Director of Communications, Educating Character Initiative, Program for Leadership and Character

**📌 Core Information** 🔹 **Job Title:** Director of Communications, Educating Character Initiative, Program for Leadership and Character 🔹 **Company:** Wake Forest University 🔹 **Location:** Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States 🔹 **Job Type:** Full-Time 🔹 **Category:** Higher Education, Communications 🔹 **Date Posted:** April 28, 2025 🔹 **Experience Level:** 5-10 years 🔹 **Remote Status:** Remote OK **🚀 Job Overview** Key aspects of this role include: - Developing and implementing comprehensive communications and marketing strategies for the Educating Character Initiative (ECI) - Crafting compelling stories and profiles about the impact and reach of the ECI - Managing and updating ECI websites and web platforms - Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to communicate effectively - Supporting ECI grants, events, partnerships, and requests for proposals **ASSUMPTION:** This role requires a high level of independence, initiative, and strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously. **📋 Key Responsibilities** ✅ Develop and implement strategic communications and marketing plans to advance the work of the Educating Character Initiative (ECI) ✅ Craft and share compelling stories about the impact and reach of the ECI through various channels, such as newsletters, articles, social media, and reports ✅ Manage and update ECI websites and web platforms to ensure accurate and up-to-date information ✅ Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, and partners at Wake Forest and other institutions ✅ Support ECI grants, events, partnerships, and requests for proposals by providing communication support and materials ✅ Collaborate with the University Marketing and Communications office, ECI staff, and outside consultants as needed to ensure consistent and effective messaging **ASSUMPTION:** This role may require occasional travel to attend conferences, events, or meetings, and may need to work flexible hours to accommodate different time zones or deadlines. **🎯 Required Qualifications** **Education:** - Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field **Experience:** - Five or more years of related experience in communications, marketing, or a related field - Proven experience in higher education or a related field is preferred **Required Skills:** - Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a strong command of English grammar, diction, and usage - Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously - Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies - Demonstrated ability to be a self-starter with a strong work ethic, taking initiative, and working with minimal supervision - Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and website management software - Ability to positively support and supervise direct reports (as the role may grow to include supervision) **Preferred Skills:** - Experience in graphic design and digital storytelling - Experience with large and small-scale on-site and remote conferences and programming **ASSUMPTION:** Candidates with experience in higher education or a related field, as well as those with a proven track record in communications, marketing, or a related field, are strongly encouraged to apply. **💰 Compensation & Benefits** **Salary Range:** $75,000 - $95,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Director of Communications role in higher education with 5-10 years of experience in Winston-Salem, North Carolina) **Benefits:** - Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance - Retirement savings plan with employer contribution - Tuition remission for employees and dependents - Generous paid time off and holidays - Employee assistance program **Working Hours:** Full-time, with a flexible schedule that may require occasional evening or weekend work to accommodate events or deadlines **ASSUMPTION:** The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and the university's budget. **📌 Applicant Insights** **🔍 Company Context** **Industry:** Higher Education - Wake Forest University is a private, coeducational institution dedicated to academic excellence in liberal arts, graduate, and professional education. - The university has a deep institutional commitment to public service and engagement with the world, as indicated by the motto Pro Humanitate (for humanity), which encourages students to develop the qualities of human character needed to serve humanity. **Company Size:** 11-50 employees - Wake Forest University's Office of Personal and Career Development (OPCD) has a small, dedicated team that works closely together to provide career services and support to Wake Forest students. **Founded:** 1834 - Wake Forest University was founded in 1834 and is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. **Company Description:** - The Office of Personal and Career Development (OPCD) is committed to empowering every Wake Forest student to flourish in work and life. - Through career coaching, events, workshops, courses, career treks, fairs, self-assessments, and much more, the OPCD seeks to ensure that every Wake Forest student has the tools, resources, information, and most of all a partner to navigate the college-to-career transition. **Company Specialties:** - Career Services - Employer Relations - Mentoring - Alumni Career Services - Career Coaching - College-to-Career Courses **Company Website:** http://opcd.wfu.edu **ASSUMPTION:** Wake Forest University and its OPCD are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all students and employees, regardless of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability, and military or veteran status. **📊 Role Analysis** **Career Level:** Mid-level to senior-level communications professional - This role is suitable for an experienced communications professional with a proven track record in developing and implementing strategic communications and marketing plans. **Reporting Structure:** - The Director of Communications reports to the Director of the Educating Character Initiative and the Senior Scholar of Character, Educating Character Initiative, Program for Leadership and Character. - The Director of Communications receives feedback and support from the Director of Communications, Program for Leadership and Character. **Work Arrangement:** - This is a full-time, remote OK position with a flexible schedule that may require occasional evening or weekend work to accommodate events or deadlines. **Growth Opportunities:** - As the Educating Character Initiative continues to grow and expand, there may be opportunities for the Director of Communications to take on additional responsibilities or supervise other members of the ECI team. **ASSUMPTION:** This role offers the opportunity for a motivated and experienced communications professional to make a significant impact on the success of the Educating Character Initiative and the Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University. **🌍 Location & Work Environment** **Office Type:** Remote OK with occasional on-site work required for events, meetings, or other specific needs **Office Location(s):** Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States **Geographic Context:** - Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a mid-sized city with a population of approximately 250,000 people. - The city is known for its rich history, vibrant arts and cultural scene, and strong commitment to education and innovation. - Winston-Salem is home to several major universities, including Wake Forest University, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, and Winston-Salem State University. **Work Schedule:** - The work schedule for this position is flexible, with the expectation that the Director of Communications will be available to work during core business hours and as needed to accommodate events, meetings, or other specific needs. **ASSUMPTION:** The flexible work arrangement for this role allows for a healthy work-life balance while still meeting the needs of the Educating Character Initiative and the Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University. **💼 Interview & Application Insights** **Typical Process:** 1. Online application submission through the Wake Forest University careers website 2. Phone or video screening with the Director of the Educating Character