About Mount Mercy
Located on a hilltop overlooking the vibrant city of Cedar Rapids, Mount Mercy University (MMU) offers undergraduate, accelerated, graduate, and online programs to 1,450 students with a dedication to academic excellence and compassionate service. We were established by the Sisters of Mercy in 1928 with the purpose of uniting people with opportunity through a forward-looking, values-based education.
Position Summary
Mount Mercy’s University’s Communications Manager collaborates with the Office of Development & Alumni Relations in creating an annual communications plan to expand alumni outreach. This role oversees the plan; manages projects from concept to completion; and writes, edits, and coordinates the production of print and digital collateral.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Communications Planning
- Develop annual alumni communications plan in collaboration with the D&AR team
- Oversee plan, report regularly on status and progress, and make adjustments as needed
Writing & Storytelling
- Lead content development, including concepting, writing, editing, and coordinating for publications, mailers, stories, news/web releases, gift announcements, etc.
- Edit alumni newsletters, appeal letters, etc. produced by D&AR colleagues
- Review external vendor work on behalf of D&AR and MarCom teams
- Ensure voice and tone align with university’s brand guidelines and editorial style guide
- Build relationships with internal/external partners to generate compelling content
Project Management
- Manage annual communications plan and tasks in Asana project management system
- Meet regularly with D&AR team to ensure projects are on time and on budget
- Facilitate approval processes and involve appropriate colleagues/constituents
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience in journalism, marketing, creative writing, English, communications, or related field (a degree from a non-related field with relevant experience will also be considered)
- 3+ years of writing experience in an internal marketing department, agency, or similar environment (higher education preferred)
- 2+ years of project management and/or communications planning experience
- Strong cross-collaboration and relationship management skills
- Passion for storytelling and writing in a variety of voices
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with fundraising and development
- Experience managing interns and/or mentoring young professionals
- Working knowledge of media and PR best practices
- Working knowledge of graphic design best practices
To Apply
- Email cover letter, resume, and three writing samples to hr@mtmercy.edu with the subject line: Communications Manager. Paper applications will not be considered.
- Applications will be reviewed immediately and accepted until the position is filled.
The successful candidate must also demonstrate a willingness to support Mount Mercy’s mission as a Catholic university providing student-focused education in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy. Mount Mercy University welcomes those of different faiths and is committed to excellence in education and community service. Mount Mercy University is an equal opportunity employer and a smoke-free campus.