A strong internal candidate has been identified.
Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range available for this position at the time of its posting. The salary range is between $60,906 and $77,047, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.
Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.
POSITION OBJECTIVE
The Assistant Director for Digital Communications advances the visibility and reputation of Case Western Reserve University by leading web content strategy and digital content across the case.edu domain. Working closely with key partners in University Marketing and Communications including the web team and marketing and communications directors, this individual is the primary party responsible for developing and guiding clear, concise and effective digital communications and content strategies tailored to specific online audiences and aligned with university priorities.
Essential Functions
- Lead web content strategy and planning across the university. Lead the development, coordination and execution of web content strategies across the case.edu domain in formal web projects and ongoing site maintenance. Serve as a key university marketing and communications representative and strategic advisor for schools, units and other stakeholders on content strategy, information architecture, audience needs, content organization and appropriate approaches to storytelling to make digital communications more compelling, accessible and understandable. Identify opportunities to improve, consolidate, repurpose or retire content to strengthen the overall university web presence. Ensure web content aligns with university messaging, brand architecture and editorial standards. (35%)
- Develop and oversee high-quality, audience-centered web content. Research, interview, write, edit and fact-check compelling web content, including landing pages, campaign content and other digital communications. Conduct stakeholder interviews and work closely with stakeholders to identify and develop stories and content that advance university priorities and any pertinent sub-brand elements, reflect the university's voice and tone and strengthen Case Western Reserve University¿s reputation. Provide editorial direction and guidance to communications professionals and campus partners to ensure web content is clear, concise, accessible, engaging and appropriate to the intended audience. Ensure content reflects the university's voice and tone and appropriately incorporates university and sub-brand messaging. (30%)
- Drive technical web performance, discoverability and continuous improvement. Use web analytics, audience research and search data to inform strategy and continuous improvement, and will work closely with the web team on search engine optimization efforts and other efforts to improve the discoverability and performance of the university's digital presence. Partner with the university marketing and communications web team to develop and implement search- and generative-engine optimization strategies through strategic content development, including keyword research, metadata, content structure, internal linking and other practices that improve search visibility and how university content is surfaced and represented across artificial intelligence (AI)-powered and traditional search. Use web analytics, audience research, search data and other performance indicators to evaluate content effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement and optimization. Establish and monitor appropriate measures of web content performance and translate findings into actionable recommendations for content development, optimization and prioritization. Stay informed about emerging search, artificial intelligence and digital content practices and recommend approaches that strengthen Case Western Reserve University's visibility, engagement and discoverability. (20%)
- Lead web content operations, partnerships and student support. Serve as a key university marketing and communications representative and strategic partner to faculty, staff and communications professionals across the university on web content needs. Establish and improve processes for developing, reviewing, publishing and maintaining web content, helping stakeholders navigate priorities, timelines and responsibilities. Collaborate closely with the university marketing and communications web team and other communications teams to coordinate web content with broader editorial, marketing and communications efforts. Supervise and provide direction to student employees supporting web content needs, including assigning work, establishing expectations and providing feedback and development opportunities. Offer guidance to other university marketing and communications writers tasked with digital assignments. (15%)
Nonessential Functions
Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
No direct supervisory responsibility for staff employees. Directly supervise up to two student employees.
CONTACTS
Department: Daily contact with university marketing and communications.
University: Regular contact with faculty and staff across the university.
External: Occasional communication with external contacts.
Students: Occasional contact with students.
Qualifications
Experience: 5 to 7 years in communications roles involving extensive writing and editing for digital platforms.
Education: Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations or related field required.
Required Skills
- Significant experience in writing for the web and demonstrated knowledge of best practices for digital communications, including search-, answer- and generative-engine optimization.
- Experience using analytics and audience research to drive strategic communications decision-making.
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
- Ability to convey compelling, interesting content in multiple storytelling formats.
- Proven capacity to brainstorm, develop and execute creative online content or solutions.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks, organize priorities, and execute multiple projects simultaneously.
- Robust analytical and problem-solving skills to assess communications strategies and drive improvements.
- Demonstrated, measurable success in generating content that engages and influences audiences.
- Excellent writing, editing and proofreading ability, including superior knowledge of Associated Press style.
- Knowledge and experience with content management systems, including WordPress and/or Drupal.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Google Suite (Docs, Sheets), and Adobe Photoshop; InDesign knowledge a plus. Basic intermediate HTML skills.
- Proven experience with implementing information architecture best practices; knowledge of Figma is a plus.
- Knowledge of web content accessibility guidelines.
- Outstanding knowledge of and experience with Google Analytics.
- Exceptional understanding of search engine optimization techniques.
- Knowledge and experience with the Mac platform.
- Ability to meet consistent attendance.
- Ability to interact with colleagues and stakeholders face to face.
- Ability to demonstrate successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
WORKING CONDITIONS
General office environment. The employee will perform repetitive motion using a computer mouse and keyboard. Hybrid work option is available after completion of orientation period.
This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.
Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.
Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.
