and emerging social media trends.

Demonstrated knowledge of current desktop publication and web applications including Adobe Creative Suite.

Demonstrated experience working within a complex organization.

Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.

Prior supervisory experience.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, business administration or journalism.

Ability to translate built environment programs and projects into easily understandable communications for the general public.

Experience in higher education; built environments fields

Fundraising experience desirable.

Basic understanding of HTML coding, Photoshop, InDesign and video production.

Experience working with content management systems.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Ability to work evening and weekend hours, as necessary, on short or limited notice.

Must have regular and reliable transportation for local travel and willing to travel when necessary.

Frequent local travel expected.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

BENEFITS
As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs.  For detailed information on Benefits for this position, click here.

Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  These assessments may include Workforce Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others.  Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your “My Jobs” page to take when you are ready.

Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed

Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

The University of Washington is a leader in environmental stewardship & sustainability, and committed to becoming climate neutral.

The University of Washington is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 / 206-543-6452 (tty) or dso@uw.edu.