Opportunities

The Digital Communications Manager serves as the primary staff member responsible for planning, producing, publishing and measuring the performance of content on social media platforms, its website, and through email communications. The position tracks metrics, identifies trends, recommends responses and devises digital communications strategies to address assigned topics. The Digital Communications Manager collaborates with constituents of the Shepherd School to ensure that the school’s stories and priorities are reflected across its digital channels.

Essential Functions

Develops integrated digital communication plans to engage constituents and grow patronage at the Shepherd School, under the direction of the Director of Marketing & Communications.
Builds, tests and deploys Shepherd School patron-facing emails related to marketing, communications and ticketing.
Updates the Shepherd School’s website content, including faculty bios, department pages, news items and more.
Serves as the primary staff member responsible for establishing, developing, monitoring and maintaining the Shepherd School of Music’s social media presence.
Writes copy, designs and coordinates the production of social media communication content.
Curates dynamic content, including photography and video, for the Shepherd School’s website and social media channels.
Collaborates with students, faculty and staff to tell the stories of the Shepherd School, creating processes to gather and share information in a timely manner.
Designs and develops graphics for digital communications.
Manages social listening efforts and shares with the Director of Marketing and Communications.
Provides customer service to constituents across digital channels.
Compiles data, analyzes and reports on social media and email efforts.
Acts as internal advocate for social media community efforts, builds support for social initiatives among internal stakeholders and drives best practices.
Monitors trends and develops relevant content.
Measures effectiveness of email communications in driving performance attendance.
Participates in school and university-wide initiatives with cross-functional teams to establish Shepherd School as a consistently top-ranked school of music.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional Functions
Promotes Shepherd School events by creating and updating listings on Houston online calendars.
Coordinates and executes cross-promotional marketing and communications efforts with other Rice schools/departments and community partners.
Coordinates with Rice Public Affairs teams on creative projects, including photography and graphic design (posters/signage, direct mail, imagery), to support Shepherd School marketing and communications efforts.
Assists with the execution of paid marketing plans.

Preferences
3 years of professional experience on a marketing or communications team working with social media content, email communications, design and web.
Bachelor's degree or higher in English, journalism, marketing or related communication fields.
Experience in nonprofit, performing arts or consumer-facing digital marketing.
Experience with digital media creation, analytics and data tracking is a plus.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree
2 years of professional experience on a marketing or communications team working with social media content, email communications, design, and web
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Organized, creative and able to take direction and work to meet expected deadlines and schedules
Proven knowledge of social media/digital platforms, including current and future trends
Proven experience updating website information using a content management system (CMS)
Proven experience in designing and deploying public-facing email communications
Demonstrated team player