Associate Director, Strategic Initiatives and Communications

Department:
Office of the Secretary - Commencement

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Overview

Reporting to the Director of Communications, Office of the Secretary and Vice President for University Life, the Associate Director advances initiatives housed in and led by University Life through program and project management, implementation, and crafting and executing integrated communications. The ideal candidate is a strong project manager who excels at cross-functional collaboration and operational details, and a skilled communicator who can craft clear, compelling content for a variety of audiences and formats to support university life initiatives, enhance institutional culture, and engage multiple constituencies.

Experience with website and social media management is required, as the position plays a key role in conceiving, producing, and delivering content across multiple channels and in multiple formats. The Associate Director may collaborate with colleagues in the President’s Office, Office of the Provost, and Office of Public Affairs and Communications (OPAC), as well as students, faculty, and staff across the institution to advance programs and projects and develop content that reflects Yale's mission and values.

The role also requires a high level of discretion and the ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.

The Associate Director plays a key role in supporting workshops, programming, and events, as well as executing related communications, including the development of promotional content, media coverage, and post-event storytelling. They collaborate closely with program and event planners and other stakeholders to ensure consistent branding and messaging across platforms. The Associate Director contributes to the planning and production of select high-profile events produced by University Life, helping to shape the overall experience and amplify impact.

The Associate Director may perform other duties as assigned.

Please note that candidates advancing in the recruitment process will be asked to provide writing samples.

Key responsibilities include:

• Oversee the operational execution of projects, programs, and committees, maintaining primary accountability for daily management and successful delivery of outcomes.
• Develop and manage timelines, resources, and workflows to ensure programs and initiatives are delivered on schedule and within scope.
• Assist in executing comprehensive communications campaigns in collaboration with key stakeholders, ensuring alignment with university priorities and initiatives.
• Draft, edit, and proofread a variety of content, including emails, newsletters, website copy, and other materials for a variety of internal and external audiences including students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
• Contribute to project, program, and communications content development that advances university initiatives and the division's work, generating ideas that resonate with multiple constituencies.
• Manage and maintain websites and social media accounts, creating engaging content that reflects the university’s voice and strategic objectives.
• Monitor and analyze metrics to inform strategy and improve outreach effectiveness.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the university to identify opportunities for storytelling and to amplify key messages.
• Support project, program, and event-related communications and contribute to the planning and production of select high-profile events.

Please note that the information above most closely defines the daily responsibilities of this position; the essential duties listed below are generic.

Required

Skills and Abilities

1. Experience in planning and executing projects, programs, and events that satisfy multiple stakeholders, coordinating logistics, and crafting related communications for promotion, engagement, and follow-up.

2. Proven skill in writing and editing clear, compelling content for various audiences and formats. Strong attention to detail.

3. Experience creating, editing, and managing digital content for websites and social platforms, applying accessibility standards, branding guidelines, and…