Initiative and the Senior Scholar of Character 3. In-person or virtual interview with the Director of Communications, Program for Leadership and Character 4. Final interview with the Vice President for Student Affairs or designee **Key Assessment Areas:** - Strategic communications and marketing skills - Writing and storytelling abilities - Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously - Interpersonal and communication skills - Alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Educating Character Initiative and Wake Forest University **Application Tips:** - Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role - Include specific examples of your communications, marketing, and storytelling work in your portfolio or cover letter - Be prepared to discuss your experience with higher education or a related field, as well as your familiarity with the Educating Character Initiative and Wake Forest University **ATS Keywords:** Strategic communications, marketing, storytelling, higher education, non-profit, remote OK, flexible schedule, Wake Forest University, Educating Character Initiative, Program for Leadership and Character **ASSUMPTION:** The application process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's strategic communications and marketing skills, as well as their ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies in a dynamic and evolving environment. **🛠️ Tools & Technologies** - Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) - Website management software (e.g., WordPress, Drupal, or other content management systems) - Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn) - Graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or other design tools) - Video production and editing software (e.g., iMovie, Adobe Premiere Pro, or other video editing tools) **ASSUMPTION:** The tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the specific needs of the Educating Character Initiative and the Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University. **👔 Cultural Fit Considerations** **Company Values:** - Integrity - Excellence - Community - Diversity - Inclusion - Collaboration - Innovation - Continuous Learning **Work Style:** - The Office of Personal and Career Development (OPCD) at Wake Forest University values a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive work environment that encourages continuous learning and growth. - The OPCD seeks to empower every Wake Forest student to flourish in work and life, and to provide the tools, resources, information, and most of all a partner to navigate the college-to-career transition. **Self-Assessment Questions:** 1. How do your personal values align with the company values of Wake Forest University and the Office of Personal and Career Development? 2. How do you approach working collaboratively with diverse constituencies in a dynamic and evolving environment? 3. How do you balance the need for flexibility and adaptability with the need for structure and organization in your work? **ASSUMPTION:** The cultural fit for this role is essential, as the Director of Communications will work closely with various internal and external stakeholders to communicate effectively and advance the work of the Educating Character Initiative. **⚠️ Potential Challenges** 1. Managing multiple tasks and projects simultaneously in a dynamic and evolving environment 2. Balancing the needs of diverse constituencies with varying communication preferences and expectations 3. Adapting to changes in priorities, deadlines, or other specific needs as they arise 4. Working effectively with a small, dedicated team in a remote or hybrid work environment **ASSUMPTION:** The potential challenges for this role require a motivated and experienced communications professional with strong organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and a commitment to working collaboratively with diverse constituencies in a dynamic and evolving environment. **📈 Similar Roles Comparison** 1. Director of Communications, Nonprofit Organization * Similarities: Developing and implementing strategic communications and marketing plans, crafting compelling stories, managing digital media presence, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders * Differences: The focus of the Educating Character Initiative is on character education in higher education, while the nonprofit organization may focus on a different mission or cause 2. Marketing Manager, Higher Education Institution * Similarities: Developing and implementing marketing strategies, managing digital media presence, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders * Differences: The Marketing Manager role may focus more on student recruitment, enrollment management, or other specific marketing efforts, while the Director of Communications role focuses on the Educating Character Initiative and its impact and reach 3. Communications Specialist, Corporate Communications Department * Similarities: Crafting compelling stories, managing digital media presence, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders * Differences: The Communications Specialist role may focus more on internal communications, employee engagement, or other specific corporate communications efforts, while the Director of Communications role focuses on the Educating Character Initiative and its impact and reach **ASSUMPTION:** The specific responsibilities and focus areas for this role may vary depending on the needs of the Educating Character Initiative and the Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University. **📝 Sample Projects** 1. Developing and implementing a comprehensive communications and marketing plan for the Educating Character Initiative's annual conference 2. Creating a series of social media posts and graphics to highlight the impact and reach of the Educating Character Initiative's grant-funded projects 3. Designing and producing a quarterly newsletter to share updates, success stories, and other relevant information about the Educating Character Initiative with internal and external stakeholders **ASSUMPTION:** The specific projects and responsibilities for this role may vary depending on the needs of the Educating Character Initiative and the Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University. **❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview** 1. What are the most pressing communication challenges facing the Educating Character Initiative and the Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University? 2. How does the Director of Communications role fit into the overall structure and strategy of the Educating Character Initiative and the Program for Leadership and Character? 3. What are the key priorities for the Director of Communications in the first 90 days in this role? 4. How does the Educating Character Initiative and the Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University support the professional growth and development of their employees? 5. What are the most important qualities and skills for someone to be successful in this role? **ASSUMPTION:** The key questions to ask during the interview for this role are designed to assess the candidate's understanding of the Educating Character Initiative and the Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University, as well as their ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies in a dynamic and evolving environment. **📌 Next Steps for Applicants** To apply for this position: 1. Submit your application through the Wake Forest University careers website: https://wfu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Staff_Career_Website_live/job/Winston-Salem-NC/Director-of-Communications--Educating-Character-Initiative--Program-for-Leadership-and-Character_R0007744 2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role 3. Include specific examples of your communications, marketing, and storytelling work in your portfolio or cover letter 4. Be prepared to discuss your experience with higher education or a related field, as well as your familiarity with the Educating Character Initiative and Wake Forest University 5. Follow up with the Director of the Educating Character Initiative and the Senior Scholar of Character one week after submission to confirm receipt of your application and inquire about next steps in the interview process ⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.