Assistant Director of Communications

Description

Rare Book School (RBS), an educational nonprofit affiliated with the University of Virginia, is accepting applications for the role of Assistant Director of Communications. The person in this role will be responsible for helping the Director of Communications & Outreach execute day-to-day communications activities, including developing and implementing effective communications strategies to elevate RBS’s reputation and visibility.

RBS provides cutting-edge, specialized instruction vital for understanding and preserving artifacts central to our cultural heritage. Our organization offers a fast-paced, creative, and collaborative work environment located in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Job Duties

Assist in developing, implementing, and maintaining the RBS communications plan, editorial calendar, and style/branding guide
Generate and distribute high-quality content about RBS’s wide range of programs, events, and resources, across traditional and digital platforms, for a variety of audiences (e.g., annual reports, advertisements, brochures, website, social media, email newsletters, holiday mailings, student materials, donor outreach)
Coordinate with relevant staff members to advertise RBS courses, scholarships, fellowships, and events, ensuring that the RBS community has the most up-to-date and accurate information
Create, post, and promote engaging video content on multiple platforms, such as YouTube and Instagram
Handle video production tasks, such as livestreaming events
Serve as a point person for freelance photographers and videographers (and others as needed), both prior to and during RBS events
Maintain RBS website and social media, including updating as needed, ensuring consistent branding, and enhancing digital accessibility
Identify and steward relationships with relevant media, organizational partners, &c.; compile and maintain contact lists
Track RBS news alerts and media placements
Analyze the impact of communications efforts by using measurements across multiple channels to inform future strategics
Stay up to date about the latest communications, marketing, and video trends and best practices, including peer analysis
Carry out other communications-related duties as needed

Skills Required

Bachelor’s degree
Minimum of one or two years of experience in communications, digital marketing, and/or video production
Proven experience with video production and online event coordination, including livestreaming, online event registration, working with freelancers, and editing short- and long-form videos
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into accessible and engaging content
Copyediting experience, and exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
Proficiency in digital marketing tools (such as WordPress, MailChimp, Constant Contact, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube)
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and graphic design tools (such as Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Acrobat, Canva)
Ability to discern appropriate tone, language, and subject matter to support RBS strategic goals
Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to problem-solve and work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks and deadlines
Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills; a commitment to excellent job performance and to positive team interactions for the best project results possible
Ability to work independently, be proactive, take initiative, adapt to changing circumstances, and see a project through to the end
Willingness to learn new strategies and software, and take on new challenges
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, and accessibility
Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license in favorable standing, or the ability to acquire these soon after being hired, are strongly preferred.

Work Schedule

This is a 40-hour/week, non-exempt (overtime eligible), benefited position. Some local travel and some evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required during specific times of the year. Flexible work hours, though some weekend work may be necessary in the high season.

Additional Info

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

Close familiarity with one or more of the constituencies from which our students and faculty principally come (e.g., book history and bibliography, special collections librarianship, book arts, antiquarian bookselling, archives, digital humanities, and higher education)
Three or more years of experience in communications, digital marketing, and/or video production
Familiarity with social media management tools (such as HootSuite and Buffer)
Experience with handling video production equipment; expertise in video filming and editing software
Experience with podcast and audio production
Working knowledge of style guides, especially The Chicago Manual of Style

To apply, applicants should submit the following materials to Kim Curtis, Director of Communications & Outreach, at kim.curtis@virginia.edu.

A cover letter discussing your qualifications and your interest in the position and the School
A résumé
Two professional writing samples
Two optional digital marketing samples (video, graphic design, social media, email, &c.)
Email and phone contact information for at least three references
In your cover letter, please address: 1) your competency and experience with regard to the responsibilities and desired qualifications; 2) why you are interested in working for Rare Book School; 3) your efforts to advance the values of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and 4) when you will be available to begin on site in Charlottesville, VA.

Review of applications will begin August 21; applications will remain open until the position is filled.The annual salary range is $50,000–55,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance; 403b retirement plan, including employer’s matching contribution up to 5% (after one year); long-term disability; flexible work hours; and one free Rare Book School course.

Rare Book School is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer as a nonprofit affiliated with the University of Virginia. RBS is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment that embraces a richly diverse representation of human attributes, perspectives, and disciplines. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, citizenship status, Vietnam era or special disabled veteran’s status, or sexual orientation. We champion an accessible, diverse, and inclusive learning environment and invite candidates to review Rare Book School’s Inclusive Excellence goals (see http://www.rarebookschool.org/inclusive-excellence-plan).