Director of International Communications, Global Engagement - University of Rochester

GENERAL PURPOSE: Reporting directly to the Vice Provost of Global Engagement, the Director of International Communications develops and implements communications strategies for the Office of Global Engagement, inclusive of all of its reporting units and functions, to enhance the University of Rochester’s reputation as a top tier research university of global consequence. The Director produces content for both print and digital channels and pursues media coverage in a variety of global markets as well as for internal and local channels that support global engagement and international services. S/he creates messaging strategies that support international initiatives, research, and collaborations, and promotes international opportunities and achievements at the University of Rochester. The Director works with faculty and senior administration to develop communications content and strategy for key representatives traveling abroad. In addition, this position will work to summarize key global and international issues affecting the University and its constituents. This position requires a creative and resourceful communicator with the necessary experience and judgement to counsel University leadership on effective communication approaches and tools. S/he is also responsible for the Global Engagement and its reporting units’ websites and social media channels. The Director is part of the wider communications community and collaborates closely with Office of University Communications to ensure alignment with the institutional communications strategy and best practices. **Strategic Communications** + Responsible for creating and implementing a strategic communications plan for Global Engagement that supports the University’s increasing international activity and strategic initiatives, including engagement of campus and community constituents; position will work closely University communications colleagues achieve this goal. This responsibility involves creating and directing an editorial calendar to promote strategic messages across University and global channels. + Ensures collaboration and unified messaging about University of Rochester in key markets around the world. Engages and partners with offices across the University and abroad as necessary to garner support for, align messaging to, and ensure acceptance of communications in advance of distribution. + Directs international communications consultants and agencies that support projects, website and social media channels, and media relations. Travels as necessary to locations abroad to engage with colleagues and partners on-site. + Determines most effective channels for a variety of international communications. Recommends and executes the improvement of current channels and the development of additional channels to achieve communications objectives. Measures effectiveness of communication efforts, actively reviews results, and suggests adjustments to improve effectiveness based on those results. **Content Creation** + Creates compelling stories for both internal and external channels. Identifies narratives that showcase leadership initiatives and key University priorities, faculty and student accomplishments, and research and scholarly work that advance the University’s reputation as a global leader in higher education. + Directs workflow and content for Global Engagement and International Services publications. + Develops a variety of materials such as articles, reports, e-news, social media posts, brochures, posters, and other promotional materials, collaborating with Communications colleagues where needed/appropriate; edits for clarity and accuracy; ensures consistency with the University’s editorial policies and standards and that appropriate approval is obtained. + Produces multimedia content and collaborates with graphic and web designers, student interns, video producers and photographers. + Understands basic best practices of photography, videography, and visual storytelling. + Synthesizes complex scholarly writing and concepts to communicate with a broad, non-specialist audience. **Digital Media Management** + Develops strategy for the Global Engagement website, including reporting units and functions, ensuring the site meets the needs of the organization, including key messages for domestic and international audiences: prospective and current students and faculty, alumni, researchers, and educational partners. + Directs the creation and management of websites produced for Global Engagement in international markets. + Regularly reviews and updates Global Engagement’s web presence, including reporting units, ensuring integration of social media channels. + Develops social media strategies for Global Engagement and reporting units in conjunction with the University’s Communications Office and social media working group. **Media Relations** + Pursues media coverage creatively in a variety of markets. Establishes and maintains regional, national, and international media contacts. + Responds to inquiries from local, national, and international news media, student media, and the University community. + Using journalistic judgment and writing skills, creates story pitches and other press materials as needed for external release or internal publication, including images, infographics, video clips, and interactive maps. + Enhances the overall quality of media relations for key stakeholders by preparing them for media interviews. + Reads a variety of publications and follows thought leaders and news trends. + Escorts visiting media on campus; coordinates photography and video shoots. **Leadership Communications** + Develops and delivers media and communications training to executive-level leaders to prepare them for interviews and presentations about the University’s strategic priorities and key global collaborations. + Secures and facilitates leadership participation in key industry/social/political conferences and gatherings with global relevance, including developing and coordinating a travel calendar of senior leadership to strategically leverage their presence in other countries and traveling with leadership as needed to support engagement. + Identifies faculty and senior administrator “thought leaders” who can provide commentary on news issues and other topics of general importance and supports their media engagement. + Develops and implements effective response strategies, often in crisis situations requiring 24/7 attention and intense media/public scrutiny, and articulates the University’s position via interviews or written responses. Other duties as assigned. **QUALIFICATIONS:** + Bachelor's degree required + Master’s degree preferred + Five years’ experience in journalism, marketing, communications, or related field required; + 7 years’ experience in comparable role or an equivalent of + education and experience preferred. + Experience working in or with higher education preferred. + Experience working in international communications required. + Fluency in a commonly spoken language other than English a plus. + A valid passport or ability to obtain one is required. The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the University’s mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. This commitment extends to the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations. **How To Apply** All applicants must apply online. _EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled_ **Pay Range** Pay Range: $ 84,700 - $127,100 Annually _The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job’s compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations._ **Location:** Central Administration **Full/Part Time:** Full-Time **Opening:** Full Time 40 hours Grade 056 Office for Global Engagement **Schedule:** 8 AM-4:30 PM