Communications and Partnership Manager

$54,390 - $66,190/Yr

Lehigh University - Bethlehem, PA

Full-time - Mid Level

Hybrid - Bethlehem, PA

Educational Services

About the position

The Communications and Partnership Manager at Lehigh University is a pivotal role responsible for managing and supporting outreach, communication, and partnered programs for the Department of Art, Architecture, and Design. This position plays a crucial role in fostering relationships both internally within the university and externally with prospective students, alumni, media outlets, and various community, corporate, industry, and foundation partners. The primary goal is to expand and strengthen the department's network of external relationships, which includes developing and managing internship programs and placements for current and graduating students to enhance their overall outcomes. The role involves serving as the primary liaison between the department and the university's communications units, sharing information about faculty research and creative practices. The manager will initiate, grow, and maintain relationships with professional and industry publications, media platforms, and publicists to promote the achievements of department faculty. Additionally, the position requires identifying awards and recognition opportunities for faculty and department projects, assisting in submissions, and attending industry conferences to promote faculty research. Another key responsibility is to develop and maintain relationships with community, corporate, and foundation partners to host student internships. This includes managing an online repository of internship opportunities and providing support to students in their application processes. The manager will also serve as the administrative liaison for student chapters of professional organizations, facilitating events and programs, and preparing resources for graduating seniors to connect them with employment opportunities. The position requires planning and managing recruiting events for prospective students, representing the department at various fairs, and coordinating alumni outreach efforts. This includes managing the department's public and digital profile, preparing written materials, overseeing social media accounts, and recruiting student staff for content creation. The role demands a high level of initiative, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of individuals and organizations.

Responsibilities

• Manage and support outreach, communication, and partnered programs for the Department of Art, Architecture, and Design.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the department and the university's communications units.
• Develop and manage internship programs and placements for current and graduating students.
• Identify professional, industry, and disciplinary awards for faculty and department projects and assist in submissions.
• Attend industry conferences to promote faculty research and provide support during these events.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community, corporate, and foundation partners for student internships.
• Prepare and manage an online repository of internship opportunities for students.
• Manage the department's Summer Experiential Learning Fellowship and its application process.
• Serve as the administrative liaison for student chapters of professional organizations.
• Plan, coordinate, and manage recruiting events for prospective students.
• Represent the department at college and university recruiting events and major fairs.
• Assist in identifying alumni for outreach and strengthen relationships with department alumni.
• Plan and manage alumni visits and events, both on and off campus.
• Prepare and write text materials about the department for internal and external distribution.
• Manage the department's social media accounts and oversee student staff for content creation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One to three years of related work experience in communications, marketing, external partnerships, or program management.
• Minimum of two years of professional experience in the art, architecture, design, or creative industries.
• Superlative interpersonal and communication skills to engage with diverse individuals and groups.
• Excellent written communication skills, with strong aptitude in writing, editing, and proofreading.
• Ability to convey information visually in a clear and refined manner.
• Strong project management skills throughout all stages of project development and implementation.
• High level of initiative, motivation, and drive to improve processes and workflows.
• Meticulous attention to detail.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in managing social media accounts and digital content creation.
• Familiarity with the art, architecture, and design industries.
• Knowledge of internship program development and management.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Educational benefits