General Information


Job Description COMM SUPV 2 Working Title Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives
Job Code 006545 Grade 24
Department Name SOM - Dean's Office - D02000 Department Head
Supervisor Effective Date 04/01/2019
Position(s) Directly Supervised
Job Code Title FTE
007455 DIGITAL COMM SPEC 3 1
006299 ALUMNI EXTERNAL REL SPEC 3 1

Generic Scope
Provides direct supervision typically to professionals or skilled technical employees. Functions as advisor to unit and administration. Analyzes and resolves problems, interprets policies (e.g., fiscal management, HR, contracts and grants, resource management in defined areas) and demonstrates solid subject matter knowledge. Exercises judgment within defined procedures and policies to determine appropriate action. Supervises staff to assure accountability and stewardship of department resources (operational, financial, and human) in compliance with departmental goals and objectives.

Custom Scope
Supervises communications professionals functioning in a variety of communications disciplines. Sets performance expectations, evaluates results, and provides guidance and direction on complex communications issues. Recommends changes to department policies and practices. Identifies risks and responds accordingly. Provides priority setting and work flow analysis.

Department Custom Scope
Reporting to the Chief of Staff and Assistant Dean, Strategic Initiatives, the Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives oversees the day to day operations of the Strategic Initiatives unit and provides strategic leadership in the areas of internal communications, events management, community/external engagement, marketing and public relations in support of the School of Medicine strategic plan and objectives. The Associate Director also collaborates with the Chief of Staff/Assistant Dean, Strategic Initiatives to support the Dean of the School of Medicine's internal communication including development of briefings, presentations and background materials. The Associate Director supervises two positions: the Manager, External relations and Protocol who oversees SOM events and the Manager, Digital Communications. The Associate Director maintains important collaborative relationships with all leadership in the SOM and works with the SOM Advancement team, and the University Communications and Government/Community Relations teams. Supports the Chief of Staff/Assistant Dean and other colleagues to represent school priorities and opportunities to government, legislative, community and foundation partners. Leads the SI team in the development and implementation of a communications, marketing and engagement plan that supports strategic plan, and oversees the SI budget and makes recommendations to the Chief of Staff/Assistant Dean for changes that would improve the overall effectiveness, functionality and organization of the unit.

Education & Experience Requirements

Education Requirements
Degree Requirement
Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training. Required
Master's degree in a related area Preferred

Experience Requirements
Experience Requirement

License Requirements

Certification Requirements
Certification Requirement

Educational Condition Requirements
Condition Requirement

Key Responsibilities

Description % Time
Serves as an advisor on all aspects of effective communications involving a variety of communications disciplines such as writers, editors, visual and electronic communications specialists, and support staff.
  • Provides high-level logistical and writing support to the Dean and SOM leadership for briefings, presentations, concept papers and proposals, as well as legislative reports and related strategic communications. Work with appropriate SOM leadership and colleagues to research and prepare executive level documents and reports, conducting analytical studies and data collection as needed. Respond to inquiries and requests from external constituencies, campus and UC leadership for accountability and reporting. Insure timely, consistent and accurate responses. As needed, support the Dean for external functions, draft internal and external communications for the Dean and respond to inquiries on the Dean's behalf in collaboration with the Chief of Staff/Assistant Dean.
25
Recommends changes and improvements to communications programs and strategies.
  • With the guidance of the Chief of Staff/Assistant Dean, leads the team in developing and implementing a school wide communications, marketing, public relations and engagement plan in support of the SOM strategic plan and objectives. Engage appropriate SOM leadership, faculty, staff, students and community stakeholders for input to develop an effective internal and external engagement and communication plan designed to advance the School's strategies and interests and works collaboratively on effective implementation. Includes oversight of the SOMs existing internal communication and engagement tools such as the Town Hall and Dean's message, and external engagement activities such as the Community Advisory Board.
20
Selects, trains, guides, mentors, evaluates, and as required, takes correction action with staff.
  • Oversees the day to day operations of the strategic initiatives unit, including managing the budget and approving expenditures, providing regular reports to the Chief of Staff/Assistant Dean. Provides support, mentorship and direction to direct reports and insures that team activities are effectively prioritized, coordinated and managed to meet deadlines as well as to achieve longer term goals. Takes initiatives to resolve issues and keeps the Chief of Staff/Assistant Dean informed and appropriately raises concerns that may require collaborative problem solving.
20
Insures the success of events that the unit is responsible for including White Coat, Open House and Commencement and those that the unit supports such as Match Day and the annual Gala.
15
Collaborates with the Chief of Staff/Assistant Dean, Development team and others to identify and pursue external funding opportunities. May provides support and mentorship to a Grants/External Relations Coordinator in organizing SOM leaders and faculty colleagues to create concept papers and pursue programmatic grants.
10
Prepare applications, nominations or other submissions for special faculty awards and accomplishments, coordinate responses to surveys and other requests relevant to national rankings. Serve as representative for the SOM to the AAMC Group on Institutional Advancement. Other special projects as assigned
10

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge/Skill/Ability Requirement
Advanced knowledge and understanding of all aspects of communications, including various technical aspects and requirements, and potential applications. Required
Advanced skills to create, develop and implement comprehensive long- and short-term strategic communications plans. Required
Advanced knowledge of the organization, including its achievements, mission, vision, goals, policies, practices and infrastructure, and knowledge of current affairs, issues in higher education, health sciences, and/or specialized subject matter. Required
Advanced skills in advising and consulting management to ensure that desired institutional messages are delivered to appropriate target and/or broad general audiences. Required
Advanced written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening and political acumen skills. Required
Solid knowledge of financial and personnel administration and management techniques, guiding principles, relevant laws, policies and best practices. Required
Solid supervisory skills to select, train, lead, direct, guide, motivate and evaluate professional and/or support staff to produce high-quality work; skill to take corrective action as required. Required
Solid strategic planning, analytical, critical thinking, and project management skills, including skill in problem recognition, avoidance and resolution. Required
Advanced skills to ensure production of high-quality work within budget and time constraints. Required

Special Requirements & Conditions
Special Condition Requirement

Other Special Requirements & Conditions
  • Travel Outside of Normal Business Hours

Level of Supervision Received
Direction

Environment

Working Environment
Campus

Other Requirements

Items Used
  • Standard Office Equipment

Physical Requirements
  • Bend : Occasionally
  • Sit : Frequently
  • Squat : NA
  • Stand : Occasionally
  • Crawl : NA
  • Walk : Occasionally
  • Climb : NA

Mental Requirements
  • Read/Comprehend : Constantly
  • Write : Frequently
  • Perform Calculations : Occasionally
  • Communicate Orally : Frequently
  • Reason & Analyze : Frequently

Environmental Requirements
  • Is exposed to excessive noise : No
  • Is around moving machinery : No
  • Is exposed to marked changes in temperature and/or humidity : No
  • Drives motorized equipment : No
  • Works in confined quarters : No
  • Dust : No
  • Fumes : No

Critical Position

Is Critical Position: No

More Information

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