Who We Are

The Office of Strategic Communications and Relations (OSCR) provides leadership, coordination, and strategic counsel for the development of coherent and timely communications that forward our mission and values and promote the multifarious aspects of CIIS.

We are a resource for the entire community — the schools, departments, programs, research institutes, public programs, the arts, and community wellness clinics — who have something to communicate to their members, stakeholders, and audiences. We are award-winning experts in the power of words and images across all platforms. We look forward to partnering with you on projects from conception to completion.

What We Do

CIIS has powerful stories to tell. Our office works to enhance the University’s visibility and to strengthen public understanding of and appreciation for CIIS and integral education. We also strive to strengthen the University’s relations with its alumni, donors, and partners and to promote and protect CIIS’ interests. What you do is transformative and much needed in the world. Whether you’re a journalist seeking information or an expert source, or a faculty or staff member, a student, or an alum with an idea or project, we’re here to help.

Services We Provide

Marketing

We help to develop short- and long-term marketing initiatives that support the mission, values, and unique position of CIIS in the marketplace. We drive cross-functional collaboration across the organization, including brand integration, strategy, planning, advertising, client/program services, social media. 

Creative Services

We maintain the University’s visual identity and provide design consultation and development services, including writing, editing, digital content, publications, print materials, video production, photography, signage, promotional items, event planning, as well as media placement that help promote the CIIS story in specific, authentic, and compelling ways. 

Media & Strategic Relations

We provide communications services for media, public, community, and university relations, including crisis management. We also help with research and writing for the president, departments, and members of the Board of Trustees. 

A room with large computer screens with codes and a smartphone in front of them

Web Administration

We’re responsible for developing and maintaining CIIS’ web presence. We have expertise in web content strategy, brand integration services, design, information architecture, and site analytics. Our web team provides consultation and development services, search engine optimization, analytical reports, and training for faculty and staff editors. We also oversee the creation and management of all pages on the CIIS website. 

Working With Us

For all web, creative, or marketing requests, please submit a Zendesk ticket, and we’ll get back to you in 1-3 business days.

If you don’t have a Zendesk account, create one today using your CIIS email here.

Resources

All branding materials can be accessed via our Canto Style Guides.

These include:

  • Logos
  • Templates: PowerPoint, Canva
  • Stationery: Letterhead, Envelopes

Release forms (Photo, Video, Recording Consent Signage)

Media Relations

Journalists | How to Work with Us (coming soon)
Internal Communication & Crisis Management (coming soon)
Faculty Research & Thought Leadership (coming soon)

For all inquiries, contact Andrew Martin at amartin1@ciis.edu.

Training Hours

To better support the community with the new brand rollout, we're offering the following training sessions via Zoom:

Branding Training #1 - Sub-Brands: Tues, March 28, 1-2pm

Branding Training #1 - Programs & Departments: Thurs, March 30, 1-2pm

Branding Training #2 - Sub-Brands: Tues, April 4, 11am-12pm

Branding Training #2 - Programs & Departments: Thurs, April 6, 11am-12pm

If you're unable to attend one of these trainings, they will be recorded and posted on our Sharepoint page for later viewing. You can also book a 30-minute session with Danielle to go over any additional questions or materials.

For requests beyond the scope of these trainings, please reach out via Zendesk and we will get back to you with the next steps.

Meet the Team

Michele DeMarco

Director of Communications, Marketing, and Strategic Relations

Svetlana Smironova

Assistant Director of Integrated Marketing

Crystal Nohelani Erlendson

Assistant Director of Creative Services

Mustafah Greene

Assistant Director of Web Strategy and Development

Andrew Martin

Senior Media Relations Manager

Danielle Freiman

Creative Services Manager

Anna Franchi

Web Services Manager

Nelson Melgar

Multimedia Specialist and Production Manager

Jennifer Masciocchi

SEO & Marketing Analytics Manager

Alice Lin

Graphic Designer

Christina Fanciullo

Writer/Editor

Jacqueline Legazcue

Social Media and Digital Content Manager

Rhonda Reliford

Marketing and Communications Coordinator

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