Associate Director of Multimedia & Storytelling

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Associate Director of Multimedia & Storytelling.

Position Details

Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States

Division VP External Affairs

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Pay Grade

E12

Posting Close Date Open until filled

Job Summary:

Manages all creative storytelling initiatives for the Office of Strategic Communications for Advancement, bringing innovative concepts to life through multimedia design and development. Collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to deploy projects tailored to engage, enhance perception and strengthen connections with alumni, donors and friends of the University.

Primary Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Leads the creative direction for campaign development, communication initiatives and overall approach to theming and storytelling for quarterly and annual publications, delivering vision on strategy and on brand.

• Manages & produces photography and videography to match storytelling needs of the Foundation and Alumni Association, including background research, conducting interviews, managing photography, videography or illustration needs.

• Collaborates with a multidisciplinary team for concept, design supervision, content generation and production of all communication materials while adhering to a calendar that includes all relevant channels, techniques and constituencies. This includes all designed approaches for print, digital, environmental and collateral, including campaigns, direct mail, presentations, websites, etc. to meet departmental objectives.

• Manages and maintains brand standards for both the Foundation and Alumni Association, maintaining that packaged and published pieces are on brand and consistent with University goals.

• Ensures a robust pipeline of information is disseminated about fundraising and alumni activities and opportunities, special events, impact stories and other priorities.

• Works with various campus entities to ensure graphic quality and consistency of pieces that represent the Foundation, Alumni Association and the University.

• Provides subject matter-related expertise to guide the team in maximizing its contribution to both the Foundation and Alumni Association.

• Collaborates with team on creative review of all projects before presentation or publication.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in English, business

marketing, mass communications, public relations or related field is required. Five years of related experience in the field of communications, public relations or related field including experience in social and digital media management, content generation and copy writing.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Employees of this position are prohibited from disclosing confidential and proprietary

information of alumni, donors and prospects, the Foundation, the Alumni Association, the University and its employees or students. This confidentiality obligation is effective while employed in this position and continues after termination of employment.

• Good attention to details and the ability to review content and publications before finalized.

• Excellent storytelling and design skills

• Ability to collaborate on feature stories for print or digital content through visual and written word.

• Ability to cross-train as needed

• Reliable and punctual

• Motivated and enthusiastic

• Honest and cooperative

• Professional and respectful

• Able to travel; work before and after normal business hours, including occasional weekends as necessary or when warranted

• Passionate about the University and able to speak enthusiastically about it

• Ability to effectively plan and carry out a project through to successful completion

• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions

• Results-driven to accomplish individual and team goals

• Ability to establish goals and objectives; accountable for results

• Skill in managing one’s own time

• Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines

• Must be detail oriented and timely with all required notes, files, and documentation

Preferred Qualifications

Five years of related work experience in communications, public relations or related field. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (especially Illustrator, Photoshop and Premiere or like products), Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, and iModules Encompass Software (website). Experience in a higher education environment and/or non-profit communication.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.