Sr. Director - Public Outreach, DIBI

About the Opportunity

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. 

JOB SUMMARY

The Global Resilience Institute at Northeastern University (GRI) seeks a dynamic and experienced Senior Director – Public Outreach to lead its marketing and communication efforts in support of a new DoD initiative at GRI. This individual will be responsible for creating and disseminating highly engaging content that highlights the challenges and solutions connected with ensuring a strong, resilient and dynamic defense industrial base. The position will also support the institute’s other federally funded resilience projects, e.g., NOAA and USAID. The Sr. Director – Public Outreach will play a crucial role in shaping the communication strategy, managing day-to-day marketing and communication operations, and driving impactful results in support of this high profile initiative under the institute. The Sr. Director will lead the institute’s interactions with Northeastern University’s External Affairs and Marketing Team and assure alignment with university policies and protocols.

The position will report to the Chief Operating Officer and will have direct management of a team of staff and students to support the development of a comprehensive, integrated marketing and communication strategy. He/She will launch and oversee the operation of the website and social media presence as well as implement marketing effectiveness measurements in support of GRI resilience research projects to include its new DoD initiative. 

The Sr. Director and staff will also be responsible for the strategic, creative, and logistical production of in-person, digital, and hybrid experiences that support the DoD initiative’s milestones and goals. He/She will provide strong vision and oversight of the marketing and communication team at the institute on overall design, creativity, and innovation; internet, social media, and event marketing and communications; marketing budgets, contracts and vendor relationships; in-person and online event planning and logistics, including site selection, space planning, food and beverage planning, A/V and lighting, technology platform selection, staffing assignments, on-site execution, and post-event evaluation and follow-up.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in a marketing related field, with 10+  years of experience in communications and / or marketing.
• Experience in higher education is a plus; agency experience is also a plus.
• Experience helping to produce and manage events for stakeholders in academia, industry and government.
• Experience managing budgeting for events and marketing campaigns
• Strong project management and organizational skills are required.
• Candidate should possess excellent writing and communications skills, strong knowledge of English grammar, and an ability to work collaboratively across the institute, colleges and academic partners, industry and government, while supporting multiple projects.
• The candidate must be a self-starter with demonstrated ability to handle projects from start to finish and strong leadership skills.
• Candidate must have experience directly managing marketing and communications functions including (and not limited to) digital strategy, content marketing, digital advertising, website design, strategy development and deployment, user experience and architecture, media and public relations, and SEO.
• Ability to manage stakeholder expectations is critical.
• Ability to supervise and mentor staff and next-generation student leaders.
• Attention to detail is a must.
• Candidate should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic, and “startup-like” environment

We are searching for a flexible, creative thinker who is open to new ideas and has the ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities as circumstances require.

An ideal candidate will have the ability to manage stakeholder expectations (internal and external to university), possess strong communication skills, and the ability to think and act both analytically and strategically.

Ability to travel 25% of the time across the nation may be needed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

Strategic Planning and Operational Management (40%)

• Provide strategic thought partnership, sound perspective, and guidance to the Chief Operating Officer and institute colleagues related to marketing or communication across all GRI Research initiatives and projects.
• Implement effective systems