PAY GRADE: 31E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The Center for Disabilities Studies (CDS), within the University of Delaware’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), promotes increased access, opportunity and accomplishment among people with disabilities across ages and life domains through its multifaceted research, training and service portfolios. CDS is one of 68 University Centers on Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) nationwide and is the largest research and public service center devoted exclusively to disability issues at the University of Delaware. The Center’s current programmatic units focus on transition to adult life (secondary education, post-secondary education, and employment), health and wellness, PreK-12 education, and assistive technology. Each unit implements a cohesive program of research, technical assistance, academic training, professional development, community training, advocacy, and information dissemination. CDS works in close collaboration with federal agencies and organizations, state agencies, other units at UD, community organizations, service providers, individuals with disabilities, and families. Each unit provides opportunities to both graduate and undergraduate students to develop their knowledge, skills and dispositions and contribute to the Center’s mission. The center also manages the Disability Studies Minor, the Access: Ability Scholars program, and two large-scale leadership training programs the Special Education Administrative Leadership Program and the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Program. More information about CDS is available at www.udel.edu/cds. 

The Communications Manager reports to the Director of the Center for Disabilities Studies, with a dotted line to the Communications Director for CEHD. The Communications Manager has primary responsibility for the management of the CDS Communications Team, including supervision of the full-time Digital Content Specialist and engagement with UD graduate students and miscellaneous wage personnel. The Communications Manager works in collaboration with CEHD’s Communications Director and Team to ensure that the Center’s marketing and communications re appropriately optimized and aligned with UD policies and best practices for consumption by a variety of audiences, including national, state and local constituencies. The Communications Manager is responsible for the coordination with all CDS programmatic units relative to awareness, outreach, advocacy, and public relations, ensuring that information emanating from the units and Center adheres to the highest standards of accessibility and professionalism. The Communications Manager is also responsible for the coordination of the Center’s federally mandated Community Advisory Council and the oversight of the design and production of all major CDS products. As a member of the CDS leadership team, the Communications Manager contributes to the visioning and implementation of the Center’s strategic agenda.

 MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages the administrative functions and accountability of the Center’s Communications Team, including supervision of assigned staff.
• Hires, trains, supervises, motivates an evaluates the Digital Communication Specialist and, at times, graduate students, miscellaneous wage personnel, consultants and/or volunteers.
• As a member of the CDS Management Team, assists in policy development; analyzes, interprets, and recommends administrative practices and procedures; and contributes to the Center’s strategic planning.
• Communicates the Center’s mission, activities, products, and accomplishments to both internal and external constituencies using a variety of mechanisms, in appropriate coordination with CEHD Communications.
• Serves as liaison to state and local public and private entities in the interest of fostering relationships that expand the Center’s linkages to and support from these entities and the constituencies they represent.
• Leads the coordination of the coherent and consistent presentation of information arising from a large portfolio of programs and projects.
• Maintains the efficient operation of the CAC, which includes ensuring the compliance of the CAC with all federal requirements concerning composition, regularity of meetings, and operation; coordinating and convening all meetings of the CAC and its Executive Committee; facilitating compliance with by-laws; generating meeting minutes; facilitating the process for nominating officers and new members; coordinating orientation for new members; and facilitating communication between the CAC and the CDS Director.
• Supports the Center’s advocacy activities to ensure integration with systems change efforts at the local, state, and national levels.
• Coordinates internal communications activities and products, including the implementation of project management tools and regularly scheduled check-ins with each programmatic unit regarding current and envisioned activities. Represents CDS through presentations and participation at national, state, and local events.
• Collaborates closely with CEHD Communications and interfaces with College and UD units—including CEHD Office of Educational Technology (OET), UD Information Technologies, and UD Office of Communications and Marketing—to ensure coordination of activities and compliance with IT and communications procedures.
• Manages data collection and reporting for mandatory federal reporting relative to activities initiated and/or supported by the CDS Communications Team; website utilization and satisfaction; dissemination mechanisms such as publications, presentations, social media and press coverage; and maintenance of an archive of publications, presentations, photographs, and other materials.
• Optimizes efficiency of dissemination to general and targeted audiences through the refinement and maintenance of a constituent data system. Manages the distribution lists for internal and external dissemination of Center information and products.
• Develops and promulgates standards, with input from the CDS Management Team and accessibility experts, for the appearance and accessibility of all print and electronic products disseminated by CDS.
• Consults with Center leadership and project managers regarding design issues, content development, and communications strategy.
• Provides technical support to staff, including review and editing of publications, for quality and consistency with the UD, CEHD and CDS mission and image.
• Manages and oversees the maintenance of—and updates to—the  CDS website, which includes adherence to the highest standards of accessibility, in appropriate coordination with CEHD OET, CEHD Communications, UD IT, and UD Communications and Marketing .
• Generates news content and media pitches and arranges photo and video shoots of Center events and activities for external coverage and publicity in appropriate coordination with CEHD Communications.
• Plans and executes community events, including activities as ArtFest and the LIFE Conference, and coordinates the Center’s involvement in campus-wide events.
• Manages the creative development, design, printing, and mailing of promotional and public relations materials for the Center in coordination with CEHD Communications.
• Manages the research, writing, editing, and coordination of all major CDS publications, including, but not limited to, delAware and the annual report in coordination with CEHD Communications.
• Exercises a high degree of creativity and judgment in planning, organizing and guiding activities of importance.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor’s degree required (preferably in developmental disabilities, public policy, public administration, communications, or other related field) and five years years of experience or higher degree and equivalent experience. Master’s degree preferred. 
• Experience in community relations, public relations, and advocacy. 
• Excellent spoken and written communications skills.
• Deep knowledge of accessibility requirements and compliance strategies for the full range of communications vehicles, including live presentations, web-enabled presentations, print products, and websites; website design and maintenance; and social media and email marketing platforms and strategies required.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated success in interacting with a wide variety of stakeholders and collaborators, including individuals with disabilities, family members, federal and state administrators, service providers, elected officials, diverse local, state and national constituencies, internal partners, and representatives of the media.
• Excellent critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to develop, organize and manage impactful projects simultaneously, while adhering to strict timelines.
• Skill in establishing priorities and synchronizing resources with activities.
• Demonstrated success in public speaking.
• Ability to make administrative, procedural, and policy decisions and judgments.
• Familiarity with document layout and production technologies.
• Supervision experience and demonstrated ability to cultivate positive work climate.
• Broad knowledge of the disabilities field preferred.
• Experience working with people with disabilities strongly preferred.

Special Requirements:

• Ability to travel throughout Delaware for meetings, training, and other events.
• Ability to attend national conferences and other out-of-state events.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Has regular access to a private means of transportation.