Communications Coordinator

About ASHE

The Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE) is a scholarly association based in the United States, dedicated to higher education as a field of study. There are nearly 2,000 members of the association, of whom about 40% are full-time graduate students undertaking master’s or doctoral degrees in a range of areas including education and other social sciences. About half of ASHE members are university faculty, mostly in academic programs that focus on some aspect of higher education, such as administration, leadership, or policy. ASHE members also include researchers working in non-university settings, including government, think-tanks, and advocacy organizations. Two to three percent of ASHE members are from outside the United States. Learn more at www.ashe.ws.

The annual conference provides opportunities for higher education scholars to present their research. Conference content is peer-reviewed. About half of the proposals are accepted each year. Authors are then invited to present their work as stand-alone papers, roundtable papers, or posters, or in self-designed paper and symposium sessions. An annual conference program committee is formed each year and other committees are appointed on an ad hoc basis. Learn more at www.ashe.ws/conference.

ASHE also engages in supporting members’ professional development by offering opportunities for ongoing learning. Activities include workshops at the annual conference, synchronous online webinars on research topics or methods, and asynchronous learning through social media and archived material. Some councils offer mentoring programs for early- or mid-career scholars, and periodically ASHE partners with a foundation to sponsor seminars or symposia related to specific topics or research methods. Learn more at www.ashe.ws/professionaldevelopment.

COMMITMENT to INCLUSION, EQUITY, AND ORGANIZATIONAL DIVERSITY

The successful candidate will demonstrate support for inclusion, equity, and organizational diversity s well as participate in maintaining a respectful, positive work environment. The Association’s IEOD Policy can be found at www.ashe.ws/ieod.

For this role, we strongly encourage People of Color, LGBT individuals, and people with disabilities to apply.

About the Role

The Communication Coordinator is a new role created in support of the Association’s new strategic plan (to be released in December 2022). The Communications Coordinator will be a generalist and charged to support various aspects of the Association’s communications, marketing, and public relations. The Communication Coordinator will: (1) Consider past performance, strategic goals, and platforms to develop a communications strategy to boost member & conference recruitment, engagement, retention; (2) Ensure accurate, relevant, appealing, and engaging website and email communication; (3) Manage the Association’s social media accounts; (4) Support the planning of the annual conference by managing all communication-related aspects. The Communication Coordinator will also lead and participate in special projects of the staff and volunteer leadership. The position will be one member of a team of five full-time staff members: the Executive Director, the Director of Conference and Events, the Membership Coordinator, the Administrative Assistant.

Communications and marketing strategy (20% of the role)

1. Create and manage an overall marketing, communications, and branding strategy—including the creation of marketing plans and timelines—to harness a consistent and compelling values proposition for current and potential members and supporters.
2. Ensure the Association’s values of Inclusion, Equity, and Organizational Diversity are centered in all communications and marketing. This includes ensuring accessible and inclusive communications.

Web, Email, Social Media, & Graphic Design (20% of the role)

1. Manage and ensure timely and relevant updates of the Association’s website.
2. Develop all email communications and manage the email calendar.
3. Develop content for and manage all social media accounts (Facebook & Twitter).

Events and Programs (20% of the role)

1. Co-develop, with the Director of Conference and Events, and execute all marketing for the annual conference, pre-conferences, and related events (e.g., wellness events, presidential sessions, keynotes).
2. Co-develop, with the Executive Director, and execute all sponsor recognition and marketing.
3. Design the conference program book.
4. Serve as the primary lead for media, key contacts, VIPs, and other communication and marketing contacts (e.g., photographer) prior to and during the annual conference.
5. As necessary, serve as the day-of staff lead for events and programs of the Association.

Entity and Committee Support (15% of the role)

1. Offer advice, consultation, and assistance to committees and entity groups regarding their marketing and communications strategy.
2. Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Publications Committee, Awards committees, and Position Taking Committee.

Media Relations (10% of the role)

1. Develop and maintain relationships with higher education media outlets specifically and media outlets more to best promote the Association.
2. Oversee preparation of staff and volunteers for interviews with the press.
3. Develop and manage a database of ASHE members who opt in, to include their expertise. Connect with media outlets to promote this database and track usage.
4. Develop annual media training opportunities for members.

Team Support and Special Projects (10% of the role)

1. Complete special projects as assigned.

Professional and Diversity Development (5% of the role)

1. Participate in ongoing professional development through ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership, such as ASAE Marketing, Membership, and Communication Conference.
2. Continually develop cultural awareness and participate in activities that expand their understanding of, appreciation for, and commitment to inclusion, equity, and organizational diversity.

Work Environment
This is a fully remote position within the United States. The Communications Coordinator will be responsible for their own dedicated and safe workspace as required by association policies, applicable laws, and insurance. The Communications Coordinator will be provided with a laptop, monitor, printer, desk phone, and other equipment and software necessary.

Travel is required four-six times per year and all travel expenses will be covered by the Association:

• Travel to the annual conference each November is required.
• Travel for summer planning meetings is negotiable but preferred.
• Travel to two to three in-person staff retreats/meetings each year are required.
• Travel to professional development events.

Salary and Benefits

• Beginning salary is budgeted at $48,000 and is non-negotiable due to budget restrictions. Staff are provided with annual cost of living pay increases as well as  havethe potential for annual merit pay increases.
• Reimbursement of $100 in monthly work-from-home expenses.
• A flexible work schedule (e.g., 4, 10 hour days)
• Support for professional development opportunities related to the role. This will include annual attendance at the ASAE Marketing, Membership, and Communication Conference.
• Health care reimbursement (QSHERA) up to $487.50 per month.
• 401k match of 1.5 up to 6%
• 100% coverage of a Long-term Disability Insurance plan
• 100% coverage of a $25,000 Life Insurance plan
• Optional Short-term Disability Insurance plan
• Optional Flexible Healthcare Spending Account

Term

The position is budgeted for a two-year term, with possibility for renewal based upon budget availability.

Qualifications
Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, marketing, advertising, journalism, or another related communication field from a regionally accredited college or university

Required Experience

• Professional and/or paraprofessional (e.g., internship) experience in communication, marketing, advertising, public relations, or related communication field
• Experience with communication, public relations, and/or marketing strategy
• Experience with social media management

Preferred, but not required, experience:

• Experience with graphic design

Application Materials and Timeline

An application packet should be submitted through JazzHR. Applications submitted outside of this platform will not be considered. Application materials should include:

• A cover letter addressed to ASHE Executive Director Dr. Jason P. Guilbeau and connecting your experiences to the responsibilities of the position and to ASHE as an organization. Please note that we do read cover letters for all applicants and the absence of one typically excludes further consideration of your application.
• A resume detailing office management, financial management, and customer service experience

The priority application deadline is January 3, 2023.

The anticipated start date is March 1, 2023.

At this time, we are not hosting informational interviews.  Due to the number of anticipated applications, we, unfortunately, cannot respond to update requests.

Powered by JazzHR

7Ip9NTZAHw