Assistant Dean of External Relations

Why Work at BYU  

As the flagship higher education institution of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brigham Young University (BYU) strives to be among the exceptional universities in the world. At BYU, we are devoted to our faith and to our students. We take an active role in the University's Mission: "To assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life.”

 

Our unique mission, deeply rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, provides countless ways to serve and make an impact. This, along with our remarkable culture of belonging, weekly devotionals, and endless opportunities for learning and growth—all situated within a beautiful and historic campus—make it hard to imagine a more inspiring place to work.

Brigham Young University strongly prefers to hire faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Job Description

Assistant Dean of External Relations

The Assistant Dean of External Relations leads the College of Fine Arts and Communications’ strategic outreach and communications efforts. This position provides counsel to College leadership on a comprehensive communications and branding strategy, and oversees college public relations efforts.

Through these activities, the Assistant Dean’s role is integral to securing greater local and global visibility and engagement for the College, maximizing the positive impact of external relationships on the College's reputation, resources and programming, thereby increasing the strength of the College's academic programs and influence in the world.

In fulfilling its duties, the position interfaces with University Communications, Performing Arts Marketing and BYU OnStage Marketing. This position reports directly to the dean, works closely with associate deans and liaisons with university leaders to execute College external relations activities.

What You’ll Do In This Position

External Relations – Direct Communications

• Conceive, develop and implement effective public relations strategies targeted at key stakeholders to ensure their ongoing engagement in the College's programs
• Implement communications strategy through management of high-quality, professional communications materials and channels
• Unify the messaging of all College communication vehicles, including web, social media, print and other electronic formats that support the College's mission statement, core values and objectives with CFAC and BYU Brand Messaging. Represent the College with the unified University Branding initiatives
• Curate and promote stories to campus and external media to gain broader exposure for College faculty, student programs and alumni
• Direct the creation and supervise the writing and production of College news releases, magazines, stories, social media and other media (including video series, brochures, newsletters, posters, programs, flyers etc.)
• Develop the strategy and manage the effective use of social media, blogs, web sites, etc.
• Collaborate closely with artistic directors, BYU OnStage Marketing and MOA Marketing personnel in the promotion of College productions, performances and exhibitions
• Advise on creation of communication reports for Philanthropies and Alumni Relations as requested
• Manage development of multi-media campaigns to promote student and faculty accomplishments
• Develop communications and branding (visual/messaging) strategy and best practices for the College across academic areas and College
• Manage College websites and Social Media Accounts, including managing technical web developers
• Organize and direct any special campaigns or events as directed by the Dean
  
  

Personnel and Student Employee Mentoring

• Mentor, train and supervise part-time staff in cross-functional project teams comprised of technical and non-technical team members
• Mentor, train and supervise student employees
• Provide both verbal and written communication feedback and messaging to employees
• Foster a positive and supportive team environment
• Understand policies regarding student employees and utilize the ELMS system requirements for student experiential learning environments
  
  

Relationship Building

• Foster an environment of teamwork and collaboration with College administrators, faculty and external partners
• Identify, foster and direct coordinated interactions with key external constituents that build lasting relationships of trust between them and the College
• Assist with college council, development, marketing/production meetings as needed
• Attend and contribute in assigned university committees and councils
  
  

Strategic Counsel

• Advise the dean’s office on crisis communication efforts. Coordinate with University Communications as directed by the dean
• Monitor social media accounts and website interactions for reputational risk
  
  

Required

What qualifies you for this role:

• A bachelor’s degree (ideally in public relations, English, journalism, communications, or a related field) and at least seven years of experience in communications or public relations.
• Experience leading creative and technical teams
• Established track record of strong written and oral communication skills
• Being adaptable, open to change, adjusting to new technologies, and responding effectively to unexpected situations
• High level of discretion, tact, maturity and professionalism with sound judgement
• Proven ability to see the big picture as well as strong attention to detail
• Effectively manage multiple projects, prioritize and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to develop a strategic communications plan that addresses all stakeholder needs
• A strong understanding of teams, personnel management and the ability to manage many concurrent projects.
• Ability to collaborate with key stakeholders to define and implement organizational branding strategy
• Ability to foster relationships and direct coordinated interactions with key individuals, institutions and entities
  
  

Preferred

• A master's degree in one of the fields listed above
• Ten years of substantive public relations experience, preferably in the service of an arts or communications-focused institution
• Experience in a university setting
• Working knowledge of and ability to direct the strategic implementation of new media applications
• Familiarity with current communications practices and trends
• Familiarity with project management software
• Ability to track performance of communications for continual improvement and efficacy
  
  

What We Offer In Return

In addition to our competitive pay structure, this position comes with fantastic benefits, including:

• 401k. BYU automatically contributes 8% at no cost to you. Additionally, if you contribute 5%, BYU adds an additional 4% (Rehires may qualify for different retirement plans)
• Excellent work-life balance: 13 paid holidays 22 days paid vacation 12 sick days, accrued annually
• Employee assistance program, available to the employee and all members of their household
• Tuition benefits for employees and eligible family members
• Access to athletic facilities
• Excellent medical/dental benefits
• Short/long-term disability benefits
• Paid parental and maternity leave
• Wellness Program
• Free on-campus parking
• Free UTA passes for employees, spouses, and qualified dependents
• Discounts at the BYU Store and for many events at BYU
  
  

Pay Grade: 54

Typical Starting Pay: $79,500.00 to $103,500.00

Required Documents

All Staff positions require a resume.

Refer to the Job Posting for any additional required documents.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend.

Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

Brigham Young University (BYU) is widely recognized not just for its world-class education, but for its deep commitment to inspired religious values. Gathered together in a Christ-centered atmosphere, BYU employees are a vital part of a community of belonging, where we value the experiences, perspectives, and talents of each individual. If you share in our devotion to faith and to excellence, we have a place for you here at BYU!