POSITION SUMMARY

If you believe in the mission of higher education—the transformative impact it has on individuals, communities, the country and the world—and want to commit your talents to work that yields a better tomorrow, consider joining the University at Buffalo (UB) as its Senior Director of Issues Management and Internal Communications. This member of the Division of University Communications’ senior leadership, reporting to the Vice President for Communications, plays a vital role in helping to support and realize the university’s vision, while enhancing its reputation as one of the nation’s top public research institutions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Leads communications strategy for the management of emerging issues affecting the university

Collaborates with senior leadership, administrators and unit-based communicators to identity and respond to university issues and incidents

Develops and implements communications strategies and tactics guiding the university’s response to specific issues, incidents and stakeholder concerns.

    ·      Creates written and digital materials such as position statements, backgrounders, FAQs and related response materials

Develops and implements internal communications programs to keep university leaders and the community informed of university initiatives

   ·      Plans and helps develop key communications messages and tactics

   ·      Monitors and evaluates communications effectiveness, awareness, understanding and support—takes appropriate action based on these findings

   ·      Serves as an internal resource to review communication methods and messages.

Partners with media relations, social media and marketing communications staff to coordinate and operationalize internal and external messaging

Works with senior leadership and legal counsel to develop, implement, and mature a broad suite of institutional communications policies

Supervises staff members in their support of issues management and internal communications

Plays an important leadership role in coordinating communications activities across and within the university

Contributes to UB’s robust initiatives focused on diversity, equity and inclusivity

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education

Bachelor’s degree

Minimum Experience

A minimum of five (5) years full-time experience as public relations, public affairs, media relations, community relations or internal communications manager in higher education, government, corporate or non-profit organizations is required.

Preferred Experience

Ten (10) years full-time experience with five years of supervisory experience is preferred. Strong preference for previous experience in issues management, internal communications, media relations or crisis communications in higher education.

Necessary Proficiencies and Attributes

Excellent writing ability is imperative

Demonstrates extensive experience handling sensitive information and situations

A skilled listener and consensus builder that instills confidence and fosters collaboration

Must be extremely responsive in an agile, multi-modal communications environment

Digitally savvy, with understanding of social media platforms and associated dynamics

Experienced in risk identification and mitigation

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO

A flagship of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), the University at Buffalo is a place where impactful research, scholarly distinction, transformative student experiences and far-reaching service to local, state, national, and international communities define our mission as a premier research-intensive public university. We are committed to advancing, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, and believe that excellence in research, teaching and service can be achieved when diverse perspectives are engaged.

Founded in 1846 as a private medical college located in downtown Buffalo, UB is the largest and most comprehensive institution in the SUNY system. The university enrolls more than 30,000 students (approximately 2/3 undergraduate and 1/3 graduate and professional students), boasts a distinguished faculty of over 2,500 scholars, and offers over 400 degree programs at the baccalaureate, master’s, and professional and doctoral levels across 12 academic units. The university’s 280,000 alumni, in more than 150 countries, are comprised of graduates who are truly changing the world.

ABOUT UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS

The Division of University Communications (“UC”) is under the leadership of the Vice President for Communications, reporting directly to the President. UC is a highly collaborative, innovative and forward-thinking team of advisers, strategists and practitioners focused on supporting the mission and enhancing the reputation of UB by telling compelling stories with creativity, passion and authenticity. The division consists of nearly 40 professionals—organized into nine teams—with expertise in communications planning, research and strategy; brand management; writing, design and multimedia production; news media relations; internal communications, crisis communications and issues management.

UC provides strategic and tactical consultation, and collaborates with institutional leadership and campus communicators to ensure that communications practices and initiatives align with the university mission and associated priorities, and serve to enhance UB’s reputation and brand.

Learn more about University Communications on our website: buffalo.edu/universitycommunications

WORKING AT THE UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO

Employment with UB comes with exceptional benefits that exceed salary alone. Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, as well as generous vacation and retirement plan options. We also focus on creating and sustaining a healthy mix of work, personal and intellectual pursuits—all in an effort to support your work-life balance.

Visit our Benefits website to learn about all that employment with UB has to offer.

LIVING IN WESTERN NEW YORK

The Buffalo Niagara region is a major metropolitan area with a diverse blend of communities, each with its own distinct character. We are known for our welcoming nature and our spirited loyalty. Get past the snowy stereotype and you’ll be captivated. You may never leave.

Learn more about the incredible Buffalo Niagara region on our website.

University at Buffalo is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and, in keeping with our commitment, welcomes all to apply including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

APPLY

Applications are being accepted through March 23, 2022  at: https://www.ubjobs.buffalo.edu/postings/33327