PAY GRADE: 32E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The Communications Director plays a key role in developing and crafting the internal and external messaging of the University of Delaware’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment (CEOE) in conjunction with UD's Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM). Reporting to and under the limited direction of the Sr. Director, College Communications in OCM with a dotted line to the Dean of the College, the Communications Director provides leadership and develops the strategic communications and marketing plan for CEOE, including Delaware Sea Grant. This office is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing public education programs dealing with environmental issues of concern and interest to the State of Delaware, the Mid-Atlantic Region, and the nation. Included among the audiences served are K-12 educators and students, legislators, resource managers, business owners, the media, and the public at large. This office is actively engaged in providing educational and classroom services, as well as developing classroom educational experiences. These programs across the spectrum of media and are intended to increase awareness and understanding of marine and coastal issues and resources. The Communications Director must take a creative, proactive approach, preparing funding proposals to external sources, exercising judgment about content and purpose, initiating projects, and assessing the effectiveness of initiatives through formal evaluation. Public education activities are designed to enhance environmental literacy, effect changes in behavior, solve technical problems, create awareness, and facilitate technology transfer.

The Communications Director works directly with colleagues in OCM to provide public relations, writing, graphic design and print production, digital and multimedia production, event planning and photography services for CEOE and its respective units. The Communications Director supervises communications staff within the college Dean's Office and leads workshops and training sessions for staff with communications responsibilities throughout CEOE. The Communications Director is responsible for projecting a favorable image of the college to its stakeholders and the media, and for advocating on behalf of the college and the industries/agencies it supports. Specifically, the Communications Director is responsible for producing communications pieces and strategies for both internal and external audiences to address the strategic goals and objectives of CEOE and its units, as well as the overarching goals and objectives of the University.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops and implements strategic communications plans and initiatives for CEOE and Delaware Sea Grant in support of college and University priorities and goals.
• Leads the development and implementation of a comprehensive digital, social, and multi-media
  strategy that increases CEOE's engagement with key audiences and is aligned with UD's digital and multimedia media policy and complies with accessibility requirements.
• Works closely with communications professionals to coordinate the production and delivery of
  communications tactics and products, ensuring adherence to strategic goals, policies, and
  procedures.
• Oversees work and supervises assigned personnel. Specific duties include priority setting, work
  allocation, training, problem resolution, and personnel performance evaluation.
• Pursues external sources of funds by preparing proposals; develops and manages annual operating budget from all funding sources.
•  Stimulates/increases University faculty and researchers' awareness of marine issues of public
  interest and facilitates faculty participation in public education outreach programs.
• Transfers technical information on environmental matters in an appropriate form to industry
  personnel, public sector officials, private groups and organizations, and the media, as well as the public.
• Prepares web-based presentations, audiovisual presentations, publications, and other educational materials to convey appropriate research findings and relevant information to targeted audiences.
• Represents the University of Delaware College of Earth, Ocean and Environment and the Delaware Sea Grant College Program in both the national oceanographic college network of Science Communications and Marine Public Information Directors and the national Sea Grant network of Marine Communications/Public Education Directors responsible for identification and implementation of national and regional network-wide collaborations.
• Oversees the development of comprehensive data on faculty research/scholarly contributions;
  professional achievements; student advisement/graduation; alumni accomplishments; Sea Grant program impact, etc.
• Works effectively to align CEOE vision with UD's vision in public communication.
• In collaboration with the DESG Marine Advisory Service, plans and organizes nationally recognized annual educational open house (Coast Day) of the College of Earth, Ocean and
  Environment/Delaware Sea Grant College Program, which annually attracts 10,000+ visitors.
• Works closely with OCM and CEOE to contribute and implement the strategic plan and vision for communications, marketing, and outreach as it relates to the overall impact on the College's research and teaching mission.
•  Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing or related discipline, and a minimum of six years of related experience managing and delivering communications activities, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in a research-oriented institution of higher education is preferred.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to anticipate audience needs regarding planning and organizing cutting-edge, continually
  evolving public education programs, as well as communications and marketing strategies.
• Ability to supervise and train assigned staff, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments. Ability to foster a cooperative environment.
• Ability to consult with scientific investigators, interpret research requirements, and translate
  research findings to the appropriate clientele.
• Skill in proposal writing, budget preparation, and financial management.
• Knowledge of science communication principles, media, and public education techniques.
• Knowledge of public educational materials and communications and marketing production, including print and electronic (video, social media, web) published processes, procedures, and techniques.
• Proficiency in digital communications and social media.
• Demonstrated understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is core value