Summary of the News and Content Manager job at Howard Payne University

Expectation and Condition of Employment

Howard Payne University, a church-related institution affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, seeks to employ evangelical Christians who are dedicated to teaching and service as they model the principles of the Christian faith and the University’s sincere religious beliefs.

Howard Payne University (hereafter, University) is committed to the integration of learning and Christian faith in the pursuit of truth. Employees are expected to embrace the Christian Mission Statement and Core Values of the University and must support the University’s affirmation of traditional Christian and Baptist beliefs by leading lives of service through active involvement in Christian activities both on campus and through a local church.

Mission Statement

Howard Payne University is a Christ-centered academic community dedicated to excellence by developing and equipping the whole person for intellectual inquiry, personal and professional integrity, and service to God and humanity.

Core Values of Howard Payne University

We believe and affirm that the University as an institution and each individual called to serve the Lord at Howard
Payne should strive to demonstrate a commitment to these five Core Values:

• Centered on Christ   (cf. Col. 3:17, Matt. 7:24)
• Focused on Community   (cf. Eph. 4:4-6, 1 Pet. 3:8)
• Called to Service   (cf. Mark 10:45, Phil. 2:3-5)
• Committed to Excellence   (cf. Gen. 1:31, 1 Cor. 9:24)
• Dedicated to Stewardship   (cf. Gen. 2:15, 1 Pet. 4:10)

As a condition of employment, employees agree to be paid by Direct Deposit. Applicants offered contingent employment based on the University obtaining a clean background check agree the contingent offer of employment may be revoked based on the information obtained in the background check.

If offered employment, your acceptance will indicate that you have read and agree to the Expectations and Conditions above.

Application Procedure

To be considered for this position, please submit the following:

• a letter of application addressing in detail how you meet the position requirements
• a resume or CV (curriculum vitae)
• unofficial transcripts, and
• a completed HPU Employment Application

Job Summary:  Howard Payne University seeks an exceptional writer and mission-driven storyteller to serve as its News and Content Manager. This position plays a key role on the Marketing and Communications team and serves as one of the university's lead writers and storytellers, identifying, developing and sharing compelling stories that elevate the university's brand, support enrollment growth, strengthen donor engagement and foster meaningful connections with students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the university.

The successful candidate is a proven writer with excellent news and feature writing skills who proactively identifies, cultivates and tells stories, highlighting the transformative impact of a Christ-centered education. Through strategic storytelling, this individual will communicate Howard Payne University's commitment to preparing students for Christ-centered lives of purpose, leadership and service while showcasing the people, programs and experiences that make HPU distinctive.

The News and Content Manager will create compelling written and visual content for multiple platforms, including news releases, the university website, print publications, digital newsletters, advancement materials and the university's social media channels. This position works collaboratively with members of the Marketing and Communications team to extend the reach of university stories through engaging digital content, photography, short-form video and social media. Proven news and feature writing ability, a working knowledge of Associated Press Style, strong editorial judgment, meticulous attention to detail and a passion for storytelling are essential.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. The Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications may assign additional responsibilities as needed

1. Serve Howard Payne University as a lead writer and storyteller by proactively identifying, researching and developing compelling stories that communicate the life-changing impact of the university's Christ-centered mission
2. Create and write news releases, feature stories, profiles, announcements, social media content and other university publications
3. Tell stories that reinforce Howard Payne University's brand promise and support the university's strategic marketing and communications goals
4. Conduct interviews with students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, friends and community partners to develop authentic and engaging content
5. Develop content that supports enrollment marketing, fundraising initiatives, alumni engagement and institutional advancement
6. Create and manage Howard Payne University’s regular e-newsletters
7. Maintain a consistent flow of high-quality stories that demonstrate Howard Payne University's local, statewide, national and global impact
8. Collaborate with Marketing and Communications team members to create engaging social media campaigns and digital content that increase audience engagement, strengthen brand awareness and extend the reach of university stories
9. Help develop, manage and maintain an editorial calendar that supports institutional priorities, strategic initiatives and major university events
10. Coordinate content planning with academic, student experience, athletics, advancement, enrollment and other university departments
11. Edit and proofread all assigned content for grammar, style, consistency, accuracy and clarity
12. Maintain a thorough knowledge of Associated Press Style and apply it consistently across university communications
13. Verify facts, ensure editorial excellence and uphold the highest standards of accuracy in all published content
14. Maintain relationships with local, regional and statewide media while developing and updating strategic media lists for news release distribution and story pitching
15. Post news stories to the Howard Payne University website
16. Capture photography and short-form video content to support news stories, marketing initiatives and social media; training will be provided as needed
17. Assist with website updates and web content as needed
18. Monitor and evaluate the performance of news and social content and use insights to improve future storytelling efforts
19. Communicate effectively with university departments and offices regarding content development and project needs
20. When scheduling permits, attend university events to identify and capture storytelling opportunities
21. Maintain positive and collaborative working relationships with internal and external university constituencies
22. Research and stay current on communications, social media and higher education marketing trends, identifying opportunities to strengthen Howard Payne University's storytelling efforts
23. Work efficiently, professionally and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while managing multiple projects simultaneously
24. Perform other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position will supervise up to two student employees.

