Description

Within our organizational culture of professional team service, the Director of Communications advances the noble mission of The Association of Former Students through efficient, effective communications that engage members of the worldwide Aggie Network and raise funds to help Texas A&M and Texas Aggies. The Director leads from the front, supervising the Communications team while contributing as a content creator and editor.

Please note that when applying for an opportunity, the application will need to be completed in its entirety all at once. You will not be able to save your information and return to complete your application. 

DUTIES

Essential Functions: Directs the Communications efforts of The Association of Former Students.

• Fosters a team environment of innovation, collaboration, focus and accountability.
• Develops creative communications strategies and tactics to help The Association advance toward our goals, and to increase awareness and positive perceptions of The Association. 
• Assembles, supervises and develops the Communications Department staff.
• Directs the Department’s implementation of communications plans in print, online, and through social media, email marketing and other channels, as appropriate. Collaborates with other Directors to ensures consistent messaging across The Association.
• Works with the Vice President and the Director of Human Resources to ensure clarity and consistency of internal communications. 
• Advises the Vice Presidents on media relations and public affairs, and, if the VP is unavailable, serves as The Association’s media contact and spokesperson.
• Provides communications coaching and training to Association staff in other departments, as well as key Association volunteers.
• Creates budgets and monitors expenses.
• Directs efforts to achieve advertising revenue goals. 
• In collaboration with the Vice President, ensures the Communications team has appropriate tools, training, and professional development opportunities.
• Assesses and improves departmental and cross-departmental workflows to optimize organizational effectiveness.
• Monitors and evaluates existing and emerging communications platforms and technologies, and proposes new communications initiatives as appropriate.
• Initiates and nurtures relationships with peers at Texas A&M and within the other fundraising affiliates, and works collaboratively to advance the interests of Texas A&M and The Association. 

Participates and provides input on various Association-wide activities, which includes:  

• Contributing to efforts to achieve our culture, engagement, and fundraising goals.
• Providing on-site event support for Board and Leadership Council meetings.
• Participating on internal event and task committees.
• Participating in Association events including, but not limited to, Muster, Aggie Ring Day, Reunions, Distinguished Alumni Gala, Pass It Back Day, All-Aggie Grad Party, and All-Aggie Hullabaloo, as needed.
• Representing The Association as needed at external events.

Serves as an ambassador for The Association by meeting Team Expectations; supporting The Association’s fundraising, engagement, branding, and communications efforts; and fostering relationships with former students, current students, parents, faculty, staff and friends of Texas A&M. 

Occasional other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION

Received: Vice President, Communications.

Given: Communications Manager(s), Communications Specialist(s), Communications & Advertising Specialist, Communications Assistant(s), Student Assistants. 

Requirements

EDUCATION

Preferred: Former student of Texas A&M University. Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, advertising, public relations or related field. Demonstrated commitment to continuing education and professional development.

EXPERIENCE

Required: Seven years’ experience in communications, marketing, or related fields. Experience supervising a professional creative team. 

Preferred: Professional experience in a wide range of communications functions, such as writing, editing, advertising sales, branding, social media, email marketing, photography and graphic design. Experience as a public speaker or media contact. Professional experience at a nonprofit charitable organization. Professional experience within the Texas A&M University marketing and communications ecosystem, or in a similar environment. Involvement in campus activities while studying at Texas A&M. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

Required: Ability to operate a computer, telephone, mobile phone, camera and similar devices.

EQUIPMENT

Required: Working knowledge of standard office equipment and software.

OTHER

Required: Thorough understanding of, and commitment to, The Association’s mission and culture. Superior oral, written and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to lead and inspire a diverse creative team to achieve ambitious goals. Ability to effectively manage concurrent projects and deadlines. Sound judgment. Strong analytical and creative skills, capable of both innovation and attention to detail. Ability to work effectively with a diverse population. Availability to work evenings and weekends, as required. Availability to travel in and out of state, as required. Valid Texas driver’s license. 

Preferred: Thorough knowledge of Texas A&M and its history, traditions and values. Extensive existing relationships with campus and affiliate marketing and communications professionals. 

*** Required for consideration: All applicants for this position must upload a letter of interest and additional writing samples with the online application. Your letter of interest should address why you are the right person for this position and why The Association of Former Students is the right place for you. Writing samples must be original work and should demonstrate the depth and breadth of your writing skills. ***