Communication Director

Overview

The Communication Director serves as an integral member of the Office of the President and assists the Chief of Staff and Vice President of Strategic Initiatives in executing a strategic communication plan to articulate the university’s mission; helping promote events and initiatives to internal and external audiences through cross-channel content and communication materials. As part of the team responsible for the day-to-day operation of the President’s Office, the Director works closely with the President’s Executive Assistant to ensure a professional, well-coordinated flow of communication in and out of the office. The Director serves as editor of all communication, newsletters, and printed materials, telling the story of MBU in an exciting and authentic way and engaging key audiences by conveying our values, mission, and detailing our work. This position reports directly to the Chief of Staff and Vice President of Strategic Initiatives.   

About MBU

Mary Baldwin University is a private university enrolling nearly 1,800 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels on campuses in Staunton and Fishersville, Virginia, and online. Since 1842, this intimate learning environment has allowed students to cultivate strong connections with faculty, staff, and peers. With a rich
history of access and innovation, MBU prepares the diverse leaders of the future in fields ranging from health sciences, creativity and culture, business and technology, and education and society. The university is organized into three academic colleges: the Gold College of Arts and Sciences, the Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences, and the Palmer College of Professional Studies.

One of the Most Diverse Campuses in the Nation

With 60 percent of undergraduate residential students being Pell-eligible, 50 percent students of color, and 40 percent first generation, Mary Baldwin is among the most diverse campuses in the country. MBU fosters a vibrant and inclusive campus community, where students feel a strong sense of belonging, acceptance, support, and empowerment. 

Essential Job Functions

• Implements strategic communication plans aimed at generating public awareness and positive perception of MBU for the fulfillment of the university’s mission.
• Coordinates daily with the President’s Executive Assistant on scheduling, correspondence, and communication flow to support the smooth and professional operation of the Office of the President.
• Manages cross-platform content for internal audiences, focusing on informing, connecting, and supporting the success of students, faculty, and staff.
• Offers partnership and assistance to other departments within the university who wish to collaborate on initiatives, externally or internally. 
• Works with the VP to approve, develop, write, edit, and/or proofread messaging to implement for news stories, press releases, media pitches, talking points, media statements, letters, speeches, and more.
• Serves as emergency and outreach communication back-up in the university’s emergency communication system, BAM. Develops and executes monthly BAM tests in collaboration with the VP and Campus Safety.
• Manages high-level event promotion to MBU and local community.
• Serves as the point person for mass communication access and policies for the university in collaboration with the VP and Office of Information Technology.
• Writing support for the VP during confidential announcements and issues management. 
• Serves as a website administrator to help create and maintain content for both external- and internal-facing web properties in collaboration with AVP of Brand Management.  
• Stays up-to-date on new PR systems, best practices, applications and technologies.
• Serves as communication lead on the Commencement Planning Team.
• Liaise with higher education councils and foundations (CICV, VFIC) to fulfill requests for MBU advocacy, stories, photography, and student profiles.
• Works collaboratively with university stakeholders, including communication and marketing staff in the Office of Enrollment Management and personnel within the Office of University Advancement.

Skills and Knowledge Required

• Possesses strong organizational skills with attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written skills with evidence of storytelling acumen. 
• Clearly articulates messaging in multiple forums to a diverse range of audiences. 
• Executes a wide range of communication functions, including some basic graphic design and multimedia skills. 
• Creates and draws upon relationships with internal and external stakeholders and is flexible, works independently and is proactive in pursuing collaborations. 
• Exercises the highest level of confidentiality and discretion with sensitive issues.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

A qualified candidate must have a bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years, or a master’s degree with at least seven years, of experience in communication, marketing, public relations, brand management, advertising, or a related field.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to Liesel Nowak at lanowak@marybaldwin.edu.