Communications Coordinator (HR Title: Administrative Specialist I)
Southern Methodist University Inc

Job Info

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Description

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 90 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. On the most beautiful college campus in the country, SMU Mustangs are energized by unbridled opportunities - from teaching, learning and research to creativity, performance and athletic endeavor.

About the Department:

The Office of Facilities Planning and Management (OFPM) is a three-hundred-person multi-disciplined team dedicated to campus master planning, strategic planning, design and construction for all capital improvement initiatives, real estate management, facility and infrastructure operations for the Southern Methodist University Dallas and SMU Taos campuses. OFPM has successfully completed a wide range of various projects including residential accommodations, innovation buildings and student life, athletics, fine arts and academic facilities. The Mission Statement reflects the departmental commitment to Ultimate Service, Superior Management, and Positive Impact.

About the Position:

The Office of Facilities Planning & Management (OFPM) seeks a positive, proactive, and creative colleague reporting directly to the OFPM Quality Assurance and Communications Director. Responsibilities include developing and coordinating the overall digital engagement and brand strategy for various OFPM marketing and engagement efforts, while focusing on creating and managing content of all digital platforms using best practices. This position will collaborate with various departmental, campus and industry teams to support, optimize, target and implement OFPM branded communication.

Other duties include collaborating with the Contracts Administrator to assume daily responsibilities for: reviewing, editing and processing department Directives, submitting Purchase Orders, as well as, creation, execution and tracking of all As Needed Agreements for project management team and Maintenance & Grounds division.

Essential Functions:

• Customize, create, post, and manage effective, current, and relevant internal and external digital communications content to support a key component of the departmental mission: "Positive Impact". Examples of OFPM digital platforms include all social media, campus email notices, promotional materials, blog, website, lobby signage, and presentations for leadership.

• Establish and organize processes and procedures to streamline communication requests and practices. Responsible for gathering, tracking, reporting facility/construction projects by maintaining an active calendar for scheduled posts and updates. Assist with managing and archiving photography needs for social media, website content, infographics, presentations and digital lobby signage.

• Support the Contracts Administrator by reviewing, editing and processing department Directives; submitting Purchase Orders; developing, implementing, approving and managing workflows through e-Builder and PeopleSoft; preparing, reviewing and circulating of As Needed Contracts; Review vendor qualification documents and add in e-Builder and PeopleSoft.

• Interact closely and communicate with project managers, M&G staff, leadership, and 24-hour support staff to assist in developing effective internal and external communication efforts and processes to support the department mission of Ultimate Service.

• Collaborate with university wide departments on updating the Online Interactive Campus Map to enhance students, faculty, staff, and visitors experience.

• Collaborate with the department Graphic Designer to create, revise, edit, and generate departmental materials, signage, campus messages, etc. to effectively communicate visually and clearly while maintaining the integrity of the SMU and OFPM brand identity on all formats.

• Perform continuous assessment of performance in digital spaces using Google Analytics, Qualtrics, social platforms, and any other tools for analyzing the effectiveness of marketing efforts.

• Assist the Quality Assurance and Communications Director with various tasks, special projects and assignments, such as STARS, WEAVE, SACS, yearly Sustainability Report, and departmental year-end accomplishment reports.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Associate's degree is required. A bachelor's degree is preferred.

A minimum of two (2) years of experience is required.

Candidate with experience or knowledge in marketing, digital content, brand strategy, social media management, construction related environment, and facilities project management is desired. Experience in Higher Education is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate with administrative experience and customer service support is preferred. Candidate must demonstrate the ability to multi-task in a fast paced and demanding environment. Experience in social media platforms is a plus. Proficiency in MS suite, Adobe Pro and Canva is required.

The candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.

Preferred software skills: SharePoint, Financial and/or Project Management Software, Cloud-based construction program management software.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:

Deadline to apply: November 12, 2024

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by November 5, 2024.

To be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit the following:
1. A resume or CV
2. A cover letter that addresses the education and experience required and preferred for this position
3. Examples of previous digital materials (i.e. social media, blog posts, newsletters, digital signage, etc.)

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

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