| POSITION TITLE | Director of Strategic Communications | | DEPARTMENT | Communications | | REPORTS TO | Chief Marketing Officer | | FLSA STATUS | Exempt | | LOCATION | Arlington, Virginia | | DATE | November 2019 | ABOUT ISEP ISEP is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to making study abroad accessible and affordable for all university students. Since our founding 40 years ago, we have grown into the largest global member community for study, intern, and volunteer abroad programs with more than 300 member universities in over 50 countries. Through ISEP, students participate in immersive and life-changing programs where they gain cross-cultural understanding and respect for others and develop highly desirable skills for life and future employment. POSITION SUMMARY The Director of Strategic Communications is responsible for working with departments across the organization to plan and implement communications initiatives that support the mission, vision and activities of ISEP. This position will design and execute an organization-wide, integrated communications and events plan that shapes and stimulates ISEP’s strategic positioning within the education abroad and student mobility community, our global membership of 300+ universities, the 1,500+ members of our alumni association, and our internal staff. Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, this position will increase brand awareness and drive growth in program participation through communications with our membership and industry via external events, media relations, social media, and other channels. The position will also have a leadership role on ISEP’s Health & Safety task force, influencing policies and procedures and leading crisis communications strategy and tactics. PRINCIPAL RELATIONSHIPS External: ISEP university membership staff, International higher education industry Internal: Office of the President, Marketing, Member Relations, Student Services, IT KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES - Lead ISEP’s strategy and activities as an effective thought leader in student mobility and the international education industry. Help define and implement a compelling narrative and value proposition to position ISEP as a strategic solutions provider within our community.
- Develop and execute an editorial calendar, budget, and measurable initiatives to effectively engage with ISEP’s membership community and international education industry contacts throughout the year, increase awareness, and stimulate growth in program participation.
- Manage existing digital and print resources (B2B website content, annual report, social media, newsletters) and identify and prioritize additional content channels and resources to help ISEP achieve its objectives.
- Lead planning and operations for industry and ISEP events, including NAFSA, EAIE, APAIE, AIEA, and Diversity Abroad among others.
- Build relationships and position ISEP in front of industry media.
- Occasionally represent ISEP at local and industry meetings and conferences to build brand awareness and equity with relevant parties.
- Actively participate on ISEP’s Health & Safety Task Force, leading crisis communication strategy and tactics and influencing ISEP policy and procedures.
- Provide training and guidance to staff on how best to represent the brand in presentations and other external communications.
- Report to the CMO and supervise the Communications & Events Coordinator.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Communications or related field and 5+ years of relevant experience in strategic communications and event marketing within the international education industry
- Demonstrated advanced skills in strategic planning, critical thinking, and execution of measurable communications and events initiatives
- Understanding of issues concerning international higher education both on campuses as well as in higher education policy and politics globally
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with a range of audiences
- Strong background using a variety of marketing and communications technologies
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated
- Able to effectively prioritize and meet hard deadlines
- Able to proactively plan and coordinate tasks across different departments
- Positive outlook, flexibility, and resilience to change
HOW TO APPLY Qualified applicants are encouraged to submit their resume, cover letter, and salary expectation to: careers@isep.org with the subject line “Director of Strategic Communications.” Application deadline: December 3, 2019. ISEP is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly support diversity in the workforce. |
