ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS & ENGAGEMENT, STUDENT ACADEMIC SERVICES
Apply NowCompany: University of Washington
Location: Seattle, WA 98115
Description:
As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills, and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world. UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.
Student Academic Services has an outstanding opportunity for an Associate Director to join their team.
Undergraduate Academic Affairs (UAA) shapes, advances, and stewards a world-class undergraduate academic experience for students at the University of Washington. Staff, faculty and students in UAA deepen and enrich the learning experience for all undergraduates, recognizing and supporting the unique learning path of each individual student and the commitment of each academic program to excellence in learning and teaching.
Student Academic Services (SAS) is comprised of First Year Programs, Undergraduate Advising, and Academic Support Programs, three departments within Undergraduate Academic Affairs that serve as the gateway to the academic experience for all University of Washington undergraduates. Student Academic Services supports students' transition to the UW and connects them with learning resources and opportunities so they can navigate through the University, taking the risks necessary for growth and transformation.
The Associate Director is responsible for developing and executing communication strategies that enhance engagement with incoming and current undergraduate students, their families, and campus partners. This role plays a critical part in supporting first-year students' transition and integration into the institution by effectively conveying key messages, resources, and programming initiatives. The Associate Director oversees digital and print content, social media, newsletters, and other outreach efforts to foster a strong sense of community and belonging among first-year students.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Communications & Marketing 45%
In collaboration with the Student Academic Services leadership team, develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy to support student engagement and academic success.
Create and manage digital and print materials, including newsletters, social media content, email campaigns, video, and website updates.
Deliver information about transitioning to the UW, connection to campus services and resources, and the delivery of Advising & Orientation (A&O) content before, during, and after Advising & Orientation, audience is 9,200 students.
Deliver academic planning information and build upon academic adviser relationships with web content, video resources, and email and text communications, audience is 6,000 students.
Manage the production of academic support resources, including videos and other online tools for Academic Support programs, the audience is 16,000 users.
Collaborate with institutional marketing and branding teams to ensure consistency in messaging and visual identity.
Monitor engagement metrics and adjust communication strategies based on data analysis and feedback.
Collaborate with colleagues in UAA and throughout the university on communication about academic services
Lead the SAS communications group in order to streamline and enhance messages across the unit
Manage the development and implementation of the Student Academic Services messages through the automation platform Marketo.
Student & Family Engagement 35%
Coordinate and manage Family Orientation programming, ensuring that families receive essential information, resources, and support to help their students transition successfully into university life.
Work closely with partners across the university, including departments and faculty to develop responsive content as questions and concerns arise from students and family members
Cultivate and deliver Dawg Daze sponsorship opportunities, including developing funding levels, working on deliverables, and supporting partners on student engagement opportunities.
Managing external engagement and strategic initiatives that emerge from Student Academic Services and university priorities; previous projects include Admitted Student Day, Fuel for Finals, transfer student engagement, campus-wide Husky Experience Toolkit, academic advising tools and training, and Husky Giving Day strategy.
Program Operations and Management 15%
Manage and allocate a budget of $200,000 per year for digital engagement initiatives and up to $75,000 per year in sponsorship funding to enhance first-year student programs.
Understand student fee budgets, working closely with the Executive Director and the First-Year Experience Student Council to ensure responsible financial planning and resource allocation.
Supervise two full-time professionals, providing guidance and support in communications and engagement initiatives.
Oversee a team of 1-3 student employees focused on design, print and video production, and social media content creation to enhance outreach efforts.
Assist in the assessment and reporting of communication and engagement effectiveness.
Attend all staff meetings and retreats for Student Academic Services Units.
University Leadership and Engagement 5%
Educate university leadership about academic services and programs as well as student engagement trends
Forecast effective academic engagement methods and recommend new ways of delivering services
Serve on committees UAA and campus as needed
This position will demonstrate and integrate the following UAA Competencies:
Accountability and Integrity
Race, Equity, and Difference
Constituent Focus
Collaboration and Teamwork
Clear Communication
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Master's Degree
Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in student engagement and success, including planning, project management, and communications.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Exceptional project management skills.
