POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Weatherhead School of Management Communications Director reports to the Director of Marketing and is an integral member of the marketing team.  The Communications Director creates and oversees the communications strategy and develops the copy for all communications channels at the management school, including the website, newsletters, marketing collateral, social media posts, presentations, press announcements, event and program invitations, and email campaigns.  This role also serves as a strategic advisor to others inside the organization, as well as to agency partners, establishing communications guidelines and tone and voice for the school of management. 

The ideal candidate for this position is an excellent communicator, with a strong command of the English language. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Utilize copywriting abilities to craft compelling narratives and engaging content across various platforms to represent the unique identity of Weatherhead School of Management. Serve as the lead copywriter for website content, newsletters, brochures, press releases, announcements, social media posts and email campaigns. Develop high-quality, persuasive content that resonates with diverse audiences, to simplify complex research projects, to tell the stories of legacy professors and innovative alumni, and to convey the key differentiators of the business school across multiple channels. (25%)
2. Oversee all communications by developing, executing, and managing a communications style guide, outlining the brand voice, tone, and personality. Implement highly intellectual thinking skills to contribute ideas during annual strategic planning sessions. Investigate and implement ways to make the communications efforts better in order to achieve the goals of the school of management. (10%)
3. Establish a review protocol, with requirements specific to each communications element, to ensure compliance with the written style guide by internal teams and external agencies. (10%)
4. Collaborate with leads in graduate programs, graduate recruiting, external relations and WSOM centers to prioritize, budget and execute communications projects. (10%)
5. Strategize an annual communications plan, granted with authority to introduce, and eliminate communications elements. (10%)
6. Develop comprehensive social media strategies aligned with overall marketing objectives. (10%)
7. Utilize social media analytics tools to measure the success of campaigns and strategies and provide regular reports on key performance metrics, offering insights and recommendations for improvement. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Proofread key communications elements developed by dean’s and other program leaders. (5%)
2. Manage and coach graduate assistants in fulfilling special projects for the school. (5%)
3. Maintain an ongoing communications projects list with the activity descriptions, deliverables, and deadlines. (2.5%)
4. Coach and assist team members on improving communications skills. (2.5%)

CONTACTS

Department: Continuous department staff, ongoing graduate program leads

University: Occasional university marketing contacts

External: Ongoing contact with the school of management advertising & communications partners

Students: Daily contact with student interns to provide supervision on projects.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervise student interns.  Potential to supervise additional individuals as staff is added to achieve marketing goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 5 years of copywriting experience working at an advertising agency, public relations agency, business, university, or non-profit.

Education: Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in communications, advertising, marketing, business, or public relations. 

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Strong communications skills, both verbal and written. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to connect effectively across a matrix organization.
2. Capability to meet strict deadlines and deliver ongoing incremental performance improvements.
3. Ability to supervise workflow. Honed teamwork skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
4. Ability to exercise independent judgment.
5. Excellent organizational skills.
6. Familiarity with publication layout, graphic arts and media buying.
7. Experience with various social media platforms.
8. Understanding how to curate user-generated content on social media.
9. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
10. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
11. Possess a customer-focused and results-oriented attitude.
12. Demonstrated entrepreneurial and resourceful skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Standard office working conditions.  Local travel requirements.

In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity.  Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.  Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation.  Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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