Project Manager

Boston, MA, United States

Description

Suffolk's Division of Communications, including its Offices of Marketing & Communications and Public Affairs, consists of professional strategists, storytellers, writers, designers, and multimedia producers offering a depth of expertise in a variety of media. We tell the story of the University across a range of audiences and media producing everything from news and feature pieces to long and short form videos, collateral and advertising, and web and social media content.

Suffolk University and its Division of Communications seek a dynamic and experienced project manager who will be responsible for strategic planning and management of full-cycle marketing and communications projects produced by the Office of Marketing & Communications.

Summary of Position:

As a critical member of the Office of Marketing & Communications (OMC), the Project Manager provides expert project management and ensures the timely delivery of a wide range of print, digital, and multimedia marketing and communications needs across various audiences. The person in this position manages the flow of projects to and from OMC's creative teams, university partners, and external vendors.

Reporting to the Associate Director, Marketing, the Project Manager collaborates closely with creative (design, editorial, photo, and video), interactive (web and social) and strategic colleagues in the Division of Communications, as well as faculty and administrators from all three schools and across the University to manage the development and production of effective multichannel communications. Projects and initiatives will range from environmental branding to school and central unit marketing to major events that include print materials, videos, email and social promotions, signage, etc.

They work with project stakeholders to define project goals and objectives, identify metrics for success, and develop milestones, timelines, and project plans that ensure objectives and expectations are met. They bring strategic and tactical focus, cohesion, and coordination to our shared work, enabling the OMC team to execute best-in-class marketing and communications strategies in the smartest, most efficient way.

The Project Manager marshals appropriate project resources-including internal and contract writers; editors; designers; and digital, photo, and video producers-forming cross-functional project teams as required. They liaise with project stakeholders on an on-going basis and report on project progression within the appropriate project and content management tools.

The successful candidate is a professional who will take a high level of ownership and accountability throughout each project.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leads project management for cross-functional teams, bringing collaboration and cohesion to initiatives supporting key, revenue-generating institutional priorities

Manages OMC's relationships with partners and units across the University throughout each project's production cycle, facilitating and supporting from conceptualization through planning and execution

Collaborates with project stakeholders to identify and gain agreement on project objectives, scope, timing, and execution; ensures resources are optimally sourced and deployed; and convenes project teams as needed to secure understanding and alignment

Develops and manages project timelines, tracking progress against milestones and budgetary guidelines; updating campus partners and Division leadership, as needed, working to resolve issues that may become roadblocks and/or jeopardize project objectives

Selects, negotiates with, and coordinates the work of vendors, contractors, or freelancers as needed

Works with project stakeholders to monitor each project and ensure all deliverables are of the highest quality

Owns OMC's operational procedures and project management processes, managing department best practices for assessing, launching, executing, producing, and closing projects

Continuously improves project work flows and templates in OMC's project management system, providing and/or facilitating training and support for team members to ensure consistency of use and adherence to best practices

Manages certain OMC business functions, including coordinating and maintaining appropriate project documentation (e.g., creative briefs, status reports, bid specifications, etc.); processing purchase orders and invoices; and administering the Division of Communications' project management system and other applications

Performs other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in a related field required; additional project management certification or master's degree preferred

Minimum of 5-7 years experience; working with higher education portfolios and educational environments is a plus

Experience in directing, influencing, and motivating cross-functional teams with proven ability to work collaboratively as a team member to effectively execute projects

Outstanding interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills

Exceptional attention to detail and superior organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple, concurrent projects with changing priorities

Ability to work successfully under pressure while maintaining high standards of accuracy and quality

Intellectual curiosity, strong creative and innovative thinking, and sound problem-solving and decision-making abilities

Familiarity with project management systems (Trello, Basecamp, Asana, etc.), content management systems, marketing automation systems (Salesforce, Slate, etc.), and database applications; working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud a plus

Knowledge of digital and print media channels for marketing communications purposes is highly desired

Ability to work extra hours during peak periods, including occasional evenings and weekends

Suffolk University does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, genetic information, or status as a veteran in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs, activities, or employment.As an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, the University is dedicated to the goal of building a diverse and inclusive faculty and staff that reflect the broad range of human experience who contribute to the robust exchange of ideas on campus, and who are committed to teaching and working in a diverse environment. We strongly encourage applications from groups historically marginalized or underrepresented because of race/color, gender, religious creed, disability, national origin, veteran status or LGBTQ status. Suffolk University is especially interested in candidates who, through their training, service and experience, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the University community.