Institutional Director of Communications and Marketing

JOB SUMMARY: The Institutional Director of Communications and Marketing works to enhance the image of the Institution and promotes the mission of LECOM Health and its affiliates (Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Medical Associates of Erie, Millcreek Community Hospital, Corry Memorial Hospital, LECOM Senior Living Communities, LECOM Medical Fitness and Wellness Center) within the academic health center.  The Director is responsible for communications and marketing for LECOM Health including, but not limited to, the college campuses and Health System programs and locations.

In addition, the Director plans and directs local, regional, and national marketing to increase awareness and use of the academic health center, works with appropriate personnel and volunteers in campus and academic health center activities, and coordinates specific programs and/or activities related to Institutional public relations.  The Director accomplishes this through the development and use of conventional and new media, public relations and community relations, advertising, internal and external communications, fundraising (development), and plans and directs Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs to assist physicians in furthering their life-long learning and education.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Promotes and preserves the mission of LECOM;
• Act as departmental representative with faculty, staff, and visitors in a professional, friendly manner at all times;
• Maintain confidentiality, professional appearance, and pleasant demeanor;
• Develops departmental goals and objectives; establishes and implements policies and procedures for departmental operation; develops and recommends the departmental budget; develops and executes marketing plans and programs, both short term and long range; and interviews and hires communications department staff;
• Establishes performance goals, allocates resources, and assesses policies for the department staff;
• Receives requests for services and works with administration, faculty, staff, and students for the most effective presentation of information, projects, etc.;
• Supervises research, preparation, and submission of articles, news stories, and press releases to media sources for publication or broadcast and determines appropriate media and distribution mechanisms;
• Develops relationships with external media sources to promote and assist with coverage of newsworthy stories at the college;
• Oversees the development and design of print, broadcast, and other media marketing materials including collateral such as advertising, brochures, flyers, newsletters, magazines, and Internet content;
• Supervises the development and planning of promotional materials for the academic health center;
• Plans, organizes, implements, and assigns all incoming projects in photography, desktop publishing, graphic design, video production, and online publishing.  Ensures quality and timely deliverance of all projects;
• Coordinates administrative details of facilities, invitations, catering, and other services for institutional functions, conferences, and banquets;
• Participates in the planning and operation of college fundraising activities seeking donations and support from community and business leaders;
• Implements fundraising campaigns through direct mail, personal solicitation, benefit invitations, and involvement of businesses and organizations;
• Ensures the receipt, acknowledgement, and allocation of gifts according to the requirements of the IRS and the donor in conjunction with the Chief Financial Officer;
• Develops and designs branding for LECOM Health and its affiliates with approval of the President and Boards;
• Develops goals and objectives for Continuing Medical Education (CME); establishes policies; procedures, and budgets for implementing CME; plans, organizes, and directs the annual Primary Care CME conferences; plans and implements appropriate CME programs for LECOM and coordinates CME co-sponsorship with LECOM affiliates; ensures that all CME teaching and learning credits are collected and properly reported to the AOA CCME and appropriate state licensing boards; updates and maintains all current affiliations with CME accrediting organizations;
• Attends college activities and events as a representative of the Department;
• Requires working extended hours and weekends, as well as travel outside the Erie area;
• Remains active and involved in the engagement profession and keeps LECOM visible among higher education peer institutions;
• Assists in Institutional event coordination for student orientation, white coat ceremonies, and commencement;
• Contribute directly to the Mission of LECOM embodying the essence of Osteopathic Principles and Practices by assisting with Institutional fundraising and participating in the LECOM Scholarship Auction;
• Participate in scholarly activity so to enrich and broaden the student learning experience;
• Commit to being a representative of LECOM by being actively involved in the community, including, but not limited to, serving on Boards, participating in community fundraisers and overall  outreach;
• Works cooperatively and collegially with others, consistent with a workplace of dignity and respect and EEO rules and regulations;
• Reports to work as scheduled, ready to devote full attention and energy to the important work of LECOM; and
• Accepts work directives from managers and supervisors in a respectful and cooperative manner.

EOE/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• High organization and management skills;
• Knowledge of digital photography and computer photo editing software, desktop publishing, and graphic design, along with an understanding of conventional and new media: newspaper, magazine, television, internet, and other electronic distribution methods;
• Proficiency in digital word processing, spreadsheets, and databases, along with other computer software used in the production of marketing materials;
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal;
• Knowledge of advertising and marketing policies and trends;
• Ability to prepare financial and statistical reports;
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast paced environment;
• Confident in handling ambiguity and fluid situations and have an abundance of common sense and pragmatism;
• Ability to work with individuals at all levels throughout the organization and demonstrate equal enthusiasm for routine, hands-on activities, as well as those requiring a higher profile;
• Ability to maintain an established work schedule, including a minimum of 40 to 50 hours of onsite work;
• Assess and prioritize multiple tasks and demands simultaneously;
• Interpersonal skills to include tact and diplomacy;
• Organizational and planning skills including accuracy, attention to detail and follow-through;
• Demonstrated presentation, writing and editing skills;
• Strong computer literacy and accurate data entry skills;
• Demonstrated understanding of graphic design, video, and digital media production software and the use of same in marketing projects;
• Proficient use of computing skills - MS Office (Internet Explorer, Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and other technical software necessary for implementation of digital media projects;
• Public relations experience to ensure an efficient and effective department;
• Experience and capabilities in successfully planning and implementing community service volunteer projects, event and project planning, communication and presentation skills;
• Maintain confidentiality of work related information and materials;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships;
• Flexibility to accept other duties required/assigned to accommodate the needs of the school;
• Ability to work cooperatively and collegially with others, consistent with a workplace of dignity and respect to include EEO rules and regulations;
• Ability to report to work as scheduled, ready to devote full attention and energy to the important duties of LECOM; and
• Ability to accept work directives from supervisors in a respectful and cooperative manner.

Education & experience: Education and experience equivalent to: a Bachelor’s and/or Master’s Degree in the communications arts:  journalism, media relations, advertising, or other related field with a minimum of five to ten (5-10) years’ of professional marketing, public relations, and media relations experience in higher education, health system, and/or business and industry. The successful candidate must have sufficient experience to demonstrate competencies with: creative writing, news media coverage, interviewing and researching, and PC software applications. Must demonstrate experience and capabilities in implementing successful fundraising, media, events, and community service volunteer projects.