Campus Compact is a national coalition of more than 1,100 college and university presidents who are committed to fulfilling the civic purposes of higher education. Campus Compact envisions colleges and universities as vital agents and architects of a diverse democracy, committed to educating students for responsible citizenship in ways that both deepen their education and improve the quality of community life. We challenge all of higher education to make civic and community engagement an institutional priority.

The director of communications provides leadership in how the Compact communicates our mission and work. He/she is responsible for Campus Compact’s communications strategy, including creating and implementing effective mechanisms for communicating with our 35 state offices members, higher education leaders, funders, the media, and policymakers. The director of communications must be a prolific writer with the ability to articulate how our work translates into solid impact on the local, regional, and national community. Work encompasses ensuring that all print, online, and other communications are part of a coordinated effort to present a consistent and highly compelling message.

Responsibilities:

• With input from senior staff and 35 state office network, determine strategic priorities and overall plan for communicating with internal and external audiences. These include college and university presidents, community service directors, faculty members, students, the media, partners and funders, and the general public.

• Create mechanisms for communicating effectively with the media, including developing a database of press contacts, establishing regular communication with campus PR staff, and developing media-specific materials. Proactively engage media in order to promote the work of the Compact.

• Write communication pieces, including newsletters, press releases, information sheets, brochures, invoice letters, email messaging to members, state office updates, and more.

• Oversee the development and updating of the website.

• Manage publications business, including managing costs, tracking revenues, and develop marketing campaigns.

• Serve as a consultant with state office network regarding their individual communication needs and constantly evaluate new ways to enhance our relationship.

• Manage department staff and budget.

• Respond to internal and external permissions requests for web and print resources, including researching and applying relevant copyright law.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience in communications, especially with writing articles and impact pieces for a newspaper, magazine, or other media.
• Experience working with media.
• Outstanding interviewing and writing skills, and the ability to work under strict deadlines.
• Ability to put the work we do in scope and relevancy of local, regional, and national priorities.
• Ability to work with a diverse, national network and interact with leaders in higher education.
• Experience working within higher education or the nonprofit fields a plus.
• BA required, M.A./M.S. preferred.

How To Apply:

Please provide in electric format:

• Letter of interest, addressing the description and priorities of the position.
• Current resume or curriculum vitae.
• A list of three references (including title, address, telephone number and email). References will not be contacted without permission.
• Writing sample.

Please send (via email attachment) by September 14, 2009 to:

Director of Communication Search at campus {at} compact(.)org

Campus Compact
45 Temple Place
Boston, MA 02111