📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Assistant Director of Student Communications
🔹 Company: Montclair State University
🔹 Location: Montclair, New Jersey
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Higher Education
🔹 Date Posted: April 3, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing student-centric communication campaigns across multiple channels
- Serving as a liaison with campus partners and student organizations
- Developing and enforcing strategic plans and brand guidelines
- Supervising student social media teams and graduate assistants
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication, project management, and leadership skills to coordinate and execute student-focused campaigns effectively.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Establish and maintain communication relationships with campus partners, faculty, staff, and students
✅ Develop and execute print and digital media strategic plans and materials
✅ Conduct research and prepare department annual reports
✅ Act as primary backup for emergency communications
✅ Manage department operating budget and supervise student social media teams
✅ Approve social media content and assist with mascot and pupscot programs
✅ Supervise and mentor graduate assistants and technical developers
✅ Assist with student-centric web updates and department-wide training
✅ Consult with the Director to resolve problems and enforce policy
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on content creation, and team management, requiring strong organizational skills and adaptability.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communication, or related field
Experience: Minimum of three years of professional work experience in social and digital media, communication, and digital content and messaging analytics
Required Skills:
- Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and Google Suite
- Basic understanding of HTML and web development within a CMS
- Strong communication, project management, and leadership skills
Preferred Skills:
- Master’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Experience working in Higher Education and with college students
- Experience with crisis and/or emergency alert communications
ASSUMPTION: While a Master's degree is preferred, a Bachelor's degree with relevant experience is considered acceptable for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $55,000 - $65,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for similar roles in Higher Education)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement plans
- Tuition remission
- Paid time off and holidays
Working Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (with flexibility for evening and weekend events)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for similar roles in Higher Education. Actual salary may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education
Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees
Founded: 1908
Company Description:
- Montclair State University is a comprehensive public research institution dedicated to providing access and opportunity to students from diverse backgrounds
- The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is the largest college at Montclair, offering a wide range of academic programs
- The University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community that promotes educational growth and advancement for all
Company Specialties:
- Anthropology
- Classics
- English
- Child Advocacy
- Gender, Sexuality & Women's Studies
- History
- Justice Studies
- Linguistics
- Medical Humanities
- Political Science and Law
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- World Languages
- Social Work
- Pre-Law
Company Website: https://www.montclair.edu/chss/
ASSUMPTION: Montclair State University is a large, public research institution with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level professional with potential for growth and leadership opportunities
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Student Communications
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position with potential for remote work during emergencies or special projects
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for career advancement within the University's communications department
- Opportunities to gain experience in crisis communication and emergency alert systems
- Chance to work with and learn from experienced professionals in the field
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the University's communications department.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with potential for remote work during emergencies or special projects
Office Location(s): Montclair, New Jersey
Geographic Context:
- Montclair is a suburban town located approximately 12 miles from New York City
- The University's campus is situated on 252 acres and features a mix of historic and modern architecture
- The area offers a variety of cultural, recreational, and dining options
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (with flexibility for evening and weekend events)
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen
- On-campus interview with the Director of Student Communications and other department members
- Final interview with the Vice President for University Relations
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and ability to work with diverse stakeholders
- Project management and organizational skills
- Creativity and strategic thinking
- Technical proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Google Suite
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences
- Provide specific examples of your communication, project management, and leadership skills
- Demonstrate your understanding of the University's mission and values
ATS Keywords: Student Communications, Marketing, Social Media, Digital Media, Adobe Creative Suite, Google Suite, HTML, Web Development, Crisis Communication, Emergency Alerts, Higher Education
ASSUMPTION: The application process is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their skills and qualifications through specific examples and a well-crafted application.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Google Suite
- HTML and web development tools (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
- Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
- Crisis communication and emergency alert systems (e.g., Everbridge, Send Word Now)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard in the communications and marketing industry.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Access and opportunity
- Inclusion and diversity
- Excellence in teaching and learning
- Community engagement
- Integrity and accountability
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Focused on student-centered communication and engagement
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Montclair State University's commitment to access and opportunity?
- How comfortable are you working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with diverse stakeholders?
- How does your personal work style fit with the University's collaborative and student-centered approach?
ASSUMPTION: Montclair State University values candidates who are committed to its mission of providing access and opportunity to students from diverse backgrounds and who thrive in a collaborative, student-centered environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Working with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and students
- Adapting to changes in priorities and workload
- Maintaining work-life balance in a fast-paced environment
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be mitigated through strong project management skills, effective communication, and a willingness to adapt and learn.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to related roles in Higher Education, this position offers a unique blend of strategic planning, hands-on content creation, and team management
- Montclair State University's commitment to access and opportunity sets it apart from other institutions
- Career paths in Higher Education communications can lead to roles in public relations, marketing, or advancement
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of responsibilities and growth opportunities within the Higher Education sector.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive social media strategy for a student-focused event
- Creating and distributing emergency alert messages during a campus-wide crisis
- Managing a team of student social media interns to produce engaging content for multiple platforms
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role support the University's mission of providing access and opportunity to students from diverse backgrounds?
- What are the most pressing challenges facing the Student Communications department, and how can this role address them?
- How does the University support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What is the typical career path for someone in this role, and what opportunities exist for advancement within the University?
- How does the University ensure effective communication and collaboration among its various departments and stakeholders?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates a candidate's interest in the role and the University's mission and values.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Montclair State University careers website
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences, such as communication, project management, and leadership
- Prepare examples of your work that demonstrate your creativity, strategic thinking, and technical proficiency
- Follow up with the Human Resources' Workday Recruiting Support team at 973-655-5000 (Option 2) or talent@montclair.edu one week after submitting your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
