Assistant Director, Events Communications

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

BASIC FUNCTION:

Developing and managing strategic event communications is crucial to the University's mission and engagement efforts. The Assistant Director, Event Communications creates informative and inspiring messages for internal and external audiences. The role is instrumental in promoting events, engaging audiences, and maintaining consistent messaging across all platforms, ensuring seamless coordination.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:

N/A

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Reporting to the Senior Director, Event Planning and Operations, the Assistant Director, Event Communications ensures that all communications related to events hosted both by DAR and its campus partners are clear, cohesive, and aligned with the university’s mission and objectives. As such, the role interacts extensively both within the University Events and Protocol team, Alumni Relations, other units within DAR and with campus partners. The Assistant Director may be in frequent contact with external liaisons in the media, public relations, government relations, community and alumni groups, among others. Teamwork and collaboration both across the University and with other Development and Alumni Relations staff are essential.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

The Assistant Director, Event Communications oversees communication strategies for a wide portfolio of annual and ad-hoc events. The role requires a detailed understanding of events specific to a higher education setting (ranging in size from small, customized events to large-scale annual traditions) and constituencies (especially Howard alumni and major donors). To set attendee expectations and build excitement, the position serves to communicate Howard University’s significant achievements as well as event logistics.

Primary responsibilities include drafting and editing materials for both traditional and online media. The timeline for each event will include pre- and post-event communications. The role manages all aspects of a wide range of projects including copywriting, graphic design/layout, photography acquisition and relationships with vendors engaged in the project, as well as the approval process. Additional communications to campus constituencies (faculty, staff, or students) may be assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:    

• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing communication strategies and plans;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages for a wide range of audiences;
• Demonstrated proficiency in using various communication channels, including social media, email marketing, and print materials;
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external colleagues, including senior leadership, staff, and vendors;
• Knowledge of branding and communication guidelines, with the ability to ensure compliance in all materials;
• Ability to plan, prioritize and organize a diversified workload with attention to detail and an urgency to meet deadlines;
• Ability to work collaboratively across campus and independently with purpose and accuracy in a fast-p