Posting Detail Information

Working TitleDirector of Communications

Position LocationFort Collins, CO

Work LocationPosition qualifies for hybrid/in-office work

Research Professional PositionNo

Posting Number202401640AP

Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification TitleProf/Indiv Contrib III

Number of Vacancies

Work Hours/Week40

Proposed Annual Salary Range$80,000-106,000

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment todiversity, equity and inclusion (https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/) , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !

Desired Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on10/07/2024

Description of Work Unit

Founded in 1870, Colorado State University is among the nation’s leading research universities and enrolls approximately 32,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Located an hour north of the Denver metro area, Fort Collins is a vibrant community of approximately 157,000 residents that offers the convenience of a small town with all the amenities of a large city. Fort Collins is situated on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with views of 14,000 foot peaks, and offers access to numerous cultural, recreational, and outdoor opportunities.

The Colorado State University Libraries is the heart of learning and research on campus, connecting curious minds to vital information and knowledge. The library system includes a primary library, Morgan Library, and a branch library in CSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The Libraries’ mission is to curate inclusive collections and provide equitable access to materials and services critical to student success, research brilliance and community engagement. The Libraries employs approximately 80 faculty and staff and 100 student employees who collaborate to meet the informational needs of users in the Libraries’ physical and digital spaces.

The CSU Libraries is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice. As part of a land grant university built on indigenous lands, we are mindful of our history and recognize that equity and social justice work requires intention, persistence, and humility. We believe that improving equity and enacting social justice—among our staff, in our services, in our spaces, and in our communities—is a guiding star toward a better future.

Position Summary

Join the CSU Libraries as our Director of Communications and lead our expert and impassioned library employees in shaping our strategic narrative. We’re seeking a visionary communicator to elevate our presence both within the University and beyond. In this pivotal role, you’ll:

• Craft and execute an innovative communications strategy that amplifies the Libraries’ impact and value

• Collaborate with key stakeholders to develop compelling narratives that showcase our resources, services, and achievements

• Design and assess our communication channels, embracing cutting-edge media and technologies to engage diverse audiences

• Align our messaging with the Libraries’ and University strategic goals, ensuring every communication drives us towards our mission

• Foster a culture of creativity and excellence built on the Libraries’ approach of “kindness, flexibility, and reasonableness” and integrating CSU’sPrinciples of Community

As an experienced storyteller and strategic thinker, you’ll have the opportunity to transform how we connect with our community, inspire lifelong learning, and position the CSU Libraries as a cornerstone of academic success. If you’re ready to make a lasting impact in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment, we want you on our team.

Required Job Qualifications

• Completed bachelor’s degree

• At least one completed degree (bachelor’s or master’s) in a communications-related field, liberal arts, business, or closely related field is required, OR at least five (5) years demonstrated professional experience in journalism, public relations, communications management, marketing, public administration or closely related field may be considered if a degree is not in a related field.

• Demonstrable ability to produce clear, cogent, and engaging communications artifacts in a variety of genres and media (writing samples to be provided upon request)

• Ability to establish positive relationships with diverse partners

• Demonstrated experience enhancing diversity through inclusive design and language

• Demonstrated understanding of universal design principles for communication assets and ability to provide examples of successful application

• Demonstrated working knowledge of Microsoft Office and industry software including Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Demonstrated understanding of how to implement electronic communication accessibility requirements of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines ( WCAG ) 2.1 or 2.2

• Demonstrated understanding ofdiversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice and how theyrelate to the mission of the CSU Libraries

Diversity Statement

Ability to advance the department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion through research, teaching and outreach with relevant programs, goals and activities.

Essential Duties

Job Duty CategoryCommunication and Public Relations Oversight

Duty/Responsibility

• Shape the Libraries’ narrative and amplify its impact through innovative communication strategies across traditional and emerging platforms

• Partner with University leadership to align the Libraries’ messaging with CSU’s overall brand and strategic goals.

• Develop expedient communication and public relations strategies based on specific audiences, scale, and priorities

• Provide the Dean of the Libraries with regular analyses of communication and public relations operations and impacts

• Lead crisis communication efforts and manage the Libraries’ public image in coordination with the University MarComm division

• Research, write, and edit engaging content for multiple channels (website, magazine, newspaper, press releases, and social media)

Percentage Of Time40

Job Duty CategoryManagement and Supervision

Duty/Responsibility

• Build and mentor the Libraries’ communications team, including conducting performance evaluations, goal setting, and training recommendations to foster a culture of creativity and excellence

• Drive continuous improvement by implementing best practices in marketing and communications

• Advise employees and managers in the library on effective storytelling, marketing techniques, and new technologies, and give feedback on efforts to improve skills

• Provide leadership and guidance to library managers and senior leaders, focusing on developing an integrated communications strategy and coordination of resources

• Develop and manage the communications budget to maximize the impact for communication initiatives

Percentage Of Time30

Job Duty CategoryCommunications Leadership

Duty/Responsibility

• Serve as the Libraries’ communications expert, advising leadership on strategic messaging and reputation management

• Spearhead the development and implementation of a comprehensive communications plan that supports the Libraries’ strategic objectives

• Measure and report on the effectiveness of communication initiatives, using data to drive decision-making and optimize strategies

• Contribute to the Libraries’ commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by ensuring inclusive and accessible communication practices

• Serve as a point of contact between the University public relations departments in colleges and units and the Libraries

• Attend regularly scheduled University meetings for campus communications leaders to stay abreast of current issues and initiatives; convey relevant information to appropriate audiences in an appropriate and timely manner

• Determine policies and direction for Libraries’ communication and public relations functions

• Provide leadership and oversight to Libraries professional development efforts on marketing, communication, and public relations for employees

Percentage Of Time20

Job Duty CategoryProfessional Development and Other Duties

Duty/Responsibility

• Stay at the forefront of emerging trends, particularly in the context of academic libraries and higher education

• Engage in professional development that incorporates goals, career paths, and competency areas through conferences, seminars, training programs, and workshops

• Participate on University committees, councils, and user groups to increase campus-level knowledge and awareness, when appropriate to departmental needs

• Participate in local, state, and national activities for relevant professional associations

• Reflecting departmental and institutional values, participate in diversity initiatives to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Percentage Of Time10

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

At Colorado State University, diversity, equity, and inclusion are more than words – they are a call to action. The CSU Libraries supports this vision with a commitment to boosting equitable access to knowledge by eliminating barriers to discovery. We seek candidates from a rich diversity of lived experiences who are excited to work with users in an inclusive university community that welcomes and affirms the diversity of people, identities, perspectives, and ideas. Applicants are encouraged to think broadly about and communicate how their skills and experiences relate to the qualifications in ways that may not be obvious. We strongly encourage those who will further advance the Libraries’ commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. We welcome applicants with a range of experiences, including those new to the profession.

To apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a resume, and the contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)

Search ContactAlyssa Baechle; libraryhumanresources@colostate.edu

EEO Statement

Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity (https://oeo.colostate.edu/) is located in 101 Student Services.

The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715,titleix@colostate.edu.

The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.

The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.

Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html) .

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

References Requested

References Requested

Minimum Requested3

Maximum Requested3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Cover Letter

• Resume

Optional Documents