Communications Manager, Center for Disabilities Studies

PAY GRADE: 31E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The Center for Disabilities Studies (CDS), within the University of Delaware’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), promotes increased access, opportunity and accomplishment among people with disabilities across ages and life domains through its multifaceted research, training and service portfolios. CDS is one of 68 University Centers on Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) nationwide and is the largest research and public service center devoted exclusively to disability issues at the University of Delaware. The Center’s current programmatic units focus on transition to adult life (secondary education, post-secondary education, and employment), health and wellness, PreK-12 education, and assistive technology. Each unit implements a cohesive program of research, technical assistance, academic training, professional development, community training, advocacy, and information dissemination. CDS works in close collaboration with federal agencies and organizations, state agencies, other units at UD, community organizations, service providers, individuals with disabilities, and families. Each unit provides opportunities to both graduate and undergraduate students to develop their knowledge, skills and dispositions and contribute to the Center’s mission. The center also manages the Disability Studies Minor, the Access: Ability Scholars program, and two large-scale leadership training programs the Special Education Administrative Leadership Program and the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Program. More information about CDS is available at www.udel.edu/cds. 

 

The Communications Manager reports to the Director of the Center for Disabilities Studies, with a dotted line to the Communications Director for CEHD. The Communications Manager has primary responsibility for the management of the CDS Communications Team, including supervision of the full-time Digital Content Specialist and engagement with UD graduate students and miscellaneous wage personnel. The Communications Manager works in collaboration with CEHD’s Communications Director and Team to ensure that the Center’s marketing and communications re appropriately optimized and aligned with UD policies and best practices for consumption by a variety of audiences, including national, state and local constituencies. The Communications Manager is responsible for the coordination with all CDS programmatic units relative to awareness, outreach, advocacy, and public relations, ensuring that information emanating from the units and Center adheres to the highest standards of accessibility and professionalism. The Communications Manager is also responsible for the coordination of the Center’s federally mandated Community Advisory Council and the oversight of the design and production of all major CDS products. As a member of the CDS leadership team, the Communications Manager contributes to the visioning and implementation of the Center’s strategic agenda.

 MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages the administrative functions and accountability of the Center’s Communications Team, including supervision of assigned staff.
• Hires, trains, supervises, motivates an evaluates the Digital Communication Specialist and, at times, graduate students, miscellaneous wage personnel, consultants and/or volunteers.
• As a member of the CDS Management Team, assists in policy development; analyzes, interprets, and recommends administrative practices and procedures; and contributes to the Center’s strategic planning.
• Communicates the Center’s mission, activities, products, and accomplishments to both internal and external constituencies using a variety of mechanisms, in appropriate coordination with CEHD Communications.
• Serves as liaison to state and local public and private entities in the interest of fostering relationships that expand the Center’s linkages to and support from these entities and the constituencies they represent.
• Leads the coordination of the coherent and consistent presentation of information arising from a large portfolio of programs and projects.
• Maintains the efficient operation of the CAC, which includes ensuring the compliance of the CAC with all federal requirements concerning composition, regularity of meetings, and operation; coordinating and convening all meetings of the CAC and its Executive Committee; facilitating compliance with by-laws; generating meeting minutes; facilitating the process for nominating officers and new members; coordinating orientation for new members; and facilitating communication between the CAC and the CDS Director.
• Supports the Center’s advocacy activities to ensure integration with systems change efforts