JOB DESCRIPTION
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Union Presbyterian Seminary
Purpose:
The Director is the seminary’s chief public relations officer and provides direction and
oversight for the staff in the Office of Communications and with outside vendors. The
Director is the institutional message and image creator and communicator. The
Director serves as the editor of Focus Magazine and other publications--both print
and digital, news releases, and advertising copy that promote and support Union
Presbyterian Seminary programs and services. The Director serves as an internal
consultant for public relations and communications for all divisions of the seminary
and reports to the Vice-President for Advancement.
Responsibilities and Duties:
Advertising and Institutional Messaging
1. Formulates institutional messages to appeal and connect with internal and
external constituents. To be successful, the Director must interact intentionally
and extensively with the seminary and alumni/ae community in order to gain
an understanding of the community and its sense of direction. Understands
the unique dynamics of the seminary and the broader church and thinks
strategically about how to present complex issues facing the seminary
community.
2. Conceptualizes messages for the seminary and for all departments. Consults
with and provides directed support for internal constituencies including
Advancement, Admissions, and the Leadership Institute on print and digital
advertising. Involves the entire seminary community in creating a social media
and communications strategy using diverse platforms that will create a
common sense of purpose and sense of ownership.
Print, Digital, Multi-Media, and Social Media
3. Manages the timely delivery of the highest quality and cost-effective
production materials while managing the editorial content and design of such
materials so that content and design are consistent with the mission and
image of Union Presbyterian Seminary.
Serves as liaison with the
Informational Technology Department and outside media providers for quality
delivery of live-streaming, recording, and other media support for campus
events.
4. Manages seminary website:

Drives day-to-day web site operations and coordinates special projects

Creates and posts daily
photographs and videos

Builds and publishes new pages

Assists staff in maintaining their pages/portals on the website, including
writing content if necessary

Ensures website quality and user-friendliness by organizing and
reorganizing information based on internal and external input

Serves as a liaison with the seminary’s website provider for day-to-day
operations

Assists in training faculty and staff members in content management
content,
including alerts,
news
stories,
5. Collaborates with other seminary departments and students to create a social
media community, developing strategies and content across social media
channels (including, but not limited to: Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn,
YouTube, and Instagram).
6. Leverages measurement tools to provide progress reports and analyzes
insights while continually finding ways to improve on metrics through testing
and new initiatives.
7. Writes and/or edits news releases and directs their timely dissemination to
ecclesial and secular media.
8. Cultivates and maintains positive relationships with key media contacts on
behalf of the seminary. Develops an up-to-date list of media contacts.
9. Maintains an up-to-date list of faculty biographical files, including photographs,
and implements strategies for promoting faculty projects, publications, and
expertise. Helps our constituencies get to know our faculty beyond their
academic achievements and teaching abilities.
10. Involves and trains students in creative communication venues.
Strategic Planning and Administration
11. Develops annual communications plan and budget to support institutional
goals and strategic objectives.
12. Supervises the work of other members of the department so that staff
members are trained and equipped to excel in their jobs; conducts annual
performance reviews; and evaluates all aspects of departmental operations.
Capital Campaign Communications
13. Works closely with seminary capital campaign officers and consultants to
develop and manage internal and external capital campaign communication
strategies.
Crisis Communications
14. Serves as a member of the seminary’s crisis communication team and advises
the president and members of the executive staff on matters related to
communication with internal and external constituents.
15. Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge and Skills:
Appropriate degree from an accredited college or university. A minimum of five years
working experience preferred in managing comprehensive communication and public
relations programs. Demonstrated experience in working effectively with teams,
strategic planning, message development, production, and management of print and
digital media, and in media relations. Strong writing skills, ability to multi-task, and to
produce quality work on time are important qualities. Experience with wide range of
social media, including Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, etc. Ability to articulate the mission
and vision of Union Presbyterian Seminary. Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office
software required. Familiarity with Christian organizations and educational institutions
a plus.
Applications may be sent to smackey@upsem.edu.