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Director of Marketing and Communications

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Director of Marketing and Communications.

Position Details

Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States

Division College of Arts and Sciences

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Pay Grade

E09

Posting Close Date Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

The committee will begin reviewing applicants on September 23, 2025. For a full review, candidates are encouraged to apply by that date. Application should include a cover letter, resume, and writing sample.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary

This position plays a pivotal role in leading and coordinating communication and marketing efforts for the College of Arts and Sciences. This position is responsible for guiding public relations, event management, digital marketing, branding, content marketing, and social media initiatives.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

+ Develop and implement unified marketing strategies for the college, targeting students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the community. Manage news releases and media inquiries. Oversee internal and external communications, including print materials, newsletters, videos, and website content. Lead and edit any annual college publications including layout planning, interviews, writing, editing, and design collaboration.

+ Enhance and maintain the college brand by promoting a positive image and increasing public awareness. Ensure brand consistency across all materials and communications. Manage the design, ordering, and stock of branded promotional items.

+ Oversee the college’s social media strategy, including generating fresh photo and video content, monitoring post-performance, expanding our presence across various platforms, planning a monthly content calendar, responding to comments/direct messages, crafting compelling captions, etc.

+ Assist with the planning, coordination, and creation of college-wide events to include the creation and coordination of several social or holiday-oriented events each semester.

+ Collaborate with school directors on their marketing-related initiatives, such as promotional items, print materials, events, websites, social media, etc.

+ Supervise or coordinate with Dean’s Office staff involved in marketing, communications, event planning, and outreach, including Assistant to the Dean for Arts PR and Marketing, the Arts Auditoria Manager, and the Assistant to the Dean for Recruitment, Retention and Transitional Programs.

+ Select, train, and supervise graduate assistants and interns.

+ Maintain and update signage and messaging in all college facilities including, but not limited to the Liberal Arts Building, Chain Technology Building, Walker Science Building, etc.

+ Serve as the college’s liaison for various university departments and entities, including USM Mailout, USM Calendar, Formstack, Alumni Association, Web Communications, and University Communications.

+ Contribute to the overall success of the College of Arts and Sciences by performing other essential duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in marketing, communications, public relations, or a closely related field and four years of experience managing marketing, communications, event management, and/or public relations with at least 1-year supervisory experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

+ Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

+ Strong planning and organizational skills, attention to detail

+ Ability to work independently as well as lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams

+ Creative and proactive problem-solving skills to address challenges and identify innovative solutions

+ Proficiency in graphic design and creative software, such as the Adobe suite

+ Proven ability and effectiveness in supervisory roles

+ Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and execute a variety of events

+ Strong editorial and project management skills

+ Ability to work effectively under deadlines and manage multiple assignments simultaneously

+ Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic marketing initiatives that align with the college's goals

+ Ability to cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including college units, university departments, and external partners.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree from an accredited institution in marketing, communications, public relations, or a closely related field. Experience in higher education, with an understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in academia.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.