Job Description

Director of Communications

Marketing and Communications Department

Position Summary:

The Director of Communications is responsible for developing, executing, and maintaining a comprehensive communication, outreach, and engagement strategy to increase the visibility and profile of Vermont Law and Graduate School (VLGS). This involves strategic planning, public relations, social media, written materials, videos, public speaking, and attending meetings and events. The Director of Communications position reports to and is evaluated by the Vice President of Marketing and Communications and works in collaboration with colleagues throughout the campus.

Essential Functions and Principal Accountabilities:

• Plan, coordinate, write and edit content. Closely edit and proofread all guides, reports, website copy, and other resources, while implementing search engine optimization (SEO) best practices and adhering to VLGS brand guidelines.
• Develop content for press releases, articles, blog posts, social media, editorials, and newsletters, working with a variety of stakeholders on messaging and copy.
• Train and manage two or three Marketing and Communications staff members. Coordinate and manage projects in collaboration with freelance writers, graphic designers, video production vendors, consultants, and other affiliates.
• Strategically oversee, assess, and report on analytics for VLGS communications initiatives.
• Collaborate with VLGS leadership team, faculty, and staff to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them.
• Serve as a point of contact for public relations agency.
• Work collaboratively to stay abreast of current events and emerging issues that will ensure coverage of VLGS experts, through thought leadership, special events, and other newsworthy initiatives.
• Track and report on coverage of VLGS in the news and monitor VLGS media. Share appearances via email, social media, newsletters, and other appropriate channels.
• Produce newsletters for various VLGS departments; expand subscriber and outreach lists.
• Direct and oversee organic social media strategy and execution.
• This position may involve occasional long-distance travel by air or vehicle on behalf of VLGS for various events and requires representation of VLGS in public and private settings.

Required Education, Skills, and Experience:

• Bachelor\'s degree and five to eight (or more) years of experience in communications, journalism, and/or copywriting.
• Proven track record in writing persuasive, clear, and concise stories for a diverse range of audiences.
• Effective and persuasive communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and be proactive.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, manage time effectively, establish priorities, and communicate expectations to stakeholders.
• Advanced experience and comfort with social media channels.
• Demonstrated project management skills.
• Ability to carefully identify challenges and address issues cooperatively and in a collaborative fashion.

Other Requirements:

• Proficiency in an MS-Windows based environment.
• Must be able to adapt to new and emerging technology as established and communicated by the law school.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines and reorganize under pressure.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Must be able to work legally within the United States without sponsorship.
• Physical ability to perform all essential functions of the job with or without basic accommodations.

Vermont Law and Graduate School is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. We grow and learn better together with a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students. In recruiting for faculty and staff, we seek unique backgrounds to enrich and challenge our community. As part of our commitment to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, candidates who meet the qualifications for this position and who require accommodations to apply should contact Human Resources at . Vermont Law and Graduate School strives to raise the bar for being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, place of birth, marital status, disability, veteran\'s status, HIV status, pregnancy, genetic information, health insurance status, and crime victim status.

PI227974845

Vermont Law School