Assistant Director of Communications at University at Albany

Assistant Director of Communications

About University at Albany:
Established in 1844 and designated a University Center of the State University of New York in 1962, the University at Albany's broad mission of excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, research and public service engages a diverse student body of approximately 17,900 students in nine schools and colleges across three campuses.

Located in Albany, New York, New York State's capital, the University is convenient to Boston, New York City, and the Adirondacks.

Job Description:
The New York State Youth Justice Institute (YJI) seeks to hire its first Assistant Director of Communications. The Institute is a collaborative initiative between the University at Albany and the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.

We're looking for a hands-on strategic communicator and storyteller to develop effective messaging and communication strategies on youth justice topics aimed at a variety of stakeholders. The Assistant Director of Communications will create and share high-quality content and connect with our key audiences through media, social media, listserv outreach, press releases and public announcements, editorial placements, events, conferences, and other opportunities.

Under the supervision of the Institute's Executive Director and working collaboratively with the Director of Research and the Director of Training and Technical Assistance, the ideal candidate for this position has:

• a strong record of written and oral skills and experience with diverse audiences and outreach strategies
• an insatiable curiosity about criminal and/or juvenile justice systems, child welfare, and other relevant areas impacting youth at-risk of justice-involvement
• experience crafting data-driven stories that call for action
• innate political savviness and ability to craft messaging that aligns with different stakeholders' interests
• a teams-oriented approach to day-to-day work and a collaborative mindset
• ability to embrace equity as a central point in all of the content generated for public outreach

This is a full-time position beginning March 2024 or later, and it is based in Albany, NY. Salary ranges from $60K/year to $65K/year based on demonstrated experience.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manage media relations for the Institute and develop/foster contacts with media members, State partners, community leaders, and units within the University.
• Collaborate with Institute's researchers and training/technical assistance teams in developing and disseminating research findings and public information materials.
• Lead the preparation of and manage all communications materials, including:
• creation of digital, video, and print content.
• establishment and implementation of a multi-channel communications strategy/plan; and
• Track engagement across various platforms and make data-driven decisions.
• Ensure continuity of brand voice and maintenance of brand integrity across different platforms and outreach tools.
• Oversee one graduate student and help develop their communication, marketing, and design skills.
• Assist with virtual and in-person events.

Requirements:
Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in data journalism, communications, marketing, or a related discipline AND 3-5 years of communications, marketing, public relations, or related full-time experience; OR graduate degree in any of these areas AND 3-plus years of communications, marketing, public relations, or related full-time experience.
• Demonstrated experience creating digital, video, and print content.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro), Canva, video editing software (e.g. Camtasia), and mail outreach software (e.g. Mailchimp)
• Demonstrated experience producing data-driven content for public dissemination.
• Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills, including demonstrated copy-editing abilities.
• Proficiency in social media platforms and social media marketing.
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to develop inclusive and equitable relationships within our diverse campus community.
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to support diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging relative to their role.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Established peer relationships in New York State demonstrated through collaborative publications or work history.
• Established knowledge of criminal justice/juvenile justice issues demonstrated through relevant publications or work history.
• Strong track record in data journalism and familiarity with Tableau, Flourish, or other data visualization tools.

Additional Information:
Professional Rank and Salary Range: Senior Staff Assistant, SL3; $60,000-65,000.

Special Notes: A one-year commitment is required with the option to continue contingent on satisfactory performance and availability of funding. Travel may be required and shall not exceed 10% of FT appointment.

Working at the University at Albany comes with state benefits that exceed salary alone. There are personal rewards, including comprehensive health and retirement plan options, including participation or continuity in the NY State Retirement System, for eligible employees. We also focus on creating and sustaining a healthy mix of work, personal, and professional pursuits - all in an effort to support your work-life effectiveness. Visit our benefits website to learn about our benefits packages, which may include time towards the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, without exception, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University's crime statistics for the past three years; and disclosures regarding the University's current campus security policies. The University at Albany's Annual Security Report is available in portable document format [PDF] by clicking this link http://police.albany.edu/ASR.shtml

Pursuant to NYS Labor Law 194-A, no State entity, as defined by the Law, is permitted to rely on, orally or in writing seek, request, or require in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current wage, or salary history as a condition to be interviewed, or as a condition of continuing to be considered for an offer of employment, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation, and for the purpose of verifying information, may such requests be made. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor's Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@goer.ny.gov.

THE UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY IS AN EO/AA/IRCA/ADA EMPLOYER

Please apply online via https://albany.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=173070

Application Instructions:
Applicants MUST submit the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover letter stating all the required minimum qualifications and any of the applicable preferred qualifications
• Contact information for three professional references

Note: After submitting your resume, the subsequent pages give you instructions for uploading additional documents (i.e. cover letter etc.).

Closing date for receipt of applications: This position will remain open until it is filled.