Communications Specialist, Northeastern University Libraries, Boston, MA
Posted December 18, 2015
Northeastern University’s Snell Library has a leadership opportunity for a creative and committed Communications Specialist who will advance marketing and events strategies for this dynamic 24/7 academic hub.
The Library’s Communications Specialist will direct and manage communications and events. Reporting to the Associate Dean for User Services, this person will develop and execute an effective Marketing and Communication Plan, and coordinate publicity for library resources, services, cultural/scholarly and advancement events and activities. In close collaboration with the User Engagement Librarian, the Library Gifts Officer, Information Technology Services’ Communications Officer, and the University’s Marketing and Communications Department, s/he will implement effective strategies for events planning and public relations. In addition the Communications Specialist will supervise co-ops and work-study students to help execute creative projects and events.
The unique challenges of this job arise from the wide range of activities in the Library for which publicity and communications have to be coordinated, and the varied and diverse constituencies both in the Library and across campus (and beyond) that have to be addressed. The Communications Specialist has to have command of a broad portfolio of techniques appropriate to the different groups of users, from freshman students to alumni and the general public. S/he has to create and foster multiple connections and channels of communications that respect the University’s policies and requirements, and are also responsive to the frequent need for urgency, sensitivity, and maximum impact.
The successful candidate will also chair the Library’s Communication Strategies Team and co-chair the Library Web Editorial Board (WEB).
Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing or related field and 2-5 years previous job experience working in the field of communications and/or marketing required.
- Supervisory experience required.
- Events planning experience preferred.
- Experience working in an academic library or higher education preferred.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Extensive experience using social media tools and a willingness to explore the uses of new tools. Experience with web design, media, publication, design and use of photography, video and audio resources.
- Maturity, tact, conscientiousness, flexibility, and demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
- Ability to work with a diverse group within the Libraries and across the University.
About applying
To apply, visit: https://neu.peopleadmin.com/ where details of the position’s responsibilities, the University’s outstanding benefits, and the salary range associated with this position are also available. For other enquiries, contact the search committee chair, Debra Mandel ([email protected], tel. (617) 373-4901.)
Applications will be reviewed promptly; first consideration will go to those received by January 8th, 2016, though applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Candidates must provide a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three references. References will only be contacted for individuals under serious consideration.
Northeastern University and the Library
Founded in 1898, Northeastern University is a global, experiential, research university built on a tradition of engagement with the world, and offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs leading to degrees through the doctorate in nine colleges and schools. Northeastern’s ongoing commitment to excellence has led to a rise into the top 50 in the US News & World Report’s rankings, the hiring of over 400 new faculty in the past 8 years, and annual funded research grant awards now exceeding $125M. With a focus on global cooperative education, a strong commitment to online and hybrid educational models, and selected graduate programs at campuses in Seattle, Charlotte, Silicon Valley, and Toronto, Northeastern continues to create a distinctive approach to education and research.
The Northeastern University Libraries support the strategic directions of the University as the intellectual center of the campus. After a recent $20 million library renovation, Northeastern students, faculty, and staff take advantage of an expansive digital media commons, a thriving digital scholarship center, state-of-art audio and video recording studios, rich electronic collections, and vital instructional and cultural programs. Collaboration with faculty and other academic units on campus is a key part of our 21st century strategy. The Library is an active participant in the Boston Library Consortium (BLC) and engages in national and international cooperative efforts like HathiTrust, Portico, DuraSpace, CLIR/DLF, and the Center for Research Libraries.
Northeastern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Educational Institution and Employer, Title IX University. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by the law. Northeastern University is an E-Verify Employer.