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S1712 Job Description Since 1899, Azusa Pacific University, a top Christian higher education institution in the nation, has helped students discover their higher calling to impact the world for Christ. Taught by world class faculty, APU offers an education that leads to lifelong transformation and eternal impact. APU offers 59 bachelor's degrees , 34 master's degrees , 35 certificates and credentials , and 7 doctoral programs to more than 7,000 students at the university's main campus in Azusa , several regional locations across Southern California , and online . Learn more at apu.edu . APU seeks employees who desire to contribute to our thriving culture by cultivating community through professional interactions, demonstrating a posture of lifelong learning, and modeling Christ-like character. Working together, employees at APU commit to establishing a university atmosphere that is edifying to God and one another. The Manager for Creative Digital Content and Communications in the Institute for Faith, Leadership and Service (IFLS) is responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies that enhance the visibility, clarity, and public presence of the Institute and its programs. This role manages internal and external communications, creates compelling written, visual, and multimedia content, updates and maintains website content, and develops design solutions for print, web, social media, multimedia, signage, and promotional materials. The Manager plays a key role in telling the IFLS story by translating programs, events, grants, partnerships, and resources into clear, engaging, and visually compelling content for a variety of audiences. A successful manager will collaborate closely with IFLS colleagues, university partners, and the APU Marketing and Communications team to ensure cohesive messaging, consistent branding, and high-quality communications that align with the mission, goals, and visual identity of IFLS and the university. Required Education Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations or related field. Master's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, digital media, or a related field preferred. Required Experience Three to five years of experience in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, visual communications or public relations role. Strong visual design portfolio or examples of prior digital content. Primary Duties/Essential Functions Partners with the IFLS team to establish both corporate and collateral image standards that advance the mission and purpose of the institute and the university. Develops and executes communication strategies that increase the visibility, clarity, and public presence of IFLS programs, events, grants, partnerships, and resources. Manages website content and updates. Creates engaging content for various platforms, including websites, social media, and press releases. Creates social media graphics, reels, short-form videos, and promotional content. Translates complex programs and grant initiatives into clear public-facing stories. Oversees the production of marketing and promotional materials. Monitors basic website, email, social media, and media engagement data to evaluate communication effectiveness and recommend improvements. Ensures consistent use of university and IFLS logos, seals, typography, colors, images, accessibility standards, messaging, and brand guidelines. Utilizes branding templates and brand guidelines to ensure all IFLS communications, digital and website content, print materials, and promotional assets are visually consistent and in accordance with university standards. Collaborates with IFLS staff, APU Marketing and Communications, web technology, multimedia, public relations, editors, and other campus partners to gather information and produce aligned communications. Identifies creative solutions to design and communication challenges that meet or exceed partner expectations and deliver compelling content to IFLS audiences. Conducts audience and market research related to IFLS constituencies to support communications, audience growth, program visibility, and strategic positioning. Works collaboratively with the APU Marketing and Communications team to develop visual concepts, mood boards, mockups, storytelling approaches, and communication strategies that enhance the Institute's and university's image. Collaborates with web technology, multimedia, public relations and engagement, editors, and other campus partners to ensure alignment between visual communication and written and spoken narrative. Works directly with the Program Manager, Director of Strategic Operations, Assistant Directors, and other IFLS staff to ensure a timely and efficient production schedule for print, web, social media, and multimedia platforms. Works with the APU Marketing and Communications team to support the look, feel, messaging, and strategy of social media campaigns and other public-facing communications. Educates IFLS partners and collaborators on proper logo usage, typography, imagery, color, accessibility, and brand standards. Works with external freelancers, photographers, videographers, designers, illustrators, and multimedia partners as needed to tell the IFLS story. Performs other duties as required by the supervisor. Skills Must exhibit excellent technical skills, outstanding creativity, a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and the ability to work well with a team, recognizing the value of diverse partnerships in realizing creative solutions. Strong visual design portfolio or examples of prior digital content. Proven experience in a communications or public relations role. Strong understanding of social media platforms and digital marketing. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organizational, time and project management skills. Proficiency in using communication tools and software. Creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills. Experience in content creation and media relations. Proficiency with communication and graphic design software. Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams. Strong understanding of branding and messaging. Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, adapt to changing priorities and work in a fast-paced environment. Ability to write clear, compelling copy for web, social media, newsletters, and event promotion. Experience photographing or documenting events preferred. Familiarity with Christian higher education, churches, nonprofits, or faith-based organizations preferred. Must be approachable and responsive to both internal and external clients. Research competence and interest in tracking the evolution of the design profession. Mental Demands Ability to work under pressure, exuding a mature demeanor while multitasking in a deadline-oriented environment with accuracy and consistency. Ability to work independently and meet deadlines. Ability to work collaboratively with a team, as well as an independent contributor. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, adapt to changing priorities and work in a fast-paced environment. Ability to exercise good judgment and discretionary skills in determining when to act independently and when to consult management prior to taking action. Self-starter with a positive attitude. In agreement with the purpose and goals of Azusa Pacific University and IFLS. Physical Demands Requires repetitive motions, sitting at a computer keyboard and hearing and speaking on the telephone. Ability to lift, bend, grasp, reach, and lift up to 20 lbs. occasionally. Visual Demands Reading, writing notes, and consistent time spent viewing a computer monitor. Environment Pleasant office, comfortable temperatures. Technologies Advanced knowledge in Canva, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom or similar software. Working knowledge of Google Apps Suite. Web Design experience preferred Advanced knowledge of marketing software tools.

Compensation Grade x:

$x - $x is the hourly compensation for this role and reflects what Azusa Pacific University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on the qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition to compensation, APU offers a competitive benefits package. Azusa Pacific University is a Christ-centered, multicultural community that values and seeks faculty and staff who are committed to diversity, work effectively with diverse populations, and engage others in ways that honor our rich cultural mosaic and biblical foundation. Please click the links to learn more about ' what we believe ,' our ' mission statement ,' and our ' statement of faith .' You can learn more about APU by watching the stories of faculty, staff, and alumni as they carry out our mission here: http://www.apu.edu/stories/ . Azusa Pacific University will conduct a background check on all final candidates. Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled unless otherwise stated. Azusa Pacific University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.