DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS – Lupane State University 129 views

VACANCY NOTICE
Lupane State University is a state university established in terms of the Lupane State University Act (Chapter 25:25). The University is situated in Lupane, Matabeleland North Province. The University is inviting suitably qualified and experienced individuals to apply for the following positions that have arisen in the University.

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

The Director of Marketing and Public Relations is a four (4) year fixed-term and performance-based contract position that reports to the Vice-Chancellor. This position provides day-to-day management of the University’s marketing and public relations activities. The Director acts as the University’s spokesperson for print, television, and radio news media while serving as the University’s Public Information Officer. This position leads the marketing effort for all areas of the University and in support of the University’s goals and needs. The Director coordinates and collaborates with volunteer teams and outsourced support and provides a unified and consistent message throughout the University.

QUAUFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Applicants must have at least a Master’s Degree in Marketing/Enghsh or Communication Studies or related area, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing/English or Communication Studies from a recognised Institution.
• Minimum of five years of markebng/communicatlons experience, three of which should be at supervisory level.
• Experience in developing a marketing plan (including themes, identification of target audiences, and media selection) that help advance the goals of the University.
• Web content management experience.
• Proven ability to deal effectively, cooperatively, confidentially, and tactfully with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to perform responsibilities in a timely and efficient manner as well as be reliable, resourceful, tactful, self-Starting, flexible, and cooperative.
• Good comfort level with public speaking and serving as the university’s representative at public and private events.
• Demonstrated experience with marketing photography.
• Public relations experience
• Experience with brand development.
• Proficiency with WordPress.
• Graphic Design – Strong knowledge and use of the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, lnOes«n).
• Marketing experience in a higher education setting.
• Social media marketing and advertising experience.
• Membership of a recognised professional board such as the Marketers Association of Zimbabwe or the Zimbabwe Institute of Public Relations, and experience in a university environment is an added advantage.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains professionalism in appearance and communications and presents a favourable image of the University at all times.
• Is proactive in maintaining positive, effective, cooperative, and professional relationships with team members internally and externally.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates the Unrversity’s strategic marketing plan and targeted enrolment initiatives, using data and input from the University, community, partner stakeholders, peer institutions and h«her education research.
• Works closely with Deans and other education programming coordinators to find h^h-impact promotion solutions to achieve enrolment goals.
• Coordinates and supervises all media relations for the University to ensure accurate and timely coverage of University events and news, utilising newspaper, radio, television, and social media.
• Serves as lead media spokesperson for the University.
• Represents and acts on the Vice-Chancellor’s behalf to the media when appropriate.
• Writes press releases, articles, announcements, presentations, profiles and stories highlighting students and programs that support University and campus communications and meet the University’s outreach efforts.
• Coordinates and directs all University marketing and community activities to best represent the University to a variety of audiences in an effort to increase student enrolment.
• Monitors, maintains, and continually improves the University website and social media communications in support of Lupane State University’s marketing goals.
• Works with the Bursar’s department to develop and administer the annual marketing budget; analyses and reviews budgetary and financial data; controls and authorises expenditures in accordance with established resources and limitations.
• Negotiates advertising contracts.
• Coordinates and collaborates with outsourced resources to manage marketing and communications goals and objectives to include graphic design, banner advertising, digital signage, billboard advertising and all other internal and external communications.
• Coordinates the photography and video needs and other relevant activities for special University events.
• Responds to media requests for information and develops positive and productive relationships with media contacts.
• Provides direct supervision and evaluation of assigned staff.
• Leads and directs teams of volunteers to include (but not limited to) a des«n committee, social media committee, web content management team, University internal newsletter committee, and a photography team.
• Protects the University’s graphic standards, including the use of the Unrversity logo.
• Takes advantage of professional development opportunities to stay current with web and social media trends and best practices.
• Performs other job-related duties and projects as assigned in support of the University’s mission, core values and goals.
• Any other duties as assigned by the Vice Chancellor.