Director of Communications (Division of Energy & Innovation) (Finance)

Department: UH Energy

Salary: 65,300-74,300

Description:

Responsible for the strategy, branding, design, platforms, and delivery of internal communications for assigned Division. Working closely with and influencing organizational management, develop communication plans and messaging for target audience and suggested media. Pro-actively engage with management on recurring communications.

1. Develops communication strategy, platforms, standards, and branding for Division in order to improve communications across the division and, as applicable, university. Along with client department management, develop communication plans and branding appropriate for audience or technicality of materials. Proactively engage client management for recurring communications.
2. Plans and coordinates division publications and communications, including newsletters, division web sites, social media, annual reports and brochures; supervises personnel in development and production of publications.
3. Determine approaches for measuring the effectiveness of internal communications; implement & maintain. Provide recommendations for continuously improving communications by analyzing the data trends and staying informed on new innovative communications approaches.
4. Develops and maintains intra-university working relations with Divisional Leaders and University departments of Media Relations, Publications and Development.
5. Develops website standards. Periodically reviews website with client management to identify and update obsolete materials. Ensures communication is concise and grammatically accurate. Suggests improvements to layout and materials to engage audience.
6. Develops operational policies, processes, systems, and tools to ensure on-time and at budget project delivery within division standards. Responsible for budget input, development, and adherence.
7. Provides leadership and development opportunities to staff. Responsible for hiring, performance development, progressive discipline, and reward recommendations of staff.
8. Other duties as assigned.

MQ: Requires a thorough understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of an analytical, technical or professional discipline; or the basic knowledge of more than one professional discipline. Knowledge of the discipline is normally obtained through a formal, directly job-related 4 year degree from a college or university or an equivalent in-depth specialized training program that is directly related to the type of work being performed. Requires a minimum of seven (7) years of directly job-related experience.

Additional Posting Information:

We're looking for a dynamic communications professional to join our team as the Director of Communications. This role goes beyond the typical communications position-it's about engaging and informing our division through strategic, impactful storytelling and visual creativity. If you're a seasoned communicator with a knack for graphic design and analytics, as well as a background in writing, editing, and team leadership, we'd love to connect.

Key Responsibilities

1. Develop and Execute Communication Strategy: Craft tailored communication plans that support our division's mission, with a focus on branding, design, and engagement across all platforms.

1. Content Creation and Visual Design: Use your expertise in graphic design, Adobe Creative Cloud (including Photoshop), and web design to create visually compelling communications that align with our brand.

1. Storytelling and Editorial Oversight: Write, edit, and manage a range of content-from newsletters to reports-that conveys our division's story with clarity and purpose. An eye for detail and a passion for journalistic standards are essential.

1. Project Management and Team Leadership: Lead a small team dedicated to delivering top-quality communications. Foster growth, guide creative direction, and maintain a collaborative atmosphere.

1. Data-Driven Strategy and Innovation: Implement tools to measure the effectiveness of our communications. Share insights with key stakeholders to continuously enhance our strategies. Experience in data analytics and reporting is crucial.

1. Flexible and Organized Approach: The ability to multitask, prioritize, and pivot as needed is key in our fast-paced environment. You'll manage various projects, ensuring timely, on-budget delivery while staying flexible to new challenges.

Skill Set: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, Photoshop, and other graphic design tools. Exceptional writing and editing skills, with a background in journalism or editorial work.
Analytical Mindset: Comfortable with data and reporting, and eager to translate insights into actionable improvements.

Leadership: Prior experience managing a small team preferred and the ability to support and develop talent within the group.

Note to applicants: In addition to completing this application, please email a short message about your interest in this position as well as your resume to mwturner@central.uh.edu

- Department is willing to accept education in lieu of experience.
- Department is willing to accept experience in lieu of education.

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.

The policy of the University of Houston-System and its universities is to ensure equal opportunity in all its educational programs and activities, and all terms and conditions of employment without regard to age, race, color, disability, religion, national origin, ethnicity, military status, genetic information, sex (including gender and pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or status, or gender expression, except where such a distinction is required by law.