Ability to work independently, solve problems, take initiative, set priorities and handle multiple projects efficiently and effectively.
Takes responsibility and initiative to set and meet the goals, objectives, and obligations of the role while representing the mission, vision, and values of the organization.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to gather disparate information and distill key points; ability to develop material that conveys emotion; ability to deftly leverage the written word, visual imagery, and data to communicate key information.
Demonstrated excellence in collaboration.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive relationships and actively contribute as a member of working teams to achieve results.
Ability to communicate in a direct and professional manner that resolves differences.
Ability to grasp the landscape within an organization and navigate appropriately.
Demonstrated creativity, organizational ability, and strong attention to detail.
Ability to make decisions in ambiguous situations, exercise good judgment based on information and analysis in a fast-paced, dynamic, and deadline-driven environment in an organized and professional manner.
Values the UW's commitment to inclusiveness. Demonstrates respect and commitment to diversity.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master's degree in education or communication
Experience developing written and video communication assets for diverse audiences across a range of platforms (print, web, social media, etc.)
Technical skills in graphic and web design
Experience with event planning, sponsorship, and/or advancement
Budget and personnel management experience
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
The position works primarily during standard office hours; however, occasional evening and weekend work is required. Work outside of normal working hours is most often program dependent and scheduled in advance.
Occasional travel is also required. Typical travel is related to meetings with the external service providers, representation at regional or annual/national professional associations
Accommodations will be made for any documented disability or impairment (temporary or permanent) that is normally supported/addressed by the University.
Cover Letter Prompt:
Please ensure your cover letter addresses the following questions:
Why are you interested in this role?
How do your experience and skills in communications and marketing align with the need to develop and implement comprehensive strategies that support student engagement and academic success at a large university?
Can you provide examples of how you have previously managed complex projects?
Please review the job description (fyp.washington.edu/jobs) and list two areas that reflect your strengths and two areas in which you would need growth and further development.
Describe how you have approached integrating social justice, inclusion, and equity in your professional career.
Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select "Apply to this position". Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your "My Jobs" page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are access ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.
Student Academic Services has an outstanding opportunity for an Associate Director to join their team.
Undergraduate Academic Affairs (UAA) shapes, advances, and stewards a world-class undergraduate academic experience for students at the University of Washington. Staff, faculty and students in UAA deepen and enrich the learning experience for all undergraduates, recognizing and supporting the unique learning path of each individual student and the commitment of each academic program to excellence in learning and teaching.
Student Academic Services (SAS) is comprised of First Year Programs, Undergraduate Advising, and Academic Support Programs, three departments within Undergraduate Academic Affairs that serve as the gateway to the academic experience for all University of Washington undergraduates. Student Academic Services supports students' transition to the UW and connects them with learning resources and opportunities so they can navigate through the University, taking the risks necessary for growth and transformation.
The Associate Director is responsible for developing and executing communication strategies that enhance engagement with incoming and current undergraduate students, their families, and campus partners. This role plays a critical part in supporting first-year students' transition and integration into the institution by effectively conveying key messages, resources, and programming initiatives. The Associate Director oversees digital and print content, social media, newsletters, and other outreach efforts to foster a strong sense of community and belonging among first-year students.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Communications & Marketing 45%
Student & Family Engagement 35%
Program Operations and Management 15%
University Leadership and Engagement 5%
This position will demonstrate and integrate the following UAA Competencies:
Accountability and Integrity
Race, Equity, and Difference
Constituent Focus
Collaboration and Teamwork
Clear Communication
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Cover Letter Prompt:
Please ensure your cover letter addresses the following questions:
Why are you interested in this role?
How do your experience and skills in communications and marketing align with the need to develop and implement comprehensive strategies that support student engagement and academic success at a large university?
Can you provide examples of how you have previously managed complex projects?
Please review the job description (fyp.washington.edu/jobs) and list two areas that reflect your strengths and two areas in which you would need growth and further development.
Describe how you have approached integrating social justice, inclusion, and equity in your professional career.
Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select "Apply to this position". Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your "My Jobs" page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are access ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.