Research Engagement and Communications Manager

Position Number: 003995

Department: Div of Research (Adm)

Employment Type: Permanent - Full-time

Months Per Year: 12

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Manager leads the development and implementation of the Division of Research’s communication and marketing strategy, including collaborating with constituents and partners, devising key messages, establishing and implementing processes for distribution across platforms and channels, adhering to University Communications policies and procedures, and codifying communication frameworks and guidance. Writes and administers the Division of Research’s communication plan as it pertains to internal and external audiences. The person works with the reporting team to generate reports for incorporation into materials. This position will coordinate and partner with colleagues across campus, including but not limited to colleges, departments, academic programs, and University Communications. The position will also coordinate and promote our three main Division of Research campus events. The person will be responsible for the overarching Division website, reviewing for consistency, and ensuring content is current and aligns with other Division materials.

Engagement and Communications Materials:

Create, Design, and Update Communication and Marketing Materials:

Oversees production, including content development and resource allocation for specific communication projects. Coordinates with University Communications to promote Division of Research initiatives, projects, and updates through various media outlets. Designs communication and presentation materials for the Vice Chancellor, Associate Vice Chancellor, and staff members of key initiatives and events. Coordinates with the reporting team to produce regular updates to all Division materials. Promotes the Division of Research through consistent branding with a clear knowledge of its mission.

Event Support for the Division of Research:

Leading overall event planning communications for the three main Division of Research events, including coordinating with the planning committee to design/update materials, compiling invitation lists, and coordinating with University Communications for coverage of the event. This also involves working with the reporting team to generate research information needed for the events.

Communication and Marketing:

Lead the development and implementation of the Division of Research’s communication and marketing strategy, including collaborating with constituents and partners to determine objectives, producing key messages, identifying platforms and channels, including social media (LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.), and codifying communication frameworks and guidance in accordance with University Communications policies and procedures. Writes and administers the Division of Research’s communication plan as it pertains to internal and external audiences.

Possesses excellent writing and editing skills, as well as extensive knowledge of effective marketing and communication techniques. Presents technical information to a lay audience. Identification of opportunities for promotion of research activities.

Project Management:

Responsible for the advancement of communications, production of publications, and management of the Division of Research website/web presence. Work directly with the Associate Vice Chancellor of Research, Division staff, and other constituents, providing counsel and coordination for all branding and marketing initiatives. Conceptualizes, creates, and maintains a full suite of materials, including comprehensive reports, newsletters and brochures, presentations, special-event materials, and email and web-based communications. Designs, maintains, and administers the Division of Research websites. Promotes the best University branding practices and works to maintain standards set by the University. Demonstrates outstanding attention to detail with excellent organizational and interpersonal skills. Functions as the Division of Research point person connecting with University Communications.

Organizational Sensitivity:

Promotes the Division of Research through consistent branding techniques and clear knowledge of its mission. Works with the Associate Vice Chancellor and key stakeholders to prioritize goals, encourage collaboration, identify distinctive strengths and opportunities, and establish marketing and communication goals. Compiles and/or collects reports central to the Division. Coordinates with University Communications to promote the Division of Research and research across campus.

Other Duties as Assigned

Minimum Experience / Education:

Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Education Skills and Experience:

Master’s degree with 1-2 years of experience within a higher education or academic research setting

Proven experience translating complex scientific, technical, or academic research concepts into compelling, accessible content for general/lay audiences

Demonstrated proficiency in managing, designing, and updating institutional websites using Content Management Systems ( CMS ) such as WordPress, or similar campus-approved platforms

Experience directly advising and creating high-profile presentation and communication materials for executive leadership (e.g., Vice Chancellors, Deans, Center Directors or C-suite executives)

Documented success in leading the marketing, branding, and promotional strategy for large-scale institutional events or conferences from conception to execution

Strong working knowledge of maintaining strict brand integrity and aligning divisional messaging with overarching university-wide communication policies and visual identity guidelines

Experience partnering with data/reporting teams to extract key metrics and successfully incorporate technical data, charts, and reports into marketing collateral and annual publications

Proven track record of managing and growing professional social media channels (specifically LinkedIn and YouTube) and executing targeted digital email campaigns

Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate with diverse campus partners, colleges, and central PR departments