Required Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

1. Modeling Christian Faith - Must be committed to modeling the Christian faith. Displays a proven record of modeling the Christian faith in business operations, management roles, customer service functions, and interactions with others. Is committed to continuing to model Christian faith in a manner consistent with the University’s Mission Statement and Core Values
2. Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information, collects and researches data, uses intuition and experience to complement data, designs work flows and procedures
3. Design – Generates creative solutions; translates concepts and information into images; uses feedback to modify designs; applies design principles; and demonstrates attention to detail
4. Project Management - Develops effective project plans, coordinates projects, communicates changes and progress, completes projects on time and budget, and manages project team activities effectively
5. Technical Skills – Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to build knowledge and skills continuously; shares expertise with others
6. Customer Service – Manages difficult or emotional situations effectively, solicits feedback to improve service, responds to requests for service and assistance promptly and effectively, meets the commitments they make to others
7. Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, listens and gets clarification, responds well to questions, demonstrates effective group presentation skills, participates actively in meetings
8. Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively, edits their work for correct spelling and grammar, varies their writing style as needed, presents numerical data effectively, is able to read and interpret written information effectively
9. Teamwork - Balances the needs of the team and individual responsibilities effectively, exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views, gives and welcomes feedback, contributes to building a positive team spirit, puts the success of the team above their own interests, is able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives, supports everyone's efforts to succeed
10. Visionary Leadership - Displays passion and optimism; inspires respect and trust and motivates others to perform well; mobilizes others to fulfill the University’s Mission Statement while embracing the University’s Core Values; provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates; exhibits self-confidence and confidence in others; influences actions and opinions of others effectively; accepts feedback from others; gives appropriate recognition to others
11. Change Management – Develops workable implementation plans; communicates changes effectively; builds commitment and overcomes resistance effectively; prepares and supports those affected by change; monitors transition and evaluates results
12. Quality Management – Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness
13. Ethics - Treats everyone with respect, keeps commitments, inspires others to trust them, works with integrity and ethically, upholds the University's Mission Statement and Core Values
14. Business Acumen – Understands the business implications of his or her decisions; displays an orientation to working within approved budgets and University profitability; demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the higher education industry and the University’s competition; aligns his or her work with the University’s Strategic Plan
15. Ethics – Treats everyone with respect; keeps commitments; inspires others to trust him or her; works with integrity and ethically; upholds the University's Mission Statement and Core Values
16. University Support - Follows policies and procedures consistently, completes administrative tasks correctly and on time, supports the University’s Mission Statement and Core Values, Benefits the University through external community and professional activities, supports affirmative action and respects diversity
17. Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve the Institutional Priorities in the University’s Strategic Plan, understands the University’s strengths and weaknesses, analyzes the higher education market and competition effectively, identifies external threats and opportunities and adapts their strategy to changing conditions
18. Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals, demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles, measures themselves against a high standard of excellence, takes calculated risks to accomplish goals
19. Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities effectively, uses time efficiently, plans for additional resources, if necessary, sets goals and objectives, organizes and schedules other people and their tasks, develops realistic action plans
20. Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner, reacts well under pressure, treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position, accepts personal responsibility for their own actions, and follows through with commitments
21. Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness, looks for ways to improve and promote quality, applies effective feedback to improve performance, and monitors their own work to ensure quality
22. Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time, ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent, arrives at meetings and appointments on time
23. Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity, meets challenges with resourcefulness, generates suggestions for improving work, develops innovative approaches and ideas, and presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention

Qualifications 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Essential Duties and Responsibilities listed above satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Education and/or Experience – Bachelor's degree from an accredited University or at least one or two years of directly related experience (journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, English or a related field), or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required
2. Language Skills - Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations in English; ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals effectively; ability to present information and respond to questions effectively from groups of students, other employees, trustees and the public
3. Math Skills - Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs
4. Reasoning Ability - Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form in English
5. Computer Skills - To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Internet software; spreadsheet software and word processing software; Adobe Creative Cloud, websites, have a working knowledge of Associated Press Style and ability to develop compelling content for multiple communication platforms.
6. License - Must be at least 21 years old and maintain a current Texas driver's license to drive any vehicle, including personally owned vehicles, on behalf of the University
7. Other abilities: Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines, Strong interpersonal and interview skills with the ability to build relationships across campus, Self-motivated, creative and proactive with the ability to identify stories independently
8. Physical Demands – The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the Essential Duties and Responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the Essential Duties and Responsibilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and to reach with hands and arms. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus
9. Work Environment - The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the Essential Duties and Responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the Essential Duties and Responsibilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and caustic cleaning or landscaping chemicals used on campus.  The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet and moderate.  The employee is required to travel some for off-campus interviews