Assistant Director of Communications-YLS Office of Public Affairs

Reporting to the Interim Director of Public Affairs, the Assistant Director oversees a variety of projects for the Office of Public Affairs, including website content, video workflow, and the oversight of other multimedia content for internal and external audiences. The Assistant Director will work closely with the Interim Director and Web Manager to maintain Yale Law School’s website, overseeing the strategy, growth, and development of the front-end of the site. The Assistant Director must be adept at working with internal clients and balancing their requests with available resources, functionality, and best practices. The Assistant Director should also be a skilled writer who can produce content for a variety of channels, including for websites, news stories, and social media posts. This position oversees the planning and execution of video content and manages the video workflow, including lecture videos, profile videos, and animated graphics, working closely with the IT/AV department. The position involves working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, managing multiple high-visibility projects on tight deadlines and supports the department and the Law School administration with various communications-related needs and special projects as assigned.

The Assistant Director:

• Oversees the front-end of Law School’s external website to ensure consistency in design, formatting, and high quality, up-to-date content; develops and coordinates system for scheduled website content upgrades throughout site
• Assists Web Manager with routine updates of the website and supports staff and faculty with web changes and occasional training as needed
• Produces multimedia content; works with AV department to create compelling video assets to showcase school, student, and faculty news
• Manages distribution of video on various channels including the Law School’s Vimeo and YouTube channels
• Assists with taking photos of special events and life at the law school, to use for social media and other web and print publications
• Creates compelling story ideas and narratives; produces content for both external and internal channels; writes copy and social media posts and manages content
• Synthesizes complex academic concepts for general audiences
• Writes for, proofreads, and edits other Law School digital and print communications
• Works with other Yale Public Affairs offices to ensure consistency in communications between schools and departments
• Helps develop digital and social media content across YLS channels
• Other duties as assigned

Required Education, Experience and Skills:

1. Well-developed analytical, oral, and written communications skills. Demonstrated ability writing and editing for print and electronic media, project management with external and internal clients, and demonstrated ability in presenting and articulating creative and technical concepts.
2. Working knowledge of Drupal or comparable website content management systems. Familiarity with social media platforms. Demonstrated ability working in a fast-paced team environment with multiple priorities and deadlines.
3. Excellent proofreading and editing skills. Proven ability to adapt to changing technologies.
4. Excellent interpersonal skills, and ability to effectively deal with all levels within the organization.
5. Proven ability to multi-task and work independently. Demonstrated ability with project management.

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:

1. Basic knowledge of graphics programs, including InDesign and Photoshop are preferred.
2. Basic video editing software knowledge and familiarity with social media channels is a plus.

Weekend Hours Required: Occasional

Evening Hours Required: Occasional

Principal Responsibilities

1. Manages relationships with external media sources. Pursues media coverage creatively and aggressively. Responds to inquiries from national and international news media, student media, the University community and the general public.
2. Enhances the overall quality of media relations for key stakeholders by preparing them for media interviews. Manages relationships with key campus stakeholders with a high degree of professionalism, judgment and understanding of stakeholder goals.
3. Creates compelling story ideas and narratives; produces content for both external and internal channels; writes copy and social media posts and manages content.
4. Plans social media strategies for key University communications and programs. Monitors University social media assets for negative comments or misinformation.
5. Supports short- and long-term communication planning with insights into audiences, channels and culture; coordinates with other communications professionals to achieve institutional goals; leads the communications process within developed standards and protocols.
6. Supports effective response strategies, often in crisis situations requiring 24/7 attention and intense media/public scrutiny, and articulates the University’s position via personal interviews or written responses.
7. Produces multimedia content and manages the work of graphic and web designers, student interns, printers, video producers and photographers.
8. Manages communication plans for all stakeholders by understanding the significance of campus initiatives and/or academic work; creates compelling stories and messages to translate the significance through language that is clear and accessible for public awareness.
9. Develops and maintains regular contact with media representatives in multiple disciplines.
10. Maintains the Yale brand and graphic identity standards; supports and maintains standard operating procedures; contributes to digital asset management.
11. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications or related field and five years of experience in public relations, journalism, television, corporate communications or agency work or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated experience in developing communications for a range of media and working with creative professionals in design, photography or video.