Executive Director of Marketing, Communication, and Community Relations

Colorado State University-Pueblo (CSU-Pueblo) seeks a dynamic and innovative leader who can develop and lead a team of professionals who can use marketing, communication, and community relations to influence student decisions around enrollment and retention by (1) developing authentic relationships with students and community members, (2) inspiring students through a set of messages and stories that showcase how faculty, staff, and the community work together to ensure student success, and (3) positioning the university in the community and region as a thought leader responsible for facilitating economic development and cultural enrichment.

The marketing, communication, and community relations team provides campus stakeholders with integrated communication resources in the areas of creative services, marketing, web, and special events.

• Creative services include marketing communications that support CSU-Pueblo and its many units including creation and consultation on web and digital communications, writing, editing and proofreading, marketing strategy, design, video and photography.
• Marketing services include the development of mass-market campaigns that utilize television, radio, print and web outlets for an integrated brand presence; targeted efforts that influence key CSU-Pueblo audiences; and joint projects with campus partners that raise the profile of CSU-Pueblo.
• Web Communication services include overseeing the University's homepage, second-level pages, and various elements of the University's core website, in addition to several other sites that support the University's strategic marketing and communication goals.
• Special events services include developing and executing special events including orientation, convocation, and commencement ceremonies that create and reflect campus culture through engaging in meaningful traditions, rituals, and ceremonies.

Marketing Strategy and Awareness

• Designs and implements outreach and communication strategies appropriate for an Hispanic Serving Institution
• Develops integrated marketing communication plans to leverage and support the university's vision, mission, priorities, and performance goals
• Proactively identifies emerging issues potentially impacting the University, working with leadership to support effective decision-making, develop clear messaging, and ensure stakeholders are appropriately informed
• Oversees the development of culturally appropriate marketing, communication, web, and social media content to support the University's enrollment management functions
• Collaborates with Admissions team and external enrollment services vendor to ensure consistent messaging in both English and Spanish
• Provides communication and marketing support to academic departments, allowing them to effectively recruit, retain, graduate, and place students
• Leverages communication and design to promote a student learning experience that differentiates CSU-Pueblo in a crowded higher education marketplace
• Manages and elevates the University brand while maintaining consistency across all marketing and communication channels
• Monitors the impact of all campaigns; analyzes effectiveness of campaigns and placements to continuously improve target marketing

• Cultivates and manages University relationships with internal and external stakeholders such as students, faculty, staff, academic partners, corporations, nongovernmental organizations, government partners, and professional organizations
• Identifies opportunities to leverage opportunities for enhanced exposure for the University, strategically utilizing press releases, events, and story pitches
• Prepares Presidential messaging such as press conferences, convocations, and op-eds, as well as internal items to inform and engage the campus community
• Works with the Campus Safety Team, Campus Safety Manager, and Sheriff's Office to develop and oversee University crisis communications strategy and implementation

• Oversees content development as needed and manages relationships with external service vendors (e.g., designers, copy editors, printers, etc.)
• Manages budget and projects effectively, including identification of best quality and pricing options, along with reasonable production schedules that result in product deliveries on time and within budget
• Ensures University web content is culturally responsive and updated regularly
• Leverages CSU System resources to meet marketing and communication needs
• Manages departmental resources, including personnel, in a manner that upholds institutional values while maximizing potential and advancing University goals

The successful candidate will be able to meet the above general leadership expectations and specific position duties and responsibilities in addition to the following minimum and preferred qualifications:
 
Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion
• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in communication, marketing, public relations, multi-media, or related field
• Seven years of professional experience in substantive communications, marketing, or brand management roles
• Three years of experience directing other staff in communication, marketing or related field
• Expertise in project management, data analysis, general analytic skills, excellent public relations judgment, and a keen understanding of strategic positioning

• Graduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in strategic communication or related field
• Demonstrated effective communication in both oral and written Spanish

All interested candidates must apply through the on-line application system. No other format of application materials will be accepted. Applicants must attach a letter of intent (cover letter); a current resume or CV; an unofficial transcript; and three professional references with contact information to the on-line application. Applications submitted without the required information above will be considered incomplete and will not move forward in the selection process. Once submitted, applicants will not be able to make changes or add information to their application packet, with the exception of their personal contact and demographic information.

Early submission of application materials is encouraged. Screening of application materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled, though all applications received by 4 p.m. (MST) on Friday, June 15, 2018 will be given full consideration.

About Colorado State University-Pueblo
Colorado State University-Pueblo is a comprehensive state university with an enrollment of 4,000 students.  CSU-Pueblo provides relevant professional coursework and superior instruction with a small professor-to-student ratio for an ever-changing global economy.  Students can choose from 28 undergraduate programs with 70 fields of study in the College of Science and Mathematics, the Hasan School of Business, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the College of Education, Engineering, and Professional Studies and 10 graduate programs.
 
CSU-Pueblo is equally committed to serving the diverse population of the region; this emphasis is reflected in the demographic characteristics of the student body. Because more than 25 percent of our students are Hispanic, the Federal Government has designated CSU-Pueblo a Hispanic Serving Institution.  Besides reflecting our commitment to serve this critically important and rapidly-growing segment of the student population, that designation also allows the University to compete for certain federal grant funds to support its ability to better serve all students.  The University also seeks to provide a rich and diverse cultural environment that allows freedom of expression within a spirit of civility and mutual respect.  The public service expected of all members of our community benefits our society - local and global - and builds our sense of citizenship.

Among its unique features, CSU-Pueblo is one of seven schools in the nation to offer a degree in mechatronics, which combines electrical and mechanical engineering. The Hasan School of Business ranks among the top 15 percent of all business schools internationally with graduate and undergraduate programs in business administration accredited by the AACSB International Board of Directors. The College of Education, Engineering and Professional Studies houses an undergraduate engineering program that was ranked in the nation's top 100 by U.S. News and World Report.  CSU-Pueblo has an ever-changing campus landscape that features a newly renovated Library, a new general academic classroom building, and a newly renovated and expanded student center.
 
At CSU-Pueblo, Student Life offerings have increased significantly with the transition of the campus from a commuter environment to a more traditional collegiate experience.  Competing at the NCAA Division II level, CSU-Pueblo is a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and offers 22 varsity intercollegiate sports and also has active intramural and club sports teams that allow students to get involved in campus life.
 
About Pueblo, Colorado
The city of Pueblo is a historically and culturally rich, diverse city of more than 100,000, located in the southern part of the state along the Arkansas River near the Wet Mountains and the majestic Sangre de Cristo range. Pueblo enjoys ideal year round climate with four distinct mild seasons, crisp mountain air and 300+ days of sunshine per year. Pueblo attracts outdoor enthusiasts to a full slate of summer and winter recreational activities, encompassing water sports at Lake Pueblo, biking or running along Pueblo's beautiful river trail system, golfing, tennis, hiking or skiing in the mountains to the west.  The region is heavily agricultural, with large and small-scale farming and ranching, and a diverse mix of service, manufacturing, and technology industries.

CSU-Pueblo is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history (felony and misdemeanor), national sex offender search, and/or motor vehicle history. Candidates who are extended an offer of employment must submit to and pass a background check prior to beginning employment. Some positions depending on the job duties may be required to complete a DMV and/or credit check.

The University reserves the right to check additional references, with prior notification given to the candidate.

Note: The successful candidate must provide official transcripts of academic work completed and, under U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations, be able to submit evidence of the ability to accept work in the U.S. by the day employment begins.

It is the policy of Colorado State University-Pueblo to provide reasonable accommodations for employees and applicants with disabilities.  If you need accommodations, please contact the Human Resources at (719) 549-2441 or hr@csupueblo.edu.

In compliance with the Clery Act of 1990, the University's annual security report is available at: https://www.csupueblo.edu/campus-safety.

Colorado State University-Pueblo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Additionally, the University complies with all other relevant, federal, state, and local laws regarding employment practices.