Department: Haas Center for Public Service

Supervisor: Associate Director for External Relations

Summary:

Stanford University recognized as one of the most prestigious and innovative academic institutions in the world, has an immediate opening for a Communications Director in the Haas Center for Public Service, a unit of the Division of Student Affairs. (“SA”).

The Haas Center’s mission is to inspire Stanford University to realize a just and sustainable world through service, scholarship, and community partnerships. The activities of the Haas Center and other SA units, with students as our focus, involve engagement with a range of constituents including faculty, staff, parents, alumni, as well as other groups in the external community. Student Affairs staff act with integrity in pursuit of the highest professional standards, as we educate, serve and learn. These guiding principles, and the overall quality of Stanford’s faculty, students and staff, make it an intensely creative and rewarding place to work.

The Communications Director is an integral part of the Haas Center’s External Relations team. The Director is responsible for developing the cohesive communications and marketing strategy for the Haas Center and its programs for diverse audiences including students, faculty, alumni, donors, staff, and community members. Working with the Associate Director for External Relations; the External Relations Coordinator; and the Program Associate, Communications and Fellowships; the Communications Director plans for the Haas Center’s future communications and development needs while maintaining the Haas Center brand, press relationships, publications, website, and social media presence.

Job Responsibilities:

The Communications Director supports all of the Center’s programs and constituents with media skills and expertise. Responsibilities include:

Haas Center Communications Strategy and Branding (50%)

Develop and implement communications, marketing, and public relations strategies for the Haas Center and its programs. The Communications Director provides writing, editing, graphics, and production oversight for print and electronic media. Print projects include the Commons newsletter, Haas Center annual report, other ad hoc reports, grants, staff-led program materials, new student advising publications, and fundraising/stewardship materials. Electronic media includes website pages, email campaigns, social media properties, videos, and photography. Serves as a consultant for staff on communications needs and issues. Promotes consistent communication and branding standards across the Haas Center. Provides leadership for the Haas Center’s Marketing and Communications Task Force.

University Relations, Community Relations and External Relations (20%)

Represents the Haas Center to communications groups at Office of Development and the Office of Public Affairs. Serves as a member of the Student Affairs Communications and Web Development Initiative. Serves as a liaison to the Haas Center Executive Director and Associate Director for External Relations about communications needs related to university giving and public relations priorities. Serves as press contact for the Haas Center, and also responds to requests for publications, photos, tours, explanations, and jobs.

Works with Associate Director for External Relations and other members of the External Relations team in planning for the Haas Center’s future communications and development needs, while maintaining and renewing the comprehensive program of current communication targeted at a wide range of audiences.

Website and Social Media Management (20%)

Manages the Haas Center’s 500+ page Drupal website, providing content, style guidelines, and training for 25+ contributors. Manages the Haas Center’s social media presence via Facebook, Twitter, and other organizational accounts.

Haas Center-wide and Divisional Responsibilities (10%)

Other general staff responsibilities designed to maintain and enhance the infrastructure and community of the Haas Center. Manages part-time staff and student employees who provide administrative, editorial, and creative support.

Is expected to actively participate in core functions and activities of the Center including staff meetings and retreats; professional development sessions; university, division and/or center-wide committees/task forces and selection committees; center-wide celebration events, etc. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in relevant field; advanced degree (in English, communications, business, or other related field) preferred;
• 3-5 years of directly-related work experience required or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Experience in strategic thinking and developing marketing/communications plans;
• Strong writing, editing, and verbal skills;
• Strong planning and project management skills;
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously;
• Fluency in electronic media, including social media properties (Facebook, Twitter, etc.);
• A track record of implementing successful graphics and web projects, including the ability to master new computer software programs and keep abreast of other technological innovation related to web-based and print forms of communication;
• Demonstrated effectiveness in addressing issues of diversity and multiculturalism and in building community among different groups in university and community settings;
• Professional experience in a highly selective academic institution strongly desired as well as an interest in public service (ideally including a personal track record of service);
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills and the ability to present information clearly and effectively to both small and large groups required.

To Apply

A review of applications will begin in late June 2011.  For full consideration, applicants should submit an application online at jobs.stanford.edu (Job ID 429f10).  For more information contact Suzanne Abel, Associate Director for External Relations, at 650-723-4719 or sabel {at} stanford(.)edu.

For information about the Haas Center please visit: http://haas.stanford.edu

Stanford University has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity.  AA/EOE.