Director of Communications & Outreach

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director of Communications & Outreach

🔹 Company: Alfred University

🔹 Location: Alfred, New York

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Education, Marketing & Communications

🔹 Date Posted: April 17, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Elevating the visibility and reputation of NYSCC and PAD
• Collaborating with various teams to plan, develop, and implement communications strategies
• Managing events and student interns
• Optimizing digital content and representing NYSCC at external events

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of communications, media, and marketing practices, as well as exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop a deep understanding of NYSCC and PAD's history, partnerships, and unique integration within Alfred University and SUNY

✅ Support events and programs by developing sustainable strategies for design of collateral materials

✅ Collaborate with faculty, staff, and various offices to build cohesive and consistent messaging for PAD and NYSCC

✅ Manage photo and video documentation of events and all assets, and mentor student interns

✅ Maintain and coordinate internal and external events calendars, and create and distribute weekly and monthly highlights emails

✅ Supervise consistent posting of event information on campus and community platforms, and represent NYSCC at SUNY and external events as needed

✅ Collaborate on initiatives to boost enrollment, visibility, and national rankings, and review and edit all marketing materials

✅ Maintain and optimize website content for all divisions, programs, galleries & museum, and the Institute for Electronic Arts (IEA)

✅ Other duties as assigned

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities, as well as the capacity to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Master's degree preferred

Experience: At least 5 years of experience in Marketing, Communications, and/or Public Relations preferred

Required Skills:

• Strong communication skills across written, verbal, and digital platforms
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Flexibility with multi-platform messaging
• Capacity to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively
• Commitment to inclusive, accessible, and equitable communications
• Leadership skills to supervise and motivate student interns and assistants
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, and digital programs to support design and efficiencies
• Experience with list segmentation, campaign development, and analytics

ASSUMPTION: A strong understanding of communications, media, and marketing practices, including web and digital communications strategies, is essential for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $68,000 - $72,000 annually

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits package
• Opportunities for professional development
• Generous time off policies

Working Hours: Full-time position with occasional evenings or weekends for events and deadlines

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the information given in the job listing and is typical for this role in the education sector.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Higher Education

Company Size: Small (around 2,000 employees)

Founded: 1836, with a rich history in ceramics and performing arts

Company Description:

• Alfred University is a private, coeducational liberal arts university located in Alfred, New York
• Known for its strong programs in art, design, and engineering, particularly in ceramics and glass
• Offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including performing arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and professional studies

Company Specialties:

• Ceramics and Glass Engineering
• Performing Arts
• Liberal Arts Education

Company Website: alfred.edu

ASSUMPTION: Alfred University is a small university with a strong focus on arts and engineering, providing a unique and collaborative work environment.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level, with opportunities for growth and leadership

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Dean of the New York State College of Ceramics and the Division of Performing Arts

Work Arrangement: On-site, with occasional remote work for events and deadlines

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to advance within the communications and marketing department
• Opportunities to collaborate with various teams and gain experience in different aspects of university communications
• Chance to mentor and develop student interns

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the university's communications and marketing department.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a collaborative and creative work environment

Office Location(s): Alfred, New York

Geographic Context:

• Alfred is a small village in western New York, with a population of around 4,000
• Located in the Finger Lakes region, offering easy access to outdoor activities and scenic beauty
• Close proximity to major cities, including Buffalo and Rochester

Work Schedule: Full-time, with occasional evenings or weekends for events and deadlines

ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Alfred University is collaborative, creative, and supportive, with a strong emphasis on arts and engineering.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screening
• On-campus interview with the Dean and other stakeholders
• Final interview with the President of the University

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills and presentation abilities
• Understanding of marketing and communications strategies
• Problem-solving skills and adaptability
• Leadership and mentoring capabilities

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
• Demonstrate your understanding of Alfred University's unique programs and mission
• Prepare examples of your past work that showcase your creativity, adaptability, and leadership
• Research the university and be prepared to discuss your fit within the institution's values and goals

ATS Keywords: Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Event Management, Digital Communications, Web Optimization, Student Mentoring, Collaboration, Leadership, Higher Education

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may involve multiple interviews and assessments, focusing on communication skills, leadership, and strategic thinking.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Digital communication and analytics tools
• Content management systems (CMS)

ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, and digital programs is required for this role, with opportunities to learn and utilize additional tools as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Excellence in teaching and learning
• Collaboration and community
• Innovation and creativity
• Diversity and inclusion
• Integrity and ethical decision-making

Work Style:

• Creative and innovative
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to change
• Student-centered and committed to their success

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with Alfred University's commitment to excellence in teaching and learning?
• How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment?
• How do you demonstrate innovation and creativity in your approach to communications and marketing?

ASSUMPTION: Alfred University values candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to its mission, values, and student-centered approach to education.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple priorities and deadlines effectively
• Balancing the needs and perspectives of various stakeholders
• Adapting to a small university environment with limited resources
• Occasional evenings or weekends for events and deadlines

ASSUMPTION: This role may present challenges related to managing multiple priorities, balancing stakeholder needs, and working occasional evenings or weekends.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike similar roles in larger universities, this position offers the opportunity to work closely with faculty and students in a more intimate setting
• Alfred University's unique focus on ceramics and performing arts provides a distinct context for communications and outreach efforts
• Career paths in higher education communications can lead to roles in university administration, marketing agencies, or other educational institutions

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of communications, marketing, and event management responsibilities within a small university setting.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive communications plan for a university-wide event
• Creating visually appealing and on-brand marketing materials for various programs and initiatives
• Managing social media campaigns to increase engagement and awareness
• Collaborating with faculty to optimize their program websites and digital presence

ASSUMPTION: Sample projects for this role may involve event management, digital communications, and collaboration with faculty and students to enhance the university's brand and reputation.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role support the university's strategic initiatives and goals?
• What are the most pressing communications challenges facing the university, and how can this role address them?
• How does this role collaborate with other departments and offices within the university?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the communications and marketing department?
• How does the university support work-life balance for its employees?

ASSUMPTION: Interview questions should focus on the role's strategic importance, collaboration opportunities, professional development, and work-life balance.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
• Prepare examples of your past work that showcase your creativity, adaptability, and leadership
• Research the university and be prepared to discuss your fit within the institution's values and goals
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.