"Communications Manager and Strategist for POSO"

Communications Manager and Strategist for POSO

Position Number: 929941
Full Time or Part Time: Full Time
Anticipated Recruitment Range: $71,121 - $74,969
Position Type: Non-Faculty
Job Category: Non-Faculty Professional

Organizational Unit Overview:

University Communication (UC) translates ECUs message into strategic and compelling communication and campaigns through the university web site, news releases, its official social media, East magazine, storytelling, production of promotional videos and video news stories along with infographics, creation and development of promotional brochures, and annual reports. The purpose is to provide strategic communication and marketing guidance and support to increase the knowledge, understanding, appreciation and support of the University and its work with broad and varied constituencies, from prospective students to identified thought leaders to prospective donors.

Through ECU News Services UC performs media relations, public affairs, internal communication and strategic communication work on behalf of the university and reports and disseminates information about events, activities, research, policies, individuals and alumni of the University, both through the media, videos, ecu.edu, the university website and through owned publications and other forums. UC, through Creative Services, works with all university departments to conceptualize, design, develop, and produce written, audio-visual, digital and print projects to brand, communicate, and market their messages to appropriate audiences. Creative Services also provides strategic marketing advice for the university, including performing advertising buys for the university.

Job Duties:

The Communications Manager and Strategist will work on behalf of the Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity (POSO) to develop and implement internal and external communication strategies to reach faculty, staff, students, and prospective employees. ECU is committed to workforce success and a culture of care, belonging and opportunity for all.

Reporting directly to the ECU Chief Communications Officer/Director of University Communications with a dotted line to the Senior Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief People Officer, the Communications Manager and Strategist will play a key role in enhancing engagement with the university community.

40% COMMUNICATION STRATEGIC PLANNING AND EXECUTION

• Develop, design, and execute strategic communications initiatives that will engage university constituents broadly; increase understanding about the Departments priorities, programs, and initiatives; and advance the universitys approach to employee well-being and success and a People first mindset.
• Develop and implement communication strategies and programs that inspire and increase knowledge of the Departments vision, goals/KPIs, and key initiatives and promote a positive, informed, connected, and thriving workforce.
• Develop creative campaigns to increase awareness and understanding of certain tools, processes, and programs, as well as increase employee engagement.
• Manage an overall rebrand to the new Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity in close collaboration with Departmental Leadership.
• Research, create, and implement compelling content to attract qualified talent at all levels of the university and convey ECUs employee value proposition.
• Establish metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the effectiveness of the Departments communication initiatives.
• Conduct regular assessments and analyze feedback and engagement to continuously improve communications strategies and tactics.

40% COMMUNICATIONS DEVELOPMENT/DELIVERY

• Create or oversee development of specific deliverables designed to educate the university community about the various tools, resources and programs ECU provides.
• Partner with the ECU Chief Communications Officer/Director of University Communications on key initiatives and develop an integrated communications plan, including drafting key messaging, communications, presentations, FAQs, and other materials to ensure effective, branded, and well-executed communications.
• Write and edit various messages and communications that enhance and support the Departments development of organizational change initiatives.
• Prepare, develop, implement, and execute a comprehensive internal change management communications program to share key messages and increase awareness about new developments for the university community.
• Work with various subject matter experts to strategically plan and develop required communications for varied audiences; these include communications for projects, initiatives, and campaigns as well as other Department-provided services.
• Create, write and edit engaging and informative written materials, including emails, presentations, newsletters, and annual reports, to effectively communicate important updates, programs, policies, and initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with university photographers, videographers and graphic designers to create quality content such as visual and multimedia communications materials, videos and other materials.
• Review existing and develop new engagement tactics to deliver impactful messaging to managers and employees, leveraging all relevant channels (e.g., email, print, videos, web).
• Oversee various communication channels, such as email distribution lists, social media platforms, and website content to ensure timely and effective delivery of messages.

20% COLLABORATIVE COMMUNICATIONS PLANNING

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive annual communications calendar for all Departmental communications.
• Manage the communications review and approval process, including ECUs branding requirements and guidelines, in collaboration with the ECU Chief Communications Officer/Director of University Communications and other University Communications colleagues.
• Stay up to date with industry trends and best practices in internal communication, proactively share best practices, and propose new ideas and initiatives to enhance employee engagement and communication.
• Act as a brand ambassador for the Department, ensuring all communication materials are aligned with the Departments vision and goals; ensure consistency of all messaging and branding.

Contingent upon availability of funds.

Minimum Education/Experience:

Bachelors degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation:

none

Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education:

• Masters degree in marketing, English/journalism, or a related communications field preferred.
• 3 years of marketing, communications, media or public relations experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Windows and Mac operating systems, HTML, Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop.
• Ability to work effectively with multiple individuals and manage several projects at once.
• Proficiency in creating communications strategies and campaigns reflective of our commitment to an 'inclusive environment that welcomes a broad representation of persons and perspectives' (ECU Strategic Plan)
• Proficiency in the use of a variety of mediums and communication tools to reach a diverse university community at all levels.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills
• Solid research and writing skills and a proven ability to concisely and logically convey information.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, meet tight deadlines, and work under pressure.
• Ability to produce clear, concise, well-designed communications.
• Possess strong attention to detail, delivering high-quality work on time and according to expectations.
• Problem solver with a proactive nature.
• Ability to handle sensitive situations and confidential information with discretion.
• Excellent grammar, punctuation, and proofreading abilities.

Special Instructions to Applicant:

East Carolina University requires applicants to submit a candidate profile online in order to be considered for the position. Candidates must also submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references, including contact information, online.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Job Close Date: 2/21/2026
Open Until Filled: No

To apply, visit https://ecu.peopleadmin.com/postings/88008