Morningside University seeks a talented Strategic Senior Communications Specialist to join our marketing and communications team. The candidate will report directly to the Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communication and will be responsible for supporting executive communication efforts, creating compelling feature stories, and contributing to marketing strategies that enhance the organization’s brand and messaging.

Key Responsibilities:

Executive Communication:

• Develop, write, and edit speeches, presentations, and other communication materials for the University President and other members of the executive leadership team as needed.
• Assist in crafting key messages and talking points that align with organizational goals and resonate with internal and external audiences.
• Manage executive communication channels, ensuring consistent messaging and tone that reflect the organization’s vision and objectives.

Feature Stories and Content Creation:

• Research, write, and produce engaging feature stories that highlight the organization’s initiatives, achievements, and unique narratives.
• Collaborate with various departments to identify story ideas and develop content that supports Morningside University’s strategic framework.
• Ensure all content aligns with the organization’s brand voice and maintains high editorial standards.

Marketing Strategy Support:

• Assist in the development and implementation of marketing strategies to promote key initiatives, events, and programs.
• Provide input on integrated marketing campaigns, including digital, print, social media, and other channels.
• Analyze the effectiveness of communication efforts and recommend strategies for improvement.

Brand Management:

• Ensure that all written materials and communication efforts are consistent with the organization’s brand guidelines.
• Support the development of creative concepts that strengthen the brand and increase its visibility among target audiences.

Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with the marketing, public relations, and creative teams to coordinate messaging and align communication strategies.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand their communication needs and provide tailored solutions.

Project Management:

• Lead and manage multiple communication projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met and goals are achieved.
• Maintain organized documentation and reports on communication initiatives and project status.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in communications, content creation, or marketing, with a focus on executive communication and feature storytelling.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Strong understanding of marketing principles and strategies, including digital and traditional marketing channels.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Creative thinker with a passion for storytelling and a strategic mindset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, content management systems, and social media platforms.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a corporate, nonprofit, or higher education environment.
• Knowledge of design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite is a plus.
• Familiarity with SEO, digital marketing trends, and analytics.

Review of applications for the position will begin immediately and will continue until filled. Successful completion of a criminal background check verification is required. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, religion, creed, race, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, national origin, or other characteristics protected by state and federal law. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact the Director of Human Resources at welp@morningside.edu.

Application Instructions: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and 3-5 writing samples that demonstrate experience in executive communication and feature storytelling to employment@morningside.edu.