The Assistant Director of Communications plays a key role in developing, planning, and executing a wide range of communications for the Law School. This person is an outstanding storyteller, creating concise narratives and compelling copy designed to engage prospective students, alumni, and key constituents. Responsible for writing, editing, and proofreading marketing communications materials (including long- and short-form stories, articles for various newsletters and alumni communications, promotional brochure copy, web content, press releases, social media posts, and Dean's remarks/presentations). Working closely with the Associate Dean of Marketing and Strategic Communications, the Senior Communications Editor serves as the lead editor for external and internal communications, ensure messaging consistency, and assists with communications strategy development and execution.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $61,242 - $81,552 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Specific Responsibilities
 

• Manages editorial strategy, develops and maintains editorial calendar, creates content for a variety of platforms, including print, digital, social media, and video communications.
• Manages communications and editorial projects such as newsletters to engage key constituents for recruitment, fundraising, and brand reputation. Assists with media strategy, media relations, media monitoring, preparing spokespeople, and developing messages, which includes writing press releases and supporting op-ed development as needed.
• Develops and writes original content and updates and edits existing content for Law School communications, including articles and various newsletters; content for website, collateral, invitations, social media, and programs; identify and interview appropriate subjects for communication pieces.
• Serves as key member of the Law School marketing and communications team, assisting in editing and distributing planned and unplanned school-wide communications and supporting reputational management issues as needed.
• Works with team leads for website and social media to track content engagement metrics and develops
• Supervises one communications editor and freelance writers as needed
• Other duties as assigned
   

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications/clearances)
 

• A bachelor's degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communication, or English, or related field or the equivalent combination of education, experience, and training from which comparable skills can be acquired
• 3-5 years' professional writing experience, including feature stories and newsletter articles, promotional copy, and digital content, and experience working in new media, web-based projects, and internal/corporate communications
• Strong proofreading and editing skills; deep knowledge of Chicago Manual of Style and AP style
• Creative writer and thinker.
• General understanding of digital content strategy
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint; working knowledge of Excel; knowledge of HTML and willingness to learn e-mail campaign, web authoring, and social media management programs
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously
• Must be able to work independently as well as collaboratively
• Excellent judgment as well as interpersonal, negotiation, organizational skills and sense of humor
• Ability to work with individuals at all levels in the organization
   

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)
 

• Previous experience working in Photoshop, Acrobat, and web content management systems
• Web content writing experience
• Experience in both external and internal communications
• Previous client-relations experience (internal or external)
• Demonstrated ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
• Knowledge of multiple Web browser and navigation standards
   

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life And Wellness

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.

We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more .

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.

Looking for more jobs near me. Find your favorite job now by visiting our jobs page.