Director Of Communications And Operations

The Director of Communications and Operations is responsible for the development and delivery of student support communications in collaboration with student service functions and to extend the communications and engagement of students around the co-curricular functions. Particular emphasis to be placed on collaborative efforts and delivery of strategic communications and collaborative solutions to meet the needs of the students and Southern Miss with improved efficiency, effectiveness, and engagement. Additionally, the director will develop and provide solutions to units to improve academic, social, emotional, and overall success of students. The director will also create and maintain budget and financial investment strategies for the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment to maximize return and improve student success.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• On behalf of the Vice President coordinates with other divisional leadership and departmental directors on strategic enrollment opportunities impacting the Division, the institution, its staff and its students. Develop and lead projects to advance priorities and initiatives on behalf of students, the University and the division.
• Collaborate, create and develop engagement strategies with all departments to integrate the department’s work with the overall strategy to increase enrollment and student engagement.
• Implements tools and conducts analysis, big data and policy development for issues and processes to improve student success and engagement
• Analyzes and summarizes key items that come before the Division, assessing items for short and long term implications at the institutional, divisional and unit level and makes recommendations.
• Provides administrative leadership on initiatives, including the design and management of projects and programs, integral to student success. Coordinates Divisional events and activities, working with other staff in the division, including but not limited to workshops, professional development programs, and training.
• Serve as a liaison to academic, service, and student engagement functions to identify strategic investments of financial and human capital.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Participate in recruitment, retention, promotion, talent identification, development, and performance management and conduct continuous review of processes and procedures in order to be certain divisional activities align with institutional objectives and makes recommendations to improve efficiency and consistency.

• Technical Familiarity: Confidently navigates technical platforms required of the position: student information system, video production, document creation, and other technical tools as needed.
• Communication: Demonstrates the ability to deliver accurate, concise and quality communication (verbal and written) in a timely manner. Encourages an open exchange of ideas and differing perspectives. Adapts communication style to meet the needs of diverse audiences and situations. Listens to understand others. Provides quality instruction and feedback.
• Experience in enrollment funnel management, SOARFIN, SOAR, Peoplesoft queries, or a comparable system and use of a CRM.
• Business Execution: Leverages professional expertise and University knowledge to assess areas of opportunity, identify solutions and effectively execute the plan. Demonstrates a high level of planning and organizational skills and the ability to move projects forward to completion. Self-motivated and accountable for results. Seeks advice and input from others and recognizes when to escalate issues or seek help.
• Relationship Management: Works to build and manage productive relationships with peers, leaders and customer groups. Effectively engages and interacts with others to collaborate and provide value-added support that enhances department results and team effectiveness.
• Change Management: Demonstrates an openness and flexibility towards new ideas and concepts and effectively influences or facilitates during times of change. Helps others become more effective through development and coaching. Utilizes candid feedback, knowledge, resources and opportunities to improve the performance of others and to increase their contributions.

About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 131 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education's "R1: Doctoral Universities - Very high research activity" designation, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and large event venue safety and security, among others. USM is also one of only 37 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of more than 14,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 37 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 27 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.