Dir, Communications

— STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS, REPUTATION MANAGEMENT, & MARKETING
Leads the development and implementation of cost-effective, research-based, measurable strategic communications and marketing plans to enhance the College of Veterinary Medicine’s reputation on a national level across its missions of research, education, and patient care and to grow volume for the college’s clinical programs and services among various stakeholders, including the public, peer institutions, funding agencies, alumni, donors, prospects, clients of the UF Veterinary Hospitals, and the UF community. Leverages compelling and unique communications tools to shape powerful storytelling and develops other effective and impactful campaigns and materials, serving as project manager, writer, and editor for a wide variety of print, digital, multimedia, and online content and publications, including the college’s biannual magazine, internal e-newsletter, fact sheets, podcasts, videos, brochures, annual reports, PowerPoint presentations, speeches, and web and social media content. Oversees, manages, and coordinates communications needs and campaigns in the areas of advancement and alumni affairs in support of the College of Veterinary Medicine and UF Health’s fundraising objectives. Executes compelling and unique content, including stories, brochures, and other collateral materials that help drive philanthropic giving. Coordinates all production in a cost-effective manner. Ensures consistency of messaging and alignment with brand standards. Takes a coordinated, collaborative approach to communications, working closely with the College of Veterinary Medicine and UF Health Communications leadership, faculty members, staff members, and other UF communicators to gather detailed information and statistics for materials, avoid duplication of effort, and ensure effectiveness and adherence to UF and UF Health communications standards, guidelines, and policies. Sets and manages the college’s annual communications budget to support goals without exceeding approved thresholds.

— MULTIMEDIA STORYTELLING
Helps shape the UF College of Veterinary Medicine story using multimedia approaches in creative and compelling ways to achieve defined communications objectives. Writes, edits, produces, and distributes content that informs internal and external audiences of the collective accomplishments of the college. Is skilled in editorial composition, news and feature writing, promotional copywriting, and speech and script writing. Demonstrates excellence in storytelling across a variety of platforms. Oversees content development, editing, and production of the college’s Animal Airwaves program, which airs on public radio affiliates nationally. Coordinates the writing of scripts for one-minute modules, facilitates editing and production processes, and promotes the program to key stakeholders. Complies with editing/review processes and branding policies of UF Health and the university. Adheres to deadlines and budget parameters. Works closely with UF Health Communications Creative Services to direct and coordinate photography, videography, infographics, graphic design, and animation, and manages outsourcing to advertising agencies, printers, and freelancers to concept and produce podcasts, videos, and other collateral materials and campaigns. The incumbent is proficient in basic photography and is expected to attend and photograph key college events and activities to provide content for stories, the web, social media, and donor/ alumni relations purposes as needed.

— SOCIAL MEDIA
Guides social media strategy across various social media platforms to enhance the reputation and visibility of the college and its missions. Sets editorial calendars for the college’s official social media accounts and updates calendars on a regular basis, proactively identifying content ideas to pursue and story opportunities to promote. Develops and posts content in accordance with best practices. Ensures social media channels and practices used adhere to established UF and UF Health policies and standards. Monitors key metrics to gauge effectiveness of social media efforts, routinely reviewing analytics and sharing reports, and uses data to identify and recommend opportunities for enhanced engagement.

— NEWS DISSEMINATION
Generates and oversees distribution of news releases focusing on key scientific and clinical developments at the college and the UF Veterinary Hospitals to ensure visibility and sustained coverage in local, state, national, and trade media. Participates in weekly UF Health media forecast meetings and follows required processes for moving and tracking story content through editorial approval channels. Works closely with UF Health and UF news teams to identify opportunities for proactively pitching stories to local, state, national, and trade media.

— MEDIA RELATIONS/ISSUES MANAGEMENT
Manages all media relations efforts involving administration, faculty, staff, and students at the college. Identifies sources, facilitates interviews with media outlets, serves as media escort, coordinates photography and/or video needs, and facilitates and secures appropriate permissions to ensure compliance with college and hospital patient confidentiality policies. Routinely tracks media assists and activities. Identifies potential issues and shares with appropriate leadership. Plays a key role in managing issues and/or crisis situations impacting the college, working closely with the Dean and leadership in the college, UF Health Communications, and UF Strategic Communications and Marketing.

— WEBSITE MANAGEMENT
Creates a robust, compelling, and distinctive web presence for the College of Veterinary Medicine. Manages content strategy for the college’s website to ensure a comprehensive, strategic approach to web communications, including enhancing current content, creating compelling new content, and coordinating content updates/maintenance using the WordPress platform and in partnership with the Dean and the UF Health Communications Web Services team. Works with department and unit web editors to ensure training occurs, best practices are followed, and updates are regularly maintained. Ensures continuity of web efforts and adheres to established UF and UF Health policies, brand design standards, and accessibility requirements. Ensures approaches reflect best practices and address SEO. Uses Google Analytics to understand audience behavior on the web and identifies opportunities to support strategic initiatives and to enhance reputation and visibility of the college.

— EVENT PLANNING/COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT
Serves on committees and travels as needed to plan and promote certain internal and external college events, such as the annual college Open House, alumni gatherings, anniversary celebrations, fundraising campaigns, and commencement programs. Leads preparation of communications content and materials, including adherence to review/approval processes, and promotes events to key stakeholder audiences through a variety of channels. Driving is required.

— MEASUREMENT & EVALUATION
Gathers data and conducts research to inform strategies; establishes defined goals and develops metrics to track success; and adjusts processes or approach as needed. Routinely reports on results to key leaders. Ensures Dean, UF Health AVP for Communications & Public Affairs, and other senior leaders are regularly informed of communications-related activities.

Salary commensurate with experience

Masters degree in an appropriate area and six years of relevant experience; or a bachelors degree in an appropriate area and eight years of relevant experience.

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter, resume, list of references, and writing samples